Shepherd the Flock (1 Peter 5:1-4)
Introduction Same themes continue to emerge as Peter encourages his suffering readers with hopeful reminders of Christ’s return and their eternal inheritance that awaits. Specifically addresses the elders > your future session. Read 1 Peter 5:1-4 What about those of you who aren’t elders (all of you)? Do you get to tune out? You’re overhearing Peter’s instruction to fellow-elders. He’s not speaking to you, but he’s speaking loud enough for you to hear. In fact, he knows you’re there. You…
Judgment Begins at the Household of God (1 Peter 4:17-19)
Introduction One common manifestation of pride is comparing ourselves to others. We are never content with who we are, what we have, where we live. There is always someone in front of us who has it better than us. Rod Stewart Some guys have all the luck. Some guys have all the pain. Some guys get all the breaks. Some guys do nothing but complain. Woo woo woo… However, a fair comparison, takes eternity into account. In that light: No…
Suffering As A Christian (1 Peter 4:12-16)
Introduction Last week we saw the characteristics of the Christian community serve to promote God’s glory and dominion. Peter exhorted his readers to pray soberly, love earnestly, show hospitality, and serve generously. Now he shows them that their obedience will lead to suffering. Read 1 Peter 4:12-16 We automatically assume a defensive/offensive posture when suffering. We fight it or flee it. The point in either response is to end our suffering ASAP. Suffering is bad. But Peter doesn’t see suffering…
A Prophet Vs. A Priest (Amos 7:10-17)
Introduction Amos has warned the deaf nation of Israel about their moral and religious hypocrisy. We’ve seen the first three of five visions Amos received: Plague of Locusts (1-3) Judgment of Fire (4-6) The Plumb Line (7-9) The Lord relented from destroying Israel after Amos intercedes in the first two visions. However, there is no such relief mentioned regarding the vision of the Plumb Line, which dealt with the ground of judgment. In tonight’s passage we see a confrontation between…
To Him Belong Glory (1 Peter 4:7-11)
Introduction This is the final section of the body of the letter (2:11-4:11). This section forms an inclusio with 2:11-12. The resurrection (3:21) has brought into being the final stage of Redemptive History. The end is just as near today. We remain in that same stage which culminates in a future judgment (vv.5-6). Continue to live with eternity in view. Read 1 Peter 4:7-11 Peter is preparing his readers for trial (4:12), not suggesting their escape from it. What makes…
The Plumb Line (Amos 7:7-9)
Introduction Amos has warned the nation of Israel about their moral and religious hypocrisy. He has called upon them to repent, but they have not heard. At chapter 7 we saw a transition from words the Lord had spoken to Amos to visions the Lord showed Amos. Last week, we considered the first two visions which dealt with the fact of judgment, of which the Lord would relent. This afternoon we will see the third of Amos’s five visions, which…
Arm Yourselves (1 Peter 4:1-6)
Introduction Now, I’ll admit I’m a fan of the 2nd Amendment, but this sermon is not about that. Peter has put forward Christ as an example of suffering for doing good. The suffering of Christ brings us to God and the victory of Christ secures us in God. The victory of Christ provides assurance, but it has further implications for how we live now. Read 1 Peter 4:1-6 How do we prepare to suffer? Peter is contrasting the temptation for…