1 Peter: Week 15 (Wednesday 25th August 2021)
(from www.insightforliving.org.uk)
Chapter 5:5-7
The Heart Of The Matter
In an age like ours, where such a heavy emphasis is placed on self-promotion and polishing one’s own public image, messages such as this one are neither popular nor appreciated. At a time when looking good is considered more important than being good . . . when an impression makes a bigger splash than integrity . . . who has time for things like submission and humility, dependence and trust? Furthermore, who these days would choose grace over power or prayer over taking charge? And yet, if it is true satisfaction we want and lasting relief we crave, there is a “formula” in the New Testament that will make it happen. The formula is not complicated nor is it restricted to a few. And yet, strangely, not many choose to live their lives by this God-given game plan. Those who do never regret it.
Discovering The Way
1. Today’s Major Messages Promising “Success”
Messengers today promise success through one of four key ways: fortune, fame, power, or pleasure.
2. God’s Ancient Plan Bringing Relief (1 Peter 5:5 –7)
Peter offered three strategies for success in this world: submit to authority, humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand, and cast all our anxiety on Him.
Starting Your Journey
What do we need in order to achieve God’s kind of success? We need direction so we know to whom we can submit. We need discipline so we can restrain our hellish pride. And we need discernment so we can spot the beginning of anxiety.