Cary Cox, from 1 Peter 5:8-11. This world is hostile against the church because there is an enemy, the devil. Peter calls us to resist the devil by standing firm in the faith of the gospel of Christ. Our victory is certain in Christ, and glory is coming!

Cary Cox, from 1 Peter 5:5b-7. Peter calls the church to humility in our relationships with each other, and also before God – even when he leads us through suffering. We humble before God in suffering by casting our anxieties and worries on him, resting in the truth that he loves us!

Cary Cox, from 1 Peter 5:1-5a. Peter speaks to the leaders of the local churches. Elders. Pastors. Overseers of the Lord’s flock. These men must be faithful and tender, leading and feeding Christ’s sheep, even in times of persecution.

Cary Cox, from 1 Peter 4:12-19. Peter summarizes the message of his letter, teaching Christians what to expect in this hostile world. We can expect to suffer for following Christ, but we can also expect God to be with us as we suffer, giving us the joy and blessing of his presence! God is sovereign over our suffering, and he will use it for his glory and our good!

Cary Cox, from 1 Peter 4:7-11. Peter instructs believers on how to live in relation to the local church. God’s will is that Christians live out the faith in this hostile world together, in close commitment to one another. We pray, we love and forgive, we open our homes, we use spiritual gifts to build up the church, and we do all of this to the glory of God in Christ!

Cary Cox, from Proverbs 5. God’s wisdom is for all of life, including our sexual lives. What is God’s will for human sexuality? Does he really care what we do with our bodies? What is sexual sin? Is there hope if I’ve sinned? Hear the Bible’s beautiful wisdom for sex in marriage!

Cary Cox, from 1 Peter 4:1-6. Peter gives practical instructions for believers living in an unbelieving world. We embrace the mindset of Jesus – ready to obey God even if it means suffering. We reject the sin of the world – refusing to join them in it, pursuing God’s will even though they persecute us. No persecution or suffering – not even death – can separate us from our glorious reward in Christ!

Cary Cox, from 1 Peter 3:18-22. Peter reminds suffering Christians of their baptism, which is an appeal to God, an outward, public, official expression of the inward heart of faith in Christ. We share in Jesus’ death to sin and his triumph over the grave and every enemy!

Cary Cox, from 1 Peter 3:18-22. What does Peter mean when he writes that Jesus went and preached to the spirits in prison? Though there is some mystery here, Peter’s point is clear – Jesus has accomplished and proclaimed triumph over all the enemies of God through his death, resurrection, and ascension to glory!

Cary Cox, from 1 Peter 3:18-22. Peter gives suffering Christians the ultimate encouragement: Christ also suffered! He died for our sins. He rose from the dead – suffering is not final! And he ascended to the highest place of glory in triumph over every enemy!