WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.179 We're going to jump into our sermon. We're at the end of a sermon series on the book of 1 Peter, 00:00:07.780 --> 00:00:13.720 and if you want to turn there in your Bibles, it's 950-something, and that's close enough. 00:00:13.780 --> 00:00:18.719 You'll be able to find it from there. And we're going to be looking at the very end of it. 00:00:19.620 --> 00:00:24.620 And just as an introduction, if you want to talk to me about Silvanus and whether he's a messenger 00:00:24.620 --> 00:00:29.160 or an amanuensis, you can come talk to me after the service. And if you want to talk about Babylon 00:00:29.160 --> 00:00:33.140 and why Babylon is mentioned, come talk to me after the service. We're not going to deal with 00:00:33.140 --> 00:00:38.820 those things because I think that at the end of this book and what I want to do as we tie up this 00:00:38.820 --> 00:00:46.079 series is to hear from the heart of Pastor Peter to his church as he's writing the words of encouragement 00:00:46.079 --> 00:00:53.359 that he wants us to hear. Because Peter is writing to a church that's struggling to figure out how do 00:00:53.359 --> 00:00:59.299 we stand out as different? How do we navigate feeling odd and foreign and alien in this world? 00:00:59.780 --> 00:01:06.680 What kind of distinctive life does God call us to? And how do we do that even in the face of suffering 00:01:06.680 --> 00:01:15.420 and persecution and trial? Peter is writing this letter because he's afraid as a pastor that people 00:01:15.420 --> 00:01:21.260 might be losing heart, that they might be in the face of the trials, in the face of the confusion 00:01:21.260 --> 00:01:27.260 and dislocation of their situation, that they might falter in faith and fall away. 00:01:28.719 --> 00:01:34.820 He's writing to a church that needs encouragement and truth and instruction on how to live. 00:01:35.260 --> 00:01:41.460 He's writing to a church embattled. And I don't know about you, but if that doesn't sound familiar, 00:01:41.719 --> 00:01:47.080 Amanda, thank you for your testimony as a testimony of the fact that this is an ongoing reality. 00:01:47.079 --> 00:01:53.140 It's not just the first century. This has been the situation of the church for all ages, and it is a 00:01:53.140 --> 00:02:00.840 situation for us today as we face similar challenges and trials and pressures. So that's what we're going 00:02:00.840 --> 00:02:05.560 to look at today. We're going to read the end of the book. We're going to focus on verses 8 through 11, 00:02:05.980 --> 00:02:10.599 but we're going to read from 8 to the end of the book, and then we'll pray and we'll dive in and look 00:02:10.599 --> 00:02:20.799 at this for a few minutes. So 1 Peter chapter 5, verse 8. Be sober-minded. Be watchful. Your adversary, 00:02:20.979 --> 00:02:31.259 the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, 00:02:31.759 --> 00:02:37.539 knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 00:02:37.539 --> 00:02:44.439 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who's called you to his eternal 00:02:44.439 --> 00:02:53.699 glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the 00:02:53.699 --> 00:03:00.680 dominion forever and ever. Amen. By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written 00:03:00.680 --> 00:03:07.399 briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. 00:03:08.099 --> 00:03:14.560 She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, as does Mark my son. Greet one 00:03:14.560 --> 00:03:22.419 another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ. Let's pray. Lord, we thank you for 00:03:22.419 --> 00:03:29.620 your word and that you have spoken to us in it and through it. Lord, thank you that you have given us 00:03:29.620 --> 00:03:35.379 your spirit so that we might understand it. And Lord, we pray now for minds to comprehend and hearts to 00:03:35.379 --> 00:03:42.500 receive and wills to move, Lord, at your bidding. Lord, I pray this morning that we would be encouraged 00:03:42.500 --> 00:03:48.379 and strengthened. Lord, I pray for your help that you might help me to speak your words and that 00:03:48.379 --> 00:03:54.699 together we might sit under your word this morning. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen. 00:03:59.560 --> 00:04:07.659 So, as Peter's writing this final exhortation, the central idea is this, stand firm. And he says, 00:04:07.659 --> 00:04:16.800 stand firm because it's a real battle. And stand firm because God has got you in it. So, let's look 00:04:16.800 --> 00:04:23.579 at those things. Verses 8 through 9, stand firm because it's a battle. Peter says, stand firm, 00:04:23.719 --> 00:04:31.579 verse 9 says, because there is an enemy, an adversary, the devil who is prowling around seeking to destroy 00:04:31.579 --> 00:04:37.959 you. Okay? Now, we need to stop for a second because we live in the 21st century and we stopped 00:04:37.959 --> 00:04:45.419 talking about the devil a long time ago. Or, as C.S. Lewis says, he just shows up as a cartoon with a 00:04:45.419 --> 00:04:52.959 pointy tail and red tights, right? So, this is what we tend to think. But if you haven't read the 00:04:52.959 --> 00:04:58.979 Screwtape Letters, you should. It's a wonderful book with an imaginary correspondence between two devils 00:04:58.980 --> 00:05:04.280 who are seeking to corrupt the world and corrupt the life of a particular man. And C.S. Lewis, one of 00:05:04.280 --> 00:05:09.700 the things he does is exposes some of the different strategies that the devil has, some of the 00:05:09.700 --> 00:05:15.759 strategies of the spiritual realities in which we live. And he says, sometimes the spiritual realities 00:05:15.759 --> 00:05:25.200 the devil will work through obvious displays of power and intimidation in order to frighten and 00:05:25.199 --> 00:05:32.120 dissuade people from following God because there's this power that's against them that they don't want 00:05:32.120 --> 00:05:38.959 to have to face, right? Then there are other times when Satan wants to hide. And he goes underground and 00:05:38.959 --> 00:05:42.860 he says, you don't want to think about Satan because you don't want to think about spiritual things at 00:05:42.860 --> 00:05:47.899 all. You just think about materialism and the world right in front of you and all these things. And so, 00:05:47.899 --> 00:05:56.299 the way Satan then works is very subtly and in a very underground way. Not to intimidate and overwhelm, 00:05:56.479 --> 00:06:04.919 but to sabotage the church. And so, we need to recognize that we may live more in that second 00:06:04.919 --> 00:06:10.959 category where we tend to be in a society that just dismisses the whole thought of this. 00:06:10.959 --> 00:06:17.479 And yet, Peter reminds us what we see throughout Scripture, that in fact, there is a spiritual 00:06:17.479 --> 00:06:23.019 battle. There are spiritual forces and spiritual beings, and that there is particularly one 00:06:23.019 --> 00:06:30.799 repeatedly called the devil or Satan who stands against God and his people and is seeking to 00:06:30.799 --> 00:06:37.019 destroy us. Like a prowling lion. Like, as Wayne Grudem says, a prowling lion is someone who attacks 00:06:37.019 --> 00:06:43.439 suddenly, viciously, and often when its unsuspecting victim is engaged in routine activities. 00:06:45.439 --> 00:06:50.019 We need to recognize, Peter's saying, there is a battle because there's an enemy who is 00:06:50.019 --> 00:06:57.519 encircling your life, our church life, the church worldwide right now seeking to find ways. How can I 00:06:57.519 --> 00:07:03.159 bring destruction? How can I bring death? Remember what Jesus said, he comes to steal, kill, and destroy. 00:07:03.160 --> 00:07:08.380 How does he steal the blessing of God? How does he kill the life of the church and the life of faith? 00:07:08.600 --> 00:07:16.900 How does he destroy the kingdom? That's what he's always seeking to do, right? And his goal, as you 00:07:16.900 --> 00:07:25.480 see in verse 9, is that you might be devoured. That you might be literally consumed by him and his 00:07:25.480 --> 00:07:31.420 devices, right? So, what does this look like? It might look like you being consumed by passion. 00:07:31.420 --> 00:07:39.040 Passion for things that aren't leading you to God himself, right? A passion for pleasure, a passion 00:07:39.040 --> 00:07:44.660 for the praise of others. You could think of many other things that your heart gets so captured with 00:07:44.660 --> 00:07:52.000 that God is lost in the picture. Maybe it might be that you're consumed by distraction, right? That 00:07:52.000 --> 00:07:57.319 thing in your pocket that's buzzing right now. We live in a world of distraction with screens and those 00:07:57.319 --> 00:08:02.719 sorts of things. But there are other things too. Our busyness, our achievement, our hobbies, there's even 00:08:02.719 --> 00:08:09.300 our families. Even good things can become distractions when they lead us not to, but away from God. 00:08:10.459 --> 00:08:18.939 Similarly, we can be consumed by despair. This happens when things get hard. And I know enough of you have 00:08:18.939 --> 00:08:24.579 walked through hard things to know the pull of this. When things get hard, those hard things fill the 00:08:24.579 --> 00:08:32.399 screen and the hurt and the agony and the pain just seem to push everything, including God, out. And we 00:08:32.399 --> 00:08:39.439 lose God in the midst of it. And we see actually that this is in fact part of what Peter's connecting. 00:08:39.679 --> 00:08:47.659 The enemy is using the persecution of the church in the first century as a means of intimidation to 00:08:47.659 --> 00:08:54.000 bring the church to despair of the hope of the gospel. And Peter's saying, don't give up to that. 00:08:55.240 --> 00:09:00.000 One of the ways that Satan does this with despair is he says, you're alone in it. Whatever your battle 00:09:00.000 --> 00:09:05.900 is, whatever is hard, whatever pain you're bearing, you are alone in it. That's one of the ways that 00:09:05.900 --> 00:09:11.720 the enemy speaks to us. And so Peter says, listen, you're not alone. In fact, throughout the church 00:09:11.720 --> 00:09:18.020 worldwide, they're suffering the same thing. And we can now say, and the church throughout history, 00:09:18.019 --> 00:09:24.240 the same thing is true. These battles, the battles you are facing, the despair that you're fighting, 00:09:24.899 --> 00:09:30.879 you're not alone in it. This is a common thing that the enemy has been working to bring this in. 00:09:30.879 --> 00:09:40.279 So Peter is exhorting us to recognize that there is a real battle. What are some of the hallmarks of 00:09:40.279 --> 00:09:46.740 when I feel like spiritual battle is at play? Well, there are a couple of different things. 00:09:46.740 --> 00:09:55.279 One is unbelief. When I deny things are true about God that he has clearly revealed, I recognize that's 00:09:55.279 --> 00:10:05.120 the enemy drawing me away from God, right? Sometimes it has to do with relational discord. 00:10:05.120 --> 00:10:13.899 When suddenly relationships are filled with not trust and grace and kindness, but are filled with 00:10:13.899 --> 00:10:26.060 suspicion and doubt and accusation, right? Sometimes discord and unity within a group of people, 00:10:26.259 --> 00:10:31.440 the enemy is sowing these things. And I hope you've been here long enough to know there are times when 00:10:31.440 --> 00:10:36.280 we have to fight with one another, fight for righteousness, fight for good things, bring ugly 00:10:36.280 --> 00:10:41.880 stuff to light so that we can deal with it in the gospel framework. But that's not what the enemy does. 00:10:42.120 --> 00:10:47.320 The enemy brings those things to light so that it will destroy and divide us, right? 00:10:50.060 --> 00:10:55.900 So these are some ways that I look and see where there might be fingerprints of the enemy's work 00:10:55.899 --> 00:11:00.740 in our lives. And Peter says, 00:11:00.740 --> 00:11:05.879 there is a battle. It's real. And we need to be ready for it. 00:11:06.100 --> 00:11:07.559 And he then goes on and he says, 00:11:08.279 --> 00:11:11.419 there is a command that I have for you. Be sober-minded. 00:11:11.659 --> 00:11:15.360 Be watchful. Resist and stand firm. 00:11:16.059 --> 00:11:18.159 Now, these are not new commands that 00:11:18.159 --> 00:11:20.939 Peter's tacking on to the end of his book. 00:11:20.940 --> 00:11:25.920 And I'm going to spend a little bit of time in the rest of the sermon connecting what's 00:11:25.920 --> 00:11:29.020 here to the broader themes of the book. So just be ready for that. 00:11:29.440 --> 00:11:31.260 So in chapter 1, verse 12, 00:11:31.880 --> 00:11:33.580 Peter's already said to us, 00:11:33.700 --> 00:11:36.140 prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded. 00:11:36.340 --> 00:11:37.540 Set your hope on Christ. 00:11:38.020 --> 00:11:39.340 In chapter 4, he says, 00:11:39.460 --> 00:11:42.200 the end of all things is near. Therefore, be self-controlled 00:11:42.200 --> 00:11:43.520 and sober-minded. 00:11:43.960 --> 00:11:45.720 And in chapter 4, verse 12, 00:11:45.720 --> 00:11:47.260 he says, don't be surprised. 00:11:47.259 --> 00:11:51.519 Don't be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you. 00:11:52.019 --> 00:11:53.279 But instead, be ready. 00:11:53.679 --> 00:11:58.460 Like a soldier standing at his post on the watchtower, 00:11:58.980 --> 00:12:02.679 alert, awake, keeping his eyes on the horizon, 00:12:02.939 --> 00:12:05.019 looking for where the enemy may be at work, 00:12:05.139 --> 00:12:09.279 with his weapon at the ready so that he can't be taken unawares. 00:12:09.580 --> 00:12:12.779 He hasn't left his post and gone down to the local bar 00:12:12.779 --> 00:12:14.980 for a drink and a carousing, right? 00:12:14.980 --> 00:12:17.120 He hasn't carelessly assumed 00:12:17.120 --> 00:12:20.060 that because it all seems good right now, 00:12:20.159 --> 00:12:21.560 he's just going to take a nap 00:12:21.560 --> 00:12:23.580 or pull out his phone and watch a movie 00:12:23.580 --> 00:12:24.779 while he's on guard. 00:12:25.019 --> 00:12:27.940 He's not going to carelessly assume 00:12:27.940 --> 00:12:31.019 that he doesn't need his weapon 00:12:31.019 --> 00:12:31.940 and leave it at home. 00:12:32.259 --> 00:12:34.019 But he's going to be prepared, 00:12:34.440 --> 00:12:36.700 vigilant, ready at all times. 00:12:36.800 --> 00:12:39.000 This is the picture that Peter is saying, 00:12:39.240 --> 00:12:41.019 this is how we must be, church. 00:12:41.220 --> 00:12:43.120 This is what we are called to be 00:12:43.120 --> 00:12:44.779 in the middle of this battle. 00:12:45.460 --> 00:12:47.740 And so often we are not that way. 00:12:48.399 --> 00:12:50.259 So often we are unprepared. 00:12:50.580 --> 00:12:53.720 We are unaware and taken by surprise. 00:12:55.019 --> 00:12:56.639 When suffering comes, 00:12:57.560 --> 00:13:00.759 rather than trusting God's hand in it 00:13:00.759 --> 00:13:04.480 and seeing it as an opportunity to walk with him, 00:13:04.639 --> 00:13:06.840 we deny his goodness and doubt him. 00:13:07.720 --> 00:13:09.320 When persecution comes, 00:13:09.320 --> 00:13:11.320 we feel like God has abandoned us. 00:13:11.700 --> 00:13:12.820 When things go wrong, 00:13:12.900 --> 00:13:14.640 we blame God and others. 00:13:16.860 --> 00:13:19.700 We are unaware of how much the enemy 00:13:19.700 --> 00:13:21.240 is prowling around, 00:13:21.420 --> 00:13:23.379 seeking in different ways 00:13:23.379 --> 00:13:26.520 to affect us. 00:13:28.600 --> 00:13:30.280 So how do we live then? 00:13:30.620 --> 00:13:32.720 How do we actually be prepared? 00:13:32.879 --> 00:13:34.040 What does that look like? 00:13:34.480 --> 00:13:36.240 Well, I think Peter has actually 00:13:36.240 --> 00:13:37.840 given us all sorts of commands 00:13:37.840 --> 00:13:38.960 throughout the whole book 00:13:38.960 --> 00:13:40.420 so that we might live 00:13:40.420 --> 00:13:42.320 this watchful, prepared life. 00:13:42.700 --> 00:13:43.860 So in chapter one, 00:13:43.940 --> 00:13:44.460 if you remember, 00:13:44.540 --> 00:13:45.680 in the second half particularly, 00:13:45.800 --> 00:13:46.120 he says, 00:13:46.480 --> 00:13:47.240 how do you prepare? 00:13:47.500 --> 00:13:48.940 You live holy lives. 00:13:48.960 --> 00:13:49.280 That is, 00:13:49.580 --> 00:13:50.480 seeking to do 00:13:50.480 --> 00:13:52.259 what God would want 00:13:52.259 --> 00:13:53.600 above all other things. 00:13:53.600 --> 00:13:55.320 And to love one another 00:13:55.320 --> 00:13:57.200 deeply from the heart. 00:13:57.840 --> 00:13:59.220 To recognize that 00:13:59.220 --> 00:14:00.200 our battle 00:14:00.200 --> 00:14:01.940 is not against flesh and blood. 00:14:02.340 --> 00:14:03.800 And so we are called 00:14:03.800 --> 00:14:05.100 to love one another. 00:14:05.740 --> 00:14:06.660 This is what he says 00:14:06.659 --> 00:14:07.719 in chapter three too 00:14:07.719 --> 00:14:08.199 when he says, 00:14:08.679 --> 00:14:10.139 I call you to live 00:14:10.139 --> 00:14:11.740 with a unity of mind, 00:14:11.879 --> 00:14:12.719 with a sympathy, 00:14:12.939 --> 00:14:14.079 with brotherly love, 00:14:14.259 --> 00:14:15.480 with a tender heart, 00:14:15.559 --> 00:14:16.379 with humility, 00:14:16.639 --> 00:14:18.579 not repaying evil for evil 00:14:18.579 --> 00:14:20.339 or reviling for reviling, 00:14:20.480 --> 00:14:21.240 but on the contrary, 00:14:21.419 --> 00:14:21.879 blessing. 00:14:23.839 --> 00:14:24.399 Do you see, 00:14:24.519 --> 00:14:24.679 friends, 00:14:24.759 --> 00:14:25.879 that the way 00:14:25.879 --> 00:14:27.419 that we stand guard 00:14:27.419 --> 00:14:28.779 against the enemy 00:14:28.779 --> 00:14:30.980 isn't by saying 00:14:30.980 --> 00:14:32.000 no to the bad things, 00:14:32.000 --> 00:14:33.379 it's by filling our lives 00:14:33.379 --> 00:14:34.399 with good things, 00:14:34.720 --> 00:14:35.580 right things, 00:14:35.740 --> 00:14:36.539 things that we're supposed 00:14:36.539 --> 00:14:37.360 to pursue. 00:14:37.919 --> 00:14:39.220 And as we fill ourselves 00:14:39.220 --> 00:14:39.919 with those things, 00:14:40.000 --> 00:14:40.759 we are ready 00:14:40.759 --> 00:14:42.000 and we see 00:14:42.000 --> 00:14:43.200 when the enemy comes in 00:14:43.200 --> 00:14:44.379 and seeks to divert us 00:14:44.379 --> 00:14:47.100 and seeks to diverge us away. 00:14:47.860 --> 00:14:48.539 Chapter two 00:14:48.539 --> 00:14:49.919 gives us a different equipment 00:14:49.919 --> 00:14:52.580 where Peter has reminded us 00:14:52.580 --> 00:14:53.740 that our identity 00:14:53.740 --> 00:14:54.639 is grounded 00:14:54.639 --> 00:14:56.419 in being God's people, 00:14:56.879 --> 00:14:58.100 called by grace, 00:14:58.600 --> 00:14:59.799 living distinctly 00:14:59.799 --> 00:15:00.500 and differently. 00:15:00.500 --> 00:15:03.059 When we know who we are, 00:15:03.259 --> 00:15:04.159 then the lies 00:15:04.159 --> 00:15:05.460 and the temptations 00:15:05.460 --> 00:15:06.000 that the enemy 00:15:06.000 --> 00:15:06.980 puts before us 00:15:06.980 --> 00:15:08.240 to put our identity 00:15:08.240 --> 00:15:09.399 in other things, 00:15:09.899 --> 00:15:11.539 they have no power over us 00:15:11.539 --> 00:15:13.000 and we are able to fight 00:15:13.000 --> 00:15:15.179 and to resist his schemes. 00:15:16.620 --> 00:15:17.759 In chapter four, 00:15:18.779 --> 00:15:19.860 Peter reminds us 00:15:19.860 --> 00:15:22.840 that when we suffer persecution, 00:15:23.100 --> 00:15:25.440 we walk with Jesus doing so. 00:15:26.779 --> 00:15:28.200 We walk with him 00:15:28.200 --> 00:15:30.160 who endured the scorn 00:15:30.160 --> 00:15:30.879 and the shame 00:15:30.879 --> 00:15:31.680 of so many 00:15:31.680 --> 00:15:32.940 while he walked this earth 00:15:32.940 --> 00:15:34.620 as he headed to the cross 00:15:34.620 --> 00:15:36.120 for our salvation. 00:15:38.259 --> 00:15:39.379 As he did so, 00:15:39.500 --> 00:15:40.780 he did good 00:15:40.780 --> 00:15:42.000 and he blessed 00:15:42.000 --> 00:15:43.600 and served others. 00:15:44.000 --> 00:15:45.200 And so we're called 00:15:45.200 --> 00:15:46.980 to follow in that pattern. 00:15:47.800 --> 00:15:49.240 And when we fix our eyes 00:15:49.240 --> 00:15:49.840 on Jesus, 00:15:50.300 --> 00:15:52.300 suddenly the alternatives 00:15:52.300 --> 00:15:53.120 that the enemy 00:15:53.120 --> 00:15:54.080 will put before us, 00:15:54.280 --> 00:15:55.040 you can fix us 00:15:55.040 --> 00:15:55.759 by doing this 00:15:55.759 --> 00:15:56.759 or you can do this, 00:15:56.759 --> 00:15:58.120 suddenly have no power 00:15:58.120 --> 00:15:59.439 because we're following Jesus. 00:15:59.700 --> 00:16:00.799 What else would we need 00:16:00.799 --> 00:16:01.879 when we have his example? 00:16:02.960 --> 00:16:03.960 This is a hard 00:16:03.960 --> 00:16:04.980 but a good road. 00:16:05.960 --> 00:16:07.539 One of facing the battle, 00:16:08.279 --> 00:16:09.360 knowing there are enemies, 00:16:09.679 --> 00:16:11.259 knowing there's hardship ahead, 00:16:13.059 --> 00:16:14.600 knowing that the desire 00:16:14.600 --> 00:16:15.120 of the enemy 00:16:15.120 --> 00:16:16.419 is to destroy our faith. 00:16:16.919 --> 00:16:17.860 But Peter says, 00:16:17.980 --> 00:16:19.120 though the battle is fierce, 00:16:19.319 --> 00:16:20.240 stand firm. 00:16:21.679 --> 00:16:23.299 You cannot lose God 00:16:23.299 --> 00:16:24.679 because God 00:16:24.679 --> 00:16:26.419 has got you. 00:16:27.379 --> 00:16:28.359 And that's what we'll talk about 00:16:28.359 --> 00:16:28.819 in the second one. 00:16:28.859 --> 00:16:29.339 But I do want, 00:16:29.559 --> 00:16:30.279 before we go on, 00:16:31.139 --> 00:16:32.259 this is a great book, 00:16:32.539 --> 00:16:33.419 Precious Remedies 00:16:33.419 --> 00:16:34.599 Against Satan Devices. 00:16:34.939 --> 00:16:35.719 It's a Puritan. 00:16:36.240 --> 00:16:37.019 If you haven't read 00:16:37.019 --> 00:16:39.740 the screw tape letters, 00:16:39.799 --> 00:16:40.339 that's good too. 00:16:40.839 --> 00:16:41.459 This is free 00:16:41.459 --> 00:16:42.319 for the first person 00:16:42.319 --> 00:16:43.179 who comes and asks me 00:16:43.179 --> 00:16:43.919 after the service. 00:16:44.039 --> 00:16:44.779 I'm giving it away. 00:16:45.240 --> 00:16:46.079 We're putting skin 00:16:46.079 --> 00:16:46.799 in the game today. 00:16:46.799 --> 00:16:47.120 So, 00:16:47.959 --> 00:16:51.199 but it's a wonderful book 00:16:51.199 --> 00:16:53.279 to help just strengthen 00:16:53.279 --> 00:16:54.259 your faith. 00:16:54.779 --> 00:16:55.039 All right? 00:16:56.159 --> 00:16:57.219 As we move on, 00:16:57.319 --> 00:16:58.479 you cannot lose God 00:16:58.479 --> 00:17:00.099 because God has got you. 00:17:00.359 --> 00:17:02.539 This is what verses 10 and 11 say. 00:17:02.919 --> 00:17:04.139 Here's the wonderful thing. 00:17:04.220 --> 00:17:05.259 This battle is not 00:17:05.259 --> 00:17:06.500 our battle to win, 00:17:06.720 --> 00:17:07.839 but we are fighting 00:17:07.839 --> 00:17:08.359 in a battle 00:17:08.359 --> 00:17:11.720 that God is already winning. 00:17:12.799 --> 00:17:14.339 And what we want to do, 00:17:14.419 --> 00:17:15.180 what Peter does 00:17:15.180 --> 00:17:16.079 in verses 10 and 11 00:17:16.079 --> 00:17:16.619 is he says, 00:17:16.799 --> 00:17:18.419 look at who God is 00:17:18.419 --> 00:17:19.700 because this is how 00:17:19.700 --> 00:17:20.460 you will endure 00:17:20.460 --> 00:17:21.220 in this battle. 00:17:21.539 --> 00:17:22.440 This is how you will fight. 00:17:22.659 --> 00:17:24.059 Look to who God is 00:17:24.059 --> 00:17:24.740 and remember, 00:17:25.019 --> 00:17:25.799 it's not because 00:17:25.799 --> 00:17:26.819 your great faith 00:17:26.819 --> 00:17:27.599 or because you're 00:17:27.599 --> 00:17:28.359 going to fight well, 00:17:28.559 --> 00:17:29.700 but because God 00:17:29.700 --> 00:17:30.500 has got you 00:17:30.500 --> 00:17:32.240 that you will make it through 00:17:32.240 --> 00:17:32.940 and endure 00:17:32.940 --> 00:17:33.980 and stand firm. 00:17:34.680 --> 00:17:35.879 There are five things 00:17:35.879 --> 00:17:37.700 that we learn about God 00:17:37.700 --> 00:17:39.700 in these two verses 00:17:39.700 --> 00:17:40.879 that we're going to look at. 00:17:42.099 --> 00:17:42.879 Verse one, 00:17:43.299 --> 00:17:43.899 number one. 00:17:44.940 --> 00:17:45.299 Actually, 00:17:45.299 --> 00:17:46.779 let's read these two verses first. 00:17:47.240 --> 00:17:47.819 10 and 11. 00:17:48.220 --> 00:17:49.279 And after you have suffered 00:17:49.279 --> 00:17:50.180 for a little while, 00:17:50.299 --> 00:17:51.319 the God of all grace 00:17:51.319 --> 00:17:52.099 who has called you 00:17:52.099 --> 00:17:53.319 into his eternal glory 00:17:53.319 --> 00:17:54.000 in Christ 00:17:54.000 --> 00:17:55.720 will himself restore, 00:17:55.899 --> 00:17:56.259 confirm, 00:17:56.480 --> 00:17:56.819 strengthen, 00:17:57.059 --> 00:17:58.119 and establish you 00:17:58.119 --> 00:17:59.740 to him be the dominion 00:17:59.740 --> 00:18:00.980 forever and ever. 00:18:01.180 --> 00:18:01.460 Amen. 00:18:02.419 --> 00:18:04.019 Five things that Peter says 00:18:04.019 --> 00:18:06.319 briefly about this. 00:18:06.419 --> 00:18:06.720 One, 00:18:07.480 --> 00:18:08.720 God knows there's a battle. 00:18:08.839 --> 00:18:09.680 After you have suffered 00:18:09.680 --> 00:18:10.539 for a little while, 00:18:10.839 --> 00:18:11.940 God is not surprised. 00:18:12.059 --> 00:18:13.139 He's not taken off guard. 00:18:13.140 --> 00:18:14.759 He knows that there is 00:18:14.759 --> 00:18:15.800 a battle that you are in 00:18:15.800 --> 00:18:17.100 and he's with you in it. 00:18:17.360 --> 00:18:18.040 And he says, 00:18:18.160 --> 00:18:18.960 and by the way, 00:18:19.060 --> 00:18:19.780 I want to give you 00:18:19.780 --> 00:18:20.820 some perspective on it. 00:18:20.940 --> 00:18:22.520 It's only for a little while. 00:18:22.780 --> 00:18:24.020 That's not to diminish 00:18:24.020 --> 00:18:25.000 the reality 00:18:25.000 --> 00:18:25.960 or the severity 00:18:25.960 --> 00:18:26.960 of what you're walking 00:18:26.960 --> 00:18:27.759 through right now, 00:18:27.759 --> 00:18:28.840 because it might be 00:18:28.840 --> 00:18:29.720 really hard 00:18:29.720 --> 00:18:30.880 and really overwhelming. 00:18:32.280 --> 00:18:33.540 But compared to 00:18:33.540 --> 00:18:34.940 the span of eternity, 00:18:35.400 --> 00:18:36.740 your life of suffering, 00:18:36.920 --> 00:18:37.700 even if it were 00:18:37.700 --> 00:18:38.660 a whole lifetime, 00:18:38.660 --> 00:18:41.900 is just a little while. 00:18:43.800 --> 00:18:44.960 And God says, 00:18:45.180 --> 00:18:46.420 look at the bigger picture 00:18:46.420 --> 00:18:47.240 of a world 00:18:47.240 --> 00:18:48.620 that I rule in 00:18:48.620 --> 00:18:50.720 and take heart. 00:18:51.180 --> 00:18:52.519 Don't be surprised. 00:18:53.120 --> 00:18:53.940 God has sent this 00:18:53.940 --> 00:18:54.680 to test you, 00:18:54.960 --> 00:18:55.640 but the testing, 00:18:55.840 --> 00:18:56.400 if you remember 00:18:56.400 --> 00:18:58.019 from chapter 4, 00:18:58.100 --> 00:18:58.500 verse 12, 00:18:58.800 --> 00:19:00.120 the testing is not to say, 00:19:00.259 --> 00:19:00.860 hey, are you going 00:19:00.860 --> 00:19:01.600 to make it or not? 00:19:01.820 --> 00:19:03.040 The testing there is, 00:19:03.240 --> 00:19:04.380 I'm going to send you 00:19:04.380 --> 00:19:05.160 through this fire 00:19:05.160 --> 00:19:06.860 to prove to you 00:19:06.859 --> 00:19:08.959 the quality of the faith 00:19:08.959 --> 00:19:10.539 that I have given to you 00:19:10.539 --> 00:19:11.959 so that you can see 00:19:11.959 --> 00:19:12.479 and know 00:19:12.479 --> 00:19:14.399 in a richer and deeper way 00:19:14.399 --> 00:19:16.259 my faithfulness to you 00:19:16.259 --> 00:19:17.179 and the sufficiency 00:19:17.179 --> 00:19:18.479 of my work for you. 00:19:18.839 --> 00:19:19.919 So the first thing 00:19:19.919 --> 00:19:21.279 that Peter wants us to see 00:19:21.279 --> 00:19:22.759 is God is not unaware, 00:19:22.939 --> 00:19:23.819 but He knows 00:19:23.819 --> 00:19:24.899 that the battle is real 00:19:24.899 --> 00:19:26.179 and He's with us in it. 00:19:26.259 --> 00:19:27.139 The second thing 00:19:27.139 --> 00:19:28.559 is that He is the God 00:19:28.559 --> 00:19:29.359 of all grace. 00:19:31.799 --> 00:19:33.199 Grace to save 00:19:33.199 --> 00:19:35.139 undeserving sinners, 00:19:35.140 --> 00:19:37.280 grace to support us 00:19:37.280 --> 00:19:37.960 in our weakness. 00:19:38.480 --> 00:19:39.740 Grace has a breadth here 00:19:39.740 --> 00:19:41.040 where it's not just 00:19:41.040 --> 00:19:42.540 that we are undeserving 00:19:42.540 --> 00:19:43.860 and that the forgiveness 00:19:43.860 --> 00:19:44.640 of sin 00:19:44.640 --> 00:19:46.740 and the new spiritual life 00:19:46.740 --> 00:19:47.759 that God has given us 00:19:47.759 --> 00:19:49.180 that will last for eternity 00:19:49.180 --> 00:19:51.200 is completely undeserved 00:19:51.200 --> 00:19:52.220 and only on the merits 00:19:52.220 --> 00:19:52.820 of Christ. 00:19:53.200 --> 00:19:54.320 We know that that's 00:19:54.320 --> 00:19:55.420 His grace to us, 00:19:55.580 --> 00:19:57.060 but I think that Peter here 00:19:57.060 --> 00:19:58.300 also uses grace as 00:19:58.300 --> 00:19:59.759 He's going to give you grace 00:19:59.759 --> 00:20:00.780 to get through it. 00:20:01.140 --> 00:20:02.000 He's going to give you 00:20:02.000 --> 00:20:02.880 supporting grace 00:20:02.880 --> 00:20:03.980 and helpful grace. 00:20:03.980 --> 00:20:05.920 And here's the wonderful thing. 00:20:06.000 --> 00:20:06.839 Just like the grace 00:20:06.839 --> 00:20:07.660 of our salvation, 00:20:08.120 --> 00:20:09.579 this grace of supporting us 00:20:09.579 --> 00:20:11.099 isn't because we've earned it, 00:20:11.259 --> 00:20:12.900 isn't because we've deserved it. 00:20:12.940 --> 00:20:13.559 It's not because 00:20:13.559 --> 00:20:14.860 we're fighting hard enough 00:20:14.860 --> 00:20:16.559 or because we know enough. 00:20:17.960 --> 00:20:19.079 And the wonderful thing 00:20:19.079 --> 00:20:20.460 about it not being deserved 00:20:20.460 --> 00:20:21.259 is it means 00:20:21.259 --> 00:20:22.360 we can't lose it. 00:20:22.880 --> 00:20:24.420 We can't blow it 00:20:24.420 --> 00:20:25.640 badly enough. 00:20:26.579 --> 00:20:27.380 And God looks at us 00:20:27.380 --> 00:20:27.700 and says, 00:20:27.839 --> 00:20:29.279 forget you. 00:20:29.360 --> 00:20:30.539 You're a lost cause. 00:20:30.539 --> 00:20:31.759 I'm done with you. 00:20:32.740 --> 00:20:34.159 But the God of all grace 00:20:34.159 --> 00:20:34.859 is with you. 00:20:35.420 --> 00:20:36.819 He will never leave you 00:20:36.819 --> 00:20:37.759 nor forsake you 00:20:37.759 --> 00:20:39.539 because He has set His love 00:20:39.539 --> 00:20:41.159 on His people in Christ 00:20:41.159 --> 00:20:43.059 and He will never forsake. 00:20:44.599 --> 00:20:46.240 So He knows there's a battle. 00:20:46.339 --> 00:20:47.500 He's the God of all grace. 00:20:48.039 --> 00:20:48.559 Thirdly, 00:20:48.680 --> 00:20:49.799 He has called you 00:20:49.799 --> 00:20:51.539 into His eternal glory 00:20:52.240 --> 00:20:53.079 in Christ. 00:20:53.599 --> 00:20:54.940 John reminded us earlier 00:20:54.940 --> 00:20:56.059 about what it means 00:20:56.059 --> 00:20:56.920 to be in Christ, 00:20:57.000 --> 00:20:57.799 that by faith 00:20:57.799 --> 00:20:59.200 we are joined with Him. 00:20:59.500 --> 00:21:00.680 And being joined with Him 00:21:00.680 --> 00:21:01.619 means we enjoy 00:21:01.619 --> 00:21:03.039 the fruit of all 00:21:03.039 --> 00:21:04.139 of His work of redemption, 00:21:04.359 --> 00:21:05.339 the greatness 00:21:05.339 --> 00:21:06.680 of the salvation, 00:21:06.839 --> 00:21:07.480 the restoration 00:21:07.480 --> 00:21:09.599 of being with God 00:21:09.599 --> 00:21:10.639 and in His kingdom 00:21:10.639 --> 00:21:12.000 in a beautiful way. 00:21:13.159 --> 00:21:14.579 And Peter has reminded us 00:21:14.579 --> 00:21:16.299 over and over again 00:21:16.299 --> 00:21:16.960 and instead of trying 00:21:16.960 --> 00:21:17.659 to explain it, 00:21:17.700 --> 00:21:19.099 I'm simply going to remind you 00:21:19.099 --> 00:21:20.180 what Peter has said 00:21:20.180 --> 00:21:21.899 about this glory 00:21:21.899 --> 00:21:22.960 and grace, 00:21:23.440 --> 00:21:24.859 this glorious position 00:21:24.859 --> 00:21:26.119 of being in Christ 00:21:26.119 --> 00:21:26.819 that we have. 00:21:26.819 --> 00:21:28.639 So in chapter 1, 00:21:28.720 --> 00:21:29.159 he writes, 00:21:29.279 --> 00:21:30.720 according to His great mercy, 00:21:31.240 --> 00:21:32.179 He has caused us 00:21:32.179 --> 00:21:33.099 to be born again 00:21:33.099 --> 00:21:34.119 to a living hope 00:21:34.119 --> 00:21:35.000 through the resurrection 00:21:35.000 --> 00:21:35.919 of Jesus Christ 00:21:35.919 --> 00:21:36.619 from the dead 00:21:36.619 --> 00:21:38.079 to an inheritance 00:21:38.079 --> 00:21:39.339 that is imperishable, 00:21:39.839 --> 00:21:40.619 undefiled, 00:21:41.019 --> 00:21:41.799 and unfading, 00:21:41.960 --> 00:21:43.319 kept in heaven for you 00:21:43.319 --> 00:21:44.919 who by God's power 00:21:44.919 --> 00:21:45.720 are being guarded 00:21:45.720 --> 00:21:46.419 through faith 00:21:46.419 --> 00:21:47.319 for a salvation 00:21:47.319 --> 00:21:48.720 ready to be revealed 00:21:48.720 --> 00:21:50.519 at the last time. 00:21:52.460 --> 00:21:53.619 And later in chapter 1, 00:21:53.679 --> 00:21:54.659 knowing that you 00:21:54.660 --> 00:21:55.680 were ransomed 00:21:55.680 --> 00:21:57.120 from the futile ways 00:21:57.120 --> 00:21:59.000 inherited from your forefathers, 00:21:59.240 --> 00:22:00.680 not with perishable things 00:22:00.680 --> 00:22:01.720 such as silver and gold, 00:22:01.880 --> 00:22:03.100 but with the precious blood 00:22:03.100 --> 00:22:03.900 of Christ, 00:22:04.700 --> 00:22:05.700 like that of a lamb 00:22:05.700 --> 00:22:07.019 without blemish or spot. 00:22:07.220 --> 00:22:08.160 He was foreknown 00:22:08.160 --> 00:22:09.040 before the foundation 00:22:09.040 --> 00:22:09.620 of the world, 00:22:09.800 --> 00:22:11.060 but was made manifest 00:22:11.060 --> 00:22:12.180 in the last time 00:22:12.180 --> 00:22:14.400 for the sake of you 00:22:14.400 --> 00:22:15.900 who through Him 00:22:15.900 --> 00:22:17.120 are believers in God, 00:22:17.259 --> 00:22:18.380 who raised Him 00:22:18.380 --> 00:22:18.960 from the dead 00:22:18.960 --> 00:22:19.920 and gave Him glory 00:22:19.920 --> 00:22:21.240 so that your hope 00:22:21.240 --> 00:22:22.220 and your faith 00:22:22.220 --> 00:22:23.180 are in God. 00:22:25.460 --> 00:22:27.080 Jesus Christ died 00:22:27.080 --> 00:22:28.019 on the cross, 00:22:28.100 --> 00:22:28.680 the righteous 00:22:28.680 --> 00:22:30.180 for the unrighteous 00:22:30.180 --> 00:22:32.840 to bring you to God. 00:22:33.420 --> 00:22:34.800 This is what He has done 00:22:34.800 --> 00:22:35.800 for us. 00:22:36.720 --> 00:22:38.080 This is the glory 00:22:38.080 --> 00:22:39.380 that He's called us into. 00:22:39.660 --> 00:22:41.120 It is an eternal glory 00:22:41.120 --> 00:22:42.340 that comes from our position 00:22:42.340 --> 00:22:44.019 of being in Christ. 00:22:44.700 --> 00:22:45.420 And Peter says, 00:22:45.580 --> 00:22:47.100 when the battle is fierce, 00:22:47.099 --> 00:22:48.619 when you think 00:22:48.619 --> 00:22:50.079 that you're going 00:22:50.079 --> 00:22:51.079 to be overwhelmed, 00:22:51.480 --> 00:22:52.639 when you think 00:22:52.639 --> 00:22:54.179 that you can't go on 00:22:54.179 --> 00:22:55.339 in following Christ, 00:22:55.759 --> 00:22:56.619 He reminds you, 00:22:57.019 --> 00:22:58.079 this is what's awaiting. 00:22:58.419 --> 00:23:00.119 This eternal glory 00:23:00.119 --> 00:23:01.759 that is yours, 00:23:02.399 --> 00:23:04.159 that you've already tasted, 00:23:04.439 --> 00:23:05.279 that you've already 00:23:05.279 --> 00:23:06.099 stepped into 00:23:06.099 --> 00:23:06.879 and will become 00:23:06.879 --> 00:23:08.599 in its greater fullness 00:23:08.599 --> 00:23:09.779 all of yours. 00:23:10.599 --> 00:23:11.679 So stand firm 00:23:11.679 --> 00:23:12.719 and don't give up. 00:23:17.099 --> 00:23:17.839 Peter goes on. 00:23:18.740 --> 00:23:19.879 The fourth thing He says 00:23:19.879 --> 00:23:22.579 is at the end of verse 10, 00:23:22.879 --> 00:23:24.959 He Himself will restore, 00:23:25.219 --> 00:23:26.659 confirm, strengthen, 00:23:26.899 --> 00:23:28.459 and establish you. 00:23:28.719 --> 00:23:29.459 Four verbs. 00:23:29.579 --> 00:23:30.139 God tells us 00:23:30.139 --> 00:23:31.099 what God will do. 00:23:31.199 --> 00:23:32.500 He Himself will do it. 00:23:32.899 --> 00:23:33.899 The emphasis is that 00:23:33.899 --> 00:23:35.459 God is with you in this. 00:23:35.819 --> 00:23:36.980 He says He will restore 00:23:36.980 --> 00:23:37.879 all the honor 00:23:37.879 --> 00:23:38.779 and privilege 00:23:38.779 --> 00:23:39.819 and the places 00:23:39.819 --> 00:23:41.019 that you have lost, 00:23:41.119 --> 00:23:42.599 the cost that you have borne 00:23:42.599 --> 00:23:43.939 for following Christ. 00:23:44.139 --> 00:23:45.379 He will restore 00:23:45.379 --> 00:23:46.259 all those things 00:23:46.259 --> 00:23:47.059 in His kingdom 00:23:47.059 --> 00:23:48.460 and He will give you 00:23:48.460 --> 00:23:49.480 a place of honor 00:23:49.480 --> 00:23:51.420 as His child. 00:23:51.900 --> 00:23:53.220 He will confirm you. 00:23:53.559 --> 00:23:54.079 He will say, 00:23:54.279 --> 00:23:55.839 yes, this one is mine, 00:23:55.920 --> 00:23:56.519 though the enemy 00:23:56.519 --> 00:23:58.299 may accuse 00:23:58.299 --> 00:23:59.279 and whisper 00:23:59.279 --> 00:24:00.319 all sorts of lies. 00:24:00.579 --> 00:24:01.140 He will say, 00:24:01.220 --> 00:24:02.480 because of the blood of Christ, 00:24:02.599 --> 00:24:03.720 this one is mine 00:24:03.720 --> 00:24:05.160 and I confirm that 00:24:05.160 --> 00:24:06.680 and I will not let Him go. 00:24:07.259 --> 00:24:08.619 And He will strengthen us. 00:24:08.640 --> 00:24:09.480 He will strengthen us 00:24:09.480 --> 00:24:10.700 with the example of Christ 00:24:10.700 --> 00:24:12.539 who went before us, 00:24:12.839 --> 00:24:13.799 enduring the cross, 00:24:13.960 --> 00:24:15.319 despising the shame 00:24:15.319 --> 00:24:17.419 for the joy set before Him 00:24:17.419 --> 00:24:19.339 so that we might be His. 00:24:19.980 --> 00:24:20.599 Strengthening us 00:24:20.599 --> 00:24:21.379 with the examples 00:24:21.379 --> 00:24:22.500 of the church 00:24:22.500 --> 00:24:23.399 throughout history 00:24:23.399 --> 00:24:24.779 and throughout the world 00:24:24.779 --> 00:24:26.500 that are suffering even now 00:24:26.500 --> 00:24:28.419 that we might hold firm together 00:24:28.419 --> 00:24:29.939 because we're not alone in it. 00:24:30.319 --> 00:24:31.039 Strengthening us 00:24:31.039 --> 00:24:31.659 with the knowledge 00:24:31.659 --> 00:24:32.460 that He's given us 00:24:32.460 --> 00:24:33.700 His Holy Spirit 00:24:33.700 --> 00:24:34.879 to dwell within us, 00:24:35.259 --> 00:24:36.159 the Spirit of God 00:24:36.159 --> 00:24:36.919 and of glory 00:24:36.919 --> 00:24:38.419 so that we might not 00:24:38.419 --> 00:24:39.659 have to rely on ourselves 00:24:39.659 --> 00:24:40.819 but rely on Him. 00:24:41.819 --> 00:24:42.559 Strengthening us 00:24:42.559 --> 00:24:43.139 with the hope 00:24:43.140 --> 00:24:44.240 of this future grace 00:24:44.240 --> 00:24:45.640 that His promises are sure. 00:24:46.780 --> 00:24:47.900 So He will restore us, 00:24:47.940 --> 00:24:48.680 He will confirm us, 00:24:48.720 --> 00:24:49.560 He will strengthen us 00:24:49.560 --> 00:24:51.000 and He will establish us. 00:24:51.720 --> 00:24:52.640 We are, 00:24:52.740 --> 00:24:54.000 as He said in chapter 2, 00:24:54.900 --> 00:24:55.360 people, 00:24:55.680 --> 00:24:56.600 living stones 00:24:56.600 --> 00:24:57.759 that God is building 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:59.060 into a living temple. 00:24:59.860 --> 00:25:00.920 This is what it means 00:25:00.920 --> 00:25:02.060 to be His church 00:25:02.060 --> 00:25:02.880 in this world. 00:25:03.200 --> 00:25:03.860 It's to be the place 00:25:03.860 --> 00:25:05.780 where God Himself dwells 00:25:05.780 --> 00:25:07.320 and manifests Himself 00:25:07.320 --> 00:25:08.160 in His glory 00:25:08.160 --> 00:25:09.480 in this age 00:25:09.480 --> 00:25:10.680 as He prepares us 00:25:10.680 --> 00:25:12.480 to be His people forever 00:25:12.480 --> 00:25:13.600 in the new heavens 00:25:13.600 --> 00:25:14.360 and the new earth 00:25:14.360 --> 00:25:15.700 where we will worship Him 00:25:15.700 --> 00:25:17.240 in fellowship with Him 00:25:17.240 --> 00:25:19.019 forever without any sin. 00:25:20.380 --> 00:25:22.340 You are a chosen race, 00:25:22.460 --> 00:25:23.519 a royal priesthood, 00:25:23.560 --> 00:25:24.400 a holy nation, 00:25:24.680 --> 00:25:26.299 a people of His own possession 00:25:26.299 --> 00:25:27.320 that you may proclaim 00:25:27.320 --> 00:25:28.620 the excellencies of Him 00:25:28.620 --> 00:25:29.500 who called you 00:25:29.500 --> 00:25:30.440 out of the darkness 00:25:30.440 --> 00:25:32.259 into His marvelous light. 00:25:32.740 --> 00:25:33.980 Once you were not a people 00:25:33.980 --> 00:25:35.500 but now you are God's people. 00:25:35.900 --> 00:25:37.580 Once you would not receive mercy 00:25:37.580 --> 00:25:39.680 but now you have received mercy. 00:25:40.680 --> 00:25:41.259 And finally, 00:25:41.500 --> 00:25:42.880 in verse 11, 00:25:44.759 --> 00:25:45.900 He's a God who's with you 00:25:45.900 --> 00:25:46.420 in the battle. 00:25:46.539 --> 00:25:47.799 He's the God of all grace. 00:25:48.120 --> 00:25:49.380 He's a God who has called you 00:25:49.380 --> 00:25:50.480 into this eternal glory. 00:25:50.860 --> 00:25:52.100 He's a God who Himself 00:25:52.100 --> 00:25:52.680 has promised 00:25:52.680 --> 00:25:53.340 that He will do 00:25:53.340 --> 00:25:54.779 all these things for you. 00:25:55.299 --> 00:25:55.940 And finally, 00:25:56.100 --> 00:25:56.680 Peter says, 00:25:57.039 --> 00:25:58.660 to Him be dominion 00:25:58.660 --> 00:26:00.320 forever and ever. 00:26:00.500 --> 00:26:00.779 Amen. 00:26:02.180 --> 00:26:03.240 The persecution 00:26:03.240 --> 00:26:04.400 of the Romans, 00:26:05.539 --> 00:26:06.519 God has dominion. 00:26:06.519 --> 00:26:10.500 the trials you are facing, 00:26:11.779 --> 00:26:13.559 God has dominion. 00:26:14.039 --> 00:26:15.660 The enemy who threatens 00:26:15.660 --> 00:26:16.680 to destroy you, 00:26:17.180 --> 00:26:19.319 God has dominion 00:26:19.319 --> 00:26:21.539 over all these things. 00:26:21.920 --> 00:26:23.119 Just as He has 00:26:23.119 --> 00:26:24.079 throughout all of history, 00:26:24.299 --> 00:26:25.240 He does today 00:26:25.240 --> 00:26:26.379 and He will forever. 00:26:26.839 --> 00:26:27.879 God's dominion 00:26:27.879 --> 00:26:28.920 as the Creator 00:26:28.920 --> 00:26:30.240 and as the ruler 00:26:30.240 --> 00:26:30.940 of the world 00:26:30.940 --> 00:26:31.820 has never, 00:26:32.220 --> 00:26:34.820 ever been usurped. 00:26:37.519 --> 00:26:38.920 And so Peter says 00:26:38.920 --> 00:26:39.980 at the end of chapter 4, 00:26:40.140 --> 00:26:41.140 let those who suffer 00:26:41.140 --> 00:26:42.600 according to God's will 00:26:42.600 --> 00:26:43.600 entrust their souls 00:26:43.600 --> 00:26:44.759 to a faithful Creator 00:26:44.759 --> 00:26:46.600 while doing good. 00:26:49.160 --> 00:26:50.279 So Peter says, 00:26:50.380 --> 00:26:51.080 stand firm. 00:26:51.920 --> 00:26:53.740 Stand fast in your faith. 00:26:54.500 --> 00:26:55.700 God is equipping you 00:26:55.700 --> 00:26:56.380 and giving you 00:26:56.380 --> 00:26:57.559 all of these things. 00:26:58.779 --> 00:26:59.440 Be aware 00:26:59.440 --> 00:27:00.720 that the battle is fierce, 00:27:00.900 --> 00:27:01.900 but know that God 00:27:01.900 --> 00:27:04.000 has got you in it. 00:27:05.480 --> 00:27:06.420 And when the battle 00:27:06.420 --> 00:27:07.039 is fierce 00:27:07.039 --> 00:27:09.019 and when the enemy 00:27:09.019 --> 00:27:10.480 sneaks up on you, 00:27:10.799 --> 00:27:12.500 when you feel unprepared 00:27:12.500 --> 00:27:13.759 and when you're overwhelmed 00:27:13.759 --> 00:27:15.160 and when following looks 00:27:15.160 --> 00:27:16.640 like it's going to be 00:27:16.640 --> 00:27:17.380 too costly, 00:27:18.380 --> 00:27:19.799 remember the gospel. 00:27:21.240 --> 00:27:22.600 You won't hold firm 00:27:22.600 --> 00:27:24.259 because you are strong enough 00:27:24.259 --> 00:27:25.460 to withstand these things. 00:27:25.700 --> 00:27:27.240 But look to the cross. 00:27:27.700 --> 00:27:28.640 Remember Jesus 00:27:28.640 --> 00:27:30.259 dying for you, 00:27:30.779 --> 00:27:31.860 rising from the dead. 00:27:32.200 --> 00:27:33.059 He has won 00:27:33.059 --> 00:27:34.039 the ultimate victory 00:27:34.039 --> 00:27:34.819 over sin, 00:27:35.000 --> 00:27:35.559 over death, 00:27:35.900 --> 00:27:36.740 over this enemy 00:27:36.740 --> 00:27:37.819 that's prowling around. 00:27:37.920 --> 00:27:38.600 And one day, 00:27:38.680 --> 00:27:39.799 all of those enemies 00:27:39.799 --> 00:27:41.380 will be fully defeated 00:27:41.380 --> 00:27:44.580 if we cling to the cross 00:27:44.580 --> 00:27:46.340 by faith. 00:27:46.779 --> 00:27:47.380 Let's pray. 00:27:50.700 --> 00:27:51.380 Lord, we... 00:27:51.380 --> 00:27:51.880 we... 00:27:51.880 --> 00:27:57.380 we admit that we are weak 00:27:57.380 --> 00:27:58.600 and there are days 00:27:58.600 --> 00:28:00.240 when we are ready 00:28:00.240 --> 00:28:00.920 to give up. 00:28:01.860 --> 00:28:02.820 Lord, when the battle 00:28:02.820 --> 00:28:04.160 seems too hard, 00:28:05.660 --> 00:28:07.040 Lord, when the enemy 00:28:07.040 --> 00:28:08.160 seems to have won, 00:28:09.540 --> 00:28:10.920 when it seems too costly 00:28:10.920 --> 00:28:11.780 to stand firm, 00:28:12.780 --> 00:28:14.020 oh, Lord Jesus, 00:28:14.140 --> 00:28:15.220 we pray for your help. 00:28:16.260 --> 00:28:17.120 Lord, help us 00:28:17.120 --> 00:28:18.540 to stand firm in you 00:28:18.539 --> 00:28:20.079 that the glory 00:28:20.079 --> 00:28:21.000 that you have wrought 00:28:21.000 --> 00:28:21.599 in Christ 00:28:21.599 --> 00:28:22.579 might be displayed 00:28:22.579 --> 00:28:23.980 in us to this world. 00:28:25.460 --> 00:28:27.039 Lord, I pray for hearts today 00:28:27.039 --> 00:28:28.079 that are discouraged 00:28:28.079 --> 00:28:29.139 and despairing. 00:28:30.079 --> 00:28:31.099 Lord, that you might 00:28:31.099 --> 00:28:32.379 encourage us today. 00:28:33.879 --> 00:28:35.059 We pray these things 00:28:35.059 --> 00:28:35.799 in Jesus' name. 00:28:36.799 --> 00:28:37.119 Amen. 00:28:37.119 --> 00:28:37.399 Amen. 00:28:39.119 --> 00:28:39.500 Amen. 00:28:39.579 --> 00:28:40.059 Amen. 00:28:48.059 --> 00:28:48.559 Amen. 00:28:48.559 --> 00:28:49.699 Amen. 00:28:50.000 --> 00:28:50.239 Amen. 00:28:52.219 --> 00:28:52.339 Amen. 00:28:52.339 --> 00:28:53.739 Amen. 00:29:00.159 --> 00:29:01.359 Amen. 00:29:01.359 --> 00:29:02.479 Amen. 00:29:04.500 --> 00:29:06.559 Amen.