Off the Shelf Sunday School--1 Peter 5

More Instructions (1 Pet 5:5-9)

Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

1.    Why should those who are younger respect those who are older? Do you think Peter is talking about older in age, faith or something else? How does this message compare with the commandment to honor your father and mother? (Ex 20:12)

2.    Peter says that Christians are to put on humility. This imperative implies an act of the will to do something like putting on clothes. Why is humility something that does not come naturally?

3.     Humility is necessary for a proper view of who we are as sinful people. Why is God’s grace given to those who are humble but not to those who are proud? (Ps 34:18; 51:17)

4.    Peter tells us to humbly trust that God will take care of us. We are his sheep and he has promised to lead us, feed us and keep us in his love and mercy. One day, Jesus will complete the redemption of our bodies and we will share in his glory. (Ps 23:7-8; Jn 10:25-29)

5.    There is a command to place your worries on Jesus because he cares about taking care of you. Worries are a burden that can consume our thoughts and energy. Believers are to take these burdens in prayer to Jesus and trust that he will resolve them. The resolution may not be what we want but it will be for our good because he is working all things for the good to those who love him and submit to his will. (Rom 8:28)

6.    The devil prowls or sneaks around looking for opportunities to destroy people. Peter commands believers to be alert and stand fast against the devil using the shield of faith. (Eph 6:16-17)

7.    Resisting the devil is not easy and causes suffering. Christians are called to patiently endure suffering in order to honor Jesus and be faithful to him. What are some ways that the world, the flesh, and the devil have caused you to suffer? Can there be joy in the midst of this type of suffering? Is there comfort in knowing that other Christians are experiencing similar difficulties? (Rom 5:3-5; James 1:2; 1 Cor 10:13)