This is an exposition of 1 Peter 5:5-11. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening October 1, 2017.
Intro:
Unless you’ve been living under a rock or hiding in a cave somewhere far from civilization you are aware that we are a very divided country. Perhaps not as divided as some in the media and various special interest groups would have us believe but we are divided. Go back, not that long ago, and most Americans looked at the world from a shared perspective.
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I’m not saying we have always been united about everything but we had shared values, we held to the same basic understanding of the world and they way things were. Sure we came from different nations and different backgrounds but America was the great melting pot where we blended and we were un-hyphenated. That is no longer the case. The melting pot has been replaced by the salad bowl. We now retain our individual tastes and distinctives. That, in itself, is not necessarily a bad thing. Diversity can be a wonderful and beautiful thing. It does mean however that there are multiple worldviews. There are varied belief systems. Add to this the cultural shift away from faith-based to an increasingly secular world and you the makings of a world far different from the one most of us grew up in. Different is not necessarily a problem except that different in this case also means hostile.
If you look up “hostile” in a dictionary here is what you find:
adjective
- of, relating to, or characteristic of an enemy
- opposed in feeling, action, or character; antagonistic:
- characterized by antagonism.
- not friendly, warm, or generous; not hospitable.
An honest assessment of today’s culture would have to admit that is an accurate description of society’s general attitude toward traditional, orthodox Christian faith. To stand today for biblical truth of topics such as the sexual revolution (including all of the related LGBTQ issues), marriage, family, salvation and a host of others is to be labeled bigoted, hateful and dangerous. It seems we are the problem. We are divisive. We must be silenced.
How are we to respond? First, don’t be so surprised! The apostle Peter told marginalized believers 2 millennia ago, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.”
Don’t be surprised and don’t play the victim. This is not a time to go sulk in the corner and whine because “they don’t like us.” Rather we are called to boldly live out our faith. We are called to love our enemies, love our neighbors, preach the gospel and build up the body of Christ until He comes to take us home!
Persecution drove the church out of the land of its birth to the corners of the known world. Rather than put out the fire, persecution fanned the flame and spread it far and wide. Within 3 centuries Rome was gone but the church marched on. Here we are 2000 years later and despite what you might think - the church is still thriving. Our Lord meant what He said when He said, “I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.”
Hear me…
Thesis: The goal of the Christian life is not merely to survive this sin-cursed world while we long for heavenly glory but to thrive in our faith as we confidently march on to victory.
This is not wishful thinking. This is not “pie in the sky” optimism this is biblical faith. Read the book - we know how this is going to end! Our text this evening is found in the 5th chapter of 1 Peter.
Text: 1 Peter 5:5-11
Peter is writing to those saints who have been scattered.
He writes to remind them their great salvation.
In the face of hardship, trial and heartache he reminded them of great doctrinal truths.
He reminded them that fiery trials are inevitable in this fallen world.
Yes, this world is opposed to Christ and His kingdom so be prepared.
Live for Christ, bring glory to His name.
Grow in your faith.
Chapter 5 begins with that all important word…“so” or “therefore.”
Chapter 5 is about how to live in this hostile environment.
I want to focus this evening on three demands for thriving in a hostile environment.
- Thriving in a hostile environment demands a life of humble submission and confident faith. (5:5-7)
- Thriving in a hostile environment demands a life of careful vigilance and active resistance. (5:8-9)
- Thriving in a hostile environment demands a life of enduring hope. (5:10-11)
Conclusion:
But here is the point - after you have suffered for a little while - suffering will end.
Suffering will not last forever but glory will!
After you have suffered…God himself will restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
Suffering last the night but joy comes in the morning.
These light, momentary afflictions do not even begin to compare withe the glory that awaits us.
Child of God be encouraged. Live a life of enduring hope because He that began the good work in you will, himself bring it to completion.
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