Introduction

 

I.    Peter was a man who saw value in repetition.

A.   Virtually everything he wrote in the final chapter of his first epistle had been addressed one way or another earlier in the book.

B.   In his second epistle he declared that he was deliberately repetitive.

II.   As he draws the first letter to a close, Peter issues a series of exhortations.

A.   He offers clear direction to our elders (1 Peter 5:1-4).

B.   Interestingly, he then goes to the young (1 Peter 5:5-9).

 

Text

 

I.    Submit yourselves (1 Peter 5:5).

A.   Peter had already enjoined submission upon many.

B.   He enjoins younger Christians to their elders (1 Peter 5:5a).

C.  A significant amount of the trouble in the church involves Christians who refuse to be in submission to others.

D.  True submission can come only if we heed Peter’s next exhortation:

II.   Be clothed with humility (1 Peter 5:5b-7).

A.   The need for humility.

1.   Preserves peace and unity with one another.

2.   Preserves a proper relationship with God (Proverbs 3:34).

3.   A humble spirit is highly esteemed by God (Isaiah 57:15; 66:1-2).

B.   To understand Peter’s charge here is to understand God’s high estimation of a humble and contrite spirit

C.  The rewards of humble service.

1.   God will give grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5).

2.   He will exalt the humble in due time (1 Peter 5:6).

3.   But he is resolute in casting down the prideful!

III.  Watch out for the devil (1Peter 5:8-9).

A.   The devil is our “adversary”.

B.   He tells us how we can defeat the “adversary”.

1.   Be serious (“sober”) about him.

2.   Be watchful (“vigilant”), knowing he is after us (Luke 21:34-36).

3.   Honestly resist him (James 4:7).

4    Remain steadfast in the faith (Colossians 1:21-23).

5.   Realize that you are not alone (1 Corinthians 10:13).

 

Conclusion

 

I.    Peter reveals why God allows such struggles (1 Peter 5:10).

A.   Our victories in spiritual battles enable us to take on greater conflicts.

B.   Our victories glorify God’s wisdom and His ability to guide us through.

II.   While Peter’s exhortations apply to all Christians, they have special value to those who are younger.

A.   They are often the most tested by our adversary, the devil.

B.   They have not had the time or experience to learn the value of such virtues as “submission”, “humility”, and “watchfulness”.

C.  They are often questioning things they’ve been taught and are ready to abandon them in favor of something that seems more enticing.

III.  But for those who are willing to listen, both young and old, heeding the exhortations of Peter can ensure that we will overcome the devil.