In a world full of uncertainties, how can we stay rooted in our faith? Join us for "Anchored," a five-week series through 1 Peter, where we’ll discover how Christ and His Word give us strength to face life’s storms. We’ll explore how the hope of eternal life, trusting God through political uncertainties, navigating family relationships with grace, confronting the reality of suffering for our faith, and standing strong as a church family in challenging times anchor us in Him. This series reminds us that when we’re anchored in Christ, we can endure anything life throws our way with hope and joy.
Takeaway: God designed the church to keep us anchored in tough times.
Therefore, as a fellow elder and witness to the sufferings of the Messiah and also a participant in the glory about to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you: Shepherd God’s flock among you, not overseeing out of compulsion but freely, according to God’s will; not for the money but eagerly; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
– 1 Peter 5:1-4 (HCSB)
– 1 Peter 5:1-4 (HCSB)
Shepherd God’s flock among you, not overseeing out of compulsion but freely, according to God’s will; not for the money but eagerly; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
– 1 Peter 5:2 (HCSB)
– 1 Peter 5:2 (HCSB)
Shepherd God’s flock among you, not overseeing out of compulsion but freely, according to God’s will; not for the money but eagerly; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
– 1 Peter 5:2 (HCSB)
– 1 Peter 5:2 (HCSB)
Shepherd God’s flock among you, not overseeing out of compulsion but freely, according to God’s will; not for the money but eagerly; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
– 1 Peter 5:2 (HCSB)
– 1 Peter 5:2 (HCSB)
But Jesus called them over and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles dominate them, and the men of high position exercise power over them. It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many.’
— Matthew 20:25-28 (HCSB)
— Matthew 20:25-28 (HCSB)
And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
— 1 Peter 5:4 (HCSB)
— 1 Peter 5:4 (HCSB)
The behavior of church leaders in the time of crisis could encourage or discourage the flock. The leaders, once known, would be the first targets of search, capture, torture, and execution.
— Dr. Craig Keener
— Dr. Craig Keener
God designed the church to keep us anchored in tough times.
In the same way, you younger men, be subject to the elders. And all of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you. Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him and be firm in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.
— 1 Peter 5:5-9 (HCSB)
— 1 Peter 5:5-9 (HCSB)
In the same way, you younger men, be subject to the elders. And all of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
— 1 Peter 5:5 (HCSB)
— 1 Peter 5:5 (HCSB)
In the same way, you younger men, be subject to the elders. And all of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.
— 1 Peter 5:5 (HCSB)
— 1 Peter 5:5 (HCSB)
God resists the proud because the proud resist God. Arrogance stiffens the knee, so it will not kneel; hardens the heart, so it will not admit to sin. The heart of pride never confesses, never repents, never asks for forgiveness. Indeed, the arrogant never feel the need for forgiveness. Pride is the hidden reef that shipwrecks the soul.
— Max Lucado
— Max Lucado
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time.
— 1 Peter 5:6 (HCSB)
— 1 Peter 5:6 (HCSB)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you.
— 1 Peter 5:6-7 (HCSB)
— 1 Peter 5:6-7 (HCSB)
Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.
— 1 Peter 5:8 (HCSB)
— 1 Peter 5:8 (HCSB)
Christian Martyr's Last Prayer by Jean-Léon Gérôme (1863-1883)
Resist him and be firm in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.
– 1 Peter 5:9 (HCSB)
– 1 Peter 5:9 (HCSB)
God designed the church to keep us anchored in tough times.
Now the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little. To Him be the dominion forever. Amen.
– 1 Peter 5:10-11 (HCSB)
– 1 Peter 5:10-11 (HCSB)
God designed the church to keep us anchored in tough times.
God designed the church to keep us anchored in tough times
- Gather – weekly worship service in person and online; praise/worship, prayer, and relevant Bible teaching
- Connect – taking time and initiative to build meaningful relationships with others; organized (like groups, events, etc) and organic (meeting people at church, having people over, etc)
- Serve – volunteering on a team at the church; being intentional to serve others in your life.
- Give – giving financially to support the ministries of the church; giving to other causes like Kindness Campaign, etc.
- Invite – inviting people in your life to experience the love of God through faith in Christ; could be an invite to church; invite to watch an online service; sharing your story; sharing the gospel and inviting them to receive Christ
Discussion Questions //
- What’s one of your favorite memories from church? It could be something recent or from your childhood if you grew up in church.
- From 1 Peter 5:1-4, Peter calls pastors to lead willingly, eagerly, and by example. How have you seen examples of this kind of humble, servant leadership, either in our church or another church?
- From 1 Peter 5:5-7, Peter encourages all believers to “clothe yourselves with humility toward one another” and to cast our cares on God. How does it impact you to know that “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble”? What does casting your cares on Him look like practically for you?
- From 1 Peter 5:8-9, Peter warns us to be alert and resist the Devil, who “prowls around like a roaring lion.” What are ways you stay “spiritually alert” in your own life, and where could you improve?
- As you reflect on your life and faith journey, or as you consider what may lie ahead for Christians in our country, how does today’s takeaway—“God designed the church to keep us anchored in tough times”—speak to you personally?
- The five engagement areas that Pastor Josh shared are Gather, Connect, Serve, Give, and Invite. Take a moment to reflect on each area and share one way you’d like to grow or get more involved in our church family.
Worship Setlist //
Praise The Lord // Where I'm Standing Now // Firm Foundation // Abandoned // Anchor
Devotional //
Each week, a new devotional will be available. This devotional is based on the previous Sunday's message, and it aims to take the message further and help you dive deeper into the topic. You can find the devotionals at the link, or sign up to receive weekly emails.
Catch Up //
You can watch or listen to past messages online!
Give //
Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.
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