Lisa Godard (Lisa)

Sermon Outline

“Until He Comes: Stand Firm!” - I Peter 5:6-14

Anyone ever been in an earthquake? When the ground beneath you is moving, it must be hard to stand.

Life is sometimes like an earthquake, with everything we’re depending on seeming to be unsettled.

The good news is that God cannot be shaken! We can stand firm on Him!

2012 Theme: “Until He Comes” - looking for Jesus to come and living according to that perspective.

Until He comes, we can and must stand firm.

I Peter 5:6-12 - Peter’s closing remarks - an exhortation to stand firm.

“stereos” (vs9) - “strong, firm, immovable, solid, hard, rigid, steadfast” (Strong’s).

“histemi” (vs12) - “cause to stand, place, put, set; make firm, fix, establish” (Strong’s).

I)Stand firm against the Devil (vs8-9) Ephesians 6:12

“diabalos” - “false accuser, slanderer” (Strong’s)

“Satan is a lion who may roar, but who has been defanged at the cross” (Gudzik). John 12:31

We stand firm against him by being “sober-minded and watchful,” and by resisting him, “firm in [our] faith.” James 4:7

II)Stand firm in faith (vs9)

The way Satan most often attacks is by lying and questioning our faith. Know what you believe! Know the Word of God!

“Faith” - “trustfulness” - trust God to be who He is and do what He promises. The object of our faith will not falter, so we can stand on Him.

III)Stand firm in suffering (vs9)

We’re not alone in our suffering; others are going through the same (and maybe worse).

Remember to “humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”

IV)Stand firm until God brings you through (vs10)

If God has called us to His eternal glory in Christ, He will also see us through here and now, one way or another!

Suffering is transient, glory is eternal! Romans 8:18, II Corinthians 4:17-18

“Restore” - “render fit, complete, put in order, perfect, make one what he ought to be” (Strong’s).

“Confirm” - “make stable, render constant” (Strong’s).

“Establish” - “lay the foundation, make stable” (Strong’s).

No wonder Peter broke into doxology (vs11)!

V)Stand firm in God’s grace (vs12)

“True grace of God” - the message of the gospel, the promises of God of which Peter has reminded them, the Word that God spoke through Peter, etc. Stand upon God and His Word.

Romans 5:2

VI)Stand firm together with other believers, the church (vs13)

We’re in this together, so let’s stand together.

Sometimes we need to hold up those who are weary in the struggle, by prayer and coming along side as God enables.

We need one another; we need you!

Until He comes, let us stand firm, resisting Satan, trusting God, expecting His grace, holding one another up!

Sermon Outline: “Until He Comes: First Things First!” - I Peter 5:6-12 “Don’t put the cart before the horse” - we shouldn’t reverse the accepted order of things. We often do that in the midst of our struggles in life. We want God’s help and blessing, while forgetting the call to humility and submission. But we must keep first things first. 2012 Theme: Until He Comes - looking for Jesus to come again & seeking to live according to that perspective. Until He comes, we must keep first things first. I Peter 5:6-12 - Peter’s continuing call to humility. Peter had exhorted the elders to “shepherd the flock of God among you,” and the “sheep” to “be subject to the elders.” For both, this requires humility - “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another.” “Clothe yourselves” - “knot or band by which two things are fastened together.” “This was the white scarf or apron of slaves, which was fastened to the belt of the vest and distinguished slaves from freemen. Therefore, I Peter 5:5 encourages Christians to show their subjection one to another by putting on humility” (Strong’s). No one wants God’s opposition, but pride brings it. Everyone wants God’s grace, and humility finds it. First things first! Humility first before God. I Peter 5:7 - one of the most beloved verses in the Bible. We love to know that we can cast our cares upon God, throw our anxieties at His feet, place our hurts and struggles on Him. And we can! How loving and kind God is! He is Father to those who come to Him by faith in the atoning work of His Son, Jesus Christ. He does care for us - “His heart is touched with our grief!” He is willing and able to carry our burdens and sorrows with us, even for us. II Chronicles 20:15 - “Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed…for the battle is not yours, but God’s.’” Psalm 55:22a, Matthew 11:28-30 - “O yes, He cares!” But let’s not get the cart before the horse! Verse 6 precedes verse 7. Humble - “make low, assign a lower rank or place” (Strong’s). We’re to humble ourselves, being “devoid of haughtiness.” 1)Humbly recognize our sin and need of a Savior. “Repent and be baptized…in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins…” (Acts 2:38). “For everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). 2)Humbly recognize our utter dependence upon God. “…apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). “True humility is shown by our ability to cast our care upon God. It is proud presumption to take things into our own worry and care …that God has promised to take care of. Sometimes we need to call worry and inappropriate care exactly what it is - pride and unbelief, and a desire to usurp God’s place as our providing, caring Father.” (David Gudzik) Matthew 6:31-33 3)Humbly recognize the sovereign rule of Almighty God. We are in His hands, but also under His hand - He is over all. Revelation 1:8, I Corinthians 6:19-20, Matthew 16:24-25 Recognize and submit to the Lordship of Christ and the sovereignty of God. God’s promise is to exalt the humble “at the proper time.” “If God has us in a humble place at the present time, we must submit to God’s plan. He knows the due time to exalt us, though we often think we know that time better than God does.” “Though we wish we were on the ‘no suffering plan,’ God uses suffering to perfect, establish, strengthen and settle us.” (David Gudzik) When we exalt ourselves, we will be abased; when we humble ourselves, we will be exalted. And God knows how to exalt! So humble yourselves before God, then cast your cares upon Him, because He cares for you! Until Jesus comes, let us “humble [ourselves] under the mighty hand of God” and “clothe [ourselves]… with humility toward one another.”

“Until He Comes: Follow the Great Shepherd!”(Pt2) - I Peter 5:1-5 All of us must be followers, some of us must be leaders (husbands, parents, teachers, employers, supervisors, committee chair). Good leaders are first of all followers. If no one is following, you’re not a leader. 2012 Theme: Until He Comes - looking for Jesus to come again & seeking to live according to that perspective. Until He comes, we must follow the Great/Chief Shepherd, which means following those He has placed over us. I Peter 5:1-5 - Peter addresses 2 specific groups: 1)Elders, 2)Those under the elders’ charge (the “younger”). Foundational truths: The Lord Jesus Christ is the “chief Shepherd.” We who believe are the “flock of God.” I)Christ the Chief Shepherd - He suffered for His flock (vs1) - He is coming again in glorious triumph (vs1, 4) - He is a caring Shepherd - vs7 - He has appointed “under-shepherds,” through whom He will care for His flock, the Church. What a loving thing to do! II)The Flock of God: the Church worldwide, throughout history, but also the local church - “the flock of God among you.” - No “lone ranger” Christians. - We are in need of a shepherd. - Benefits of Christ as Shepherd are great - Salvation, His tender care, Eternal life in His “fold” - As sheep must follow the shepherd, so we must follow Christ. “Christian” means “Christ-follower.” Following means obeying! Are you following Jesus? If you are not following Jesus, can you call yourself a Christian? - Humility and submission are essential - vs5. III)The Under-shepherds - Elders - vs1 - “presbyteros” - “elder of age, term of rank or office; among the Jews, members of the great council, rulers of the people; among Christians, those who presided over the assemblies (or churches) - bishop, elder, presbyters” (Strong’s Concordance). Not sought, but appointed. - The Charge: “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you” - “poimaino” - “feed, tend, rule, govern, nourish, serve, supply the sheep (Strong’s). - “episkopeo” - “exercise oversight, look upon/after, inspect, oversee” (Strong’s). - “Not under compulsion, but willingly” - vs2b. - “Not for shameful gain, but eagerly” - vs2c. - “Not domineering, but as examples” - vs3. - The reward will come in the eternal kingdom - vs4. - Pray for your elders! IV)The Local “Flock” (Church) - the “younger” - vs5. - The Charge: “Be subject to the elders.” We follow Christ, the Chief Shepherd, in part, by following the lead of the under-shepherds/elders. - Humility is essential - before Christ; - before the under-shepherds/elders; - before each other. - No one wants God’s opposition, but pride brings it. - Everyone wants God’s grace, and humility finds it. Until He comes, we must follow our Shepherd, being leaders He has appointed and humble followers, seeking His grace.

Adam Vergobbe, Chaplain, Cornerstone Motorcycle Ministry Pastor Tom Johnson, Morning Sermon

AWESOME GOD 2012 "Your Great Name" When: Sat & Sun June 9th & 10th Where: Faith Baptist Church 331 Silver St. Greenfield, MA Time: 6:00 PM 4 Churches together for 1 Concert Living Waters Assembly of God, Greenfield Alliance Church, Vernon Advent Christian Church & Faith Baptist Church FREE ADMISSION

Sermon Outline “Until He Comes: Follow the Great Shepherd!” - I Peter 5:1-5 Proverbs 18:10: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” Names of God: Great I AM, Jehovah-Jireh (Provider), God Almighty, Father, Bread of Life, Light of the World, Vine & Vinedresser, Spirit of Truth, etc, etc. Knowing who God is is vitally important, if we are to run into Him & be saved. One of the most endearing names of God is Shepherd. Psalm 23:1a - “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Isaiah 40:11 - “He will tend His flock like a shepherd…” John 10:11, 14 - “I am the good shepherd…” Hebrews 13:20 - “…the great shepherd of the sheep…” Revelation 7:17 - “For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd…” 2012 Theme: Until He Comes - looking for Jesus to come again & seeking to live according to that perspective. Until He comes, we must follow the Shepherd! I Peter 5:1-5 - Peter addresses 2 specific groups: 1)Elders, 2)Those under the elders’ charge (the “younger”). Foundational truths: The Lord Jesus Christ is the “chief Shepherd.” We who believe are the “flock of God.” I)Christ the Chief Shepherd - Chief Shepherd: One in charge of all the flock, most likely, the owner. Jesus is Lord of the Church, over all the Church, responsible to build His Church & to take care of His Church. - He suffered for His flock (vs1) - John 10:11 - Peter was an eyewitness. - He is coming again in glorious triumph (vs1, 4) - Peter was sure that he would be “a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed,” as will all who are in Christ - I Corinthians 2:9. - He is a caring Shepherd - vs7 - You can be sure of His love! Be humble in your need & cast it before God. - He has appointed “under-shepherds,” through whom He will care for His flock, the Church. What a loving thing to do! II)The Flock of God: the Church worldwide, throughout history, but also the local church - “the flock of God among you.” - Each individual believer is part of the worldwide Church, but also needs to be part of a local church - no “lone rangers!” - We are in need of a shepherd - Matthew 9:36, Isaiah 53:6 - Benefits are great - Salvation - John 10:11 - His tender care - Psalm 23, Isaiah 40:11 - Eternal life in His “fold” - Psalm 23:6, Rev. 7:17 - As sheep must follow the shepherd, so we must follow Christ, for our own good & the good of the flock/church. We are totally dependent. We’re not to go our own way, but God’s way. We must order our lives according to Him. “Christian” means “Christ-follower.” Following means obeying! Are you following Jesus? If you are not following Jesus, can you call yourself a Christian? Humility and submission are essential - vs5. Until He comes, we must follow our Shepherd, depending on Him and obeying Him.

For more information on S.I.M., please visit www.sim.org

Sermon Outline “Until He Comes: Don’t Be Surprised” - I Peter 4:12-19 Recent statement: “There seem to be so many struggles in the church family right now!” But should we be surprised? John 16:33, James 1:2-4 - Trials are a normal part of life, especially for the Christian. Trials are intended to prove us, mature us, keep us looking to God, keep us longing for Christ’s coming. 2012 Theme: Until He Comes - looking for Jesus to come again & seeking to live according to that perspective. Until He comes, we shouldn’t be surprised at the trials of our lives. I Peter 4:12-19 - Peter addresses the matter of Christian suffering. I)Don’t be surprised at trials (vs12) - they are testing/proving you. “xenizo” - “to receive as a guest, entertain, surprise or astonish by the strangeness & novelty of a thing; think strange, be shocked” (Strong’s) “pyrosis” - “a burning, by which metals are roasted & reduced; calamities or trials that test the character” (Strong’s) II)Rejoice to be able to share with Christ in His suffering (vs13-14) We identify with Christ and enter into fellowship with Him. If we suffer with Him, we shall also be glorified with Him. Spirit of glory = Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit. “Rests upon” - carrying you into rest. III)Don’t be the cause of your own suffering (or another’s) (vs15). IV)Glorify God in the suffering (vs16). Stewardship (vs1-11) even of suffering, “…in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” V)Understand that God is refining, purifying His people (vs17-18). For us, judgment is now, in a positive, purifying sense. Those who don’t know Christ await a judgment of destruction - II Thessalonians 1:4-10. VI)Entrust your soul/life to God your creator and keep doing what is right (vs19). “paratithemi” - “place beside or set before; entrust, commit to one’s charge” (Strong’s). Don’t use the suffering as an excuse to sin, but always do what is right. We are in God’s hands in the midst of the suffering. Prayer of Saint Patrick I arise today Through God’s strength to pilot me; God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me, God’s eye to look before me, God’s ear to hear me, God’s word to speak for me, God’s hand to guard me, God’s way to lie before me, God’s shield to protect me, God’s hosts to save me From the snares of the devil, From temptations of vices, From everyone who desires me ill, Afar and anear, Alone or in multitude. Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me, Christ in the eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me. I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through a belief in the Threeness, Through a confession of the Oneness Of the creator of creation. Until He comes, don’t be surprised by trials, but glorify God as you walk through the valley.