November 29, 2020
Pastor Alan Smith

Sermon Notes

1. Shepherd the Sheep

1 Peter 5:1-5a
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders.

a. Willingly
b. Eagerly
c. As an Example

2. Wrap Up With Humility

1 Peter 5:5b-7
Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

a. No Christian is Exempt!
b. Putting Others Above One’s Self

Philippians 2:3-4
Then who is going to care for me? If I am humbling myself to care for others over myself, what about me? This humility puts us under the mighty hand of God. He will be the outstretched hand of care. He will lift us up in HIS time.

c. Casting Anxieties on Him

Psalms 54:23
Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.

3. Wake UP!

1 Peter 5:8-11
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

a. Be Sober-Minded
b. Watch
c. The Devil is ROARING

The life lived humbly is a life lifted up.

Next Steps

• I recognize my need to put my trust in Jesus as my Savior.
• I will lead Jesus’ church in a way that honors Him.
• I will clothe myself in humility and depend completely on Jesus.

Deep Dive

1. In 1 Peter 5:1-3, we are given three key leadership characteristics of Elders in the church. How do these compare or contrast to leadership characteristics of our public leaders?
2. Peter connects humility with not being anxious or having worry. How can he make this connection?
3. If the devil is a roaring lion, what is he attempting to do in our lives? How does this impact our ability to live a life of Biblical humility? Read James 4:7.
4. Based on 1 Peter, we conclude that suffering is part of Christian living. Is that something we should fear? What is Jesus’s role in our suffering? Read Luke 22:31-34, Acts 14:22, 2 Corinthians 4:8-9.

Springboard

1. People have a variety of reactions to uncomfortable and awkward situations. Some try to escape. Others clam up and shut down. Some people laugh. Which do you do? Why do you think laughter is such a common response to awkward situations?
2. Read Genesis 21:1-7. Sarah and Abraham have waited a long time for a child, and now God has answered their prayer. What does this passage reveal about God and His character?
3. What is the hardest part about waiting for God to answer a prayer? How do verses like Philippians 4:6 help during that waiting period?
4. The season of advent forces us to do something that most of us are not good at: waiting. In what ways have you seen God’s blessing through seasons of waiting in your life?