Standing Firm

Citizens of Heaven

• What happens when we embrace our God-given identity as Citizens of Heaven?
• We will live a transformed life (holiness).
• We will be cast aside by the world.

Remember: Christians shouldn’t feel at home in the world since we are foreigners and exiles (1 Peter 1:1, 17; 2:11).

• The earliest Christians were cast aside by the Jewish leaders, Roman authorities, and by society in general.
• Despite that estrangement, they did have a place to call home — the body of Christ.

Why We Need To Stay Connected with the Body

• We have a spiritual enemy who is looking to devour us (1 Peter 5:8). Christians sometimes make one of two mistakes in response to this threat:

1. They try to fight back with their own power (instead of the power of God).
2. They try to fight him alone, instead of alongside other Christians.

Today’s Message: “Standing Firm”

Disciples of Jesus stand firm in their faith by trusting in the power of God as they resist the Devil’s attacks. And, they draw on the strength of their brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Elders in the Church

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-6 .

“Elder” is the title, but what do they actually do? Peter mentions four things:

• They shepherd God’s flock (protect, guide, nourish, rescue when necessary).
• They watch over the flock. Keep an eye out for everyone’s well-being. Like lifeguards who sit high above everyone so they can clearly see potential threats and danger.
• They serve the flock. They use God’s gifts, along with the power he supplies, to serve God’s people (1 Peter 4:10-11).
• They set an example. They practice what they preach.

Jesus is our ultimate example, and he will return to reward Godly elders who serve in this way (1 Peter 5:4). 

• Sometimes, churches run into problems because their shepherds care more about power, ego, and control than they do about caring for the flock (e.g. Ezekiel 34).
• Other times, the problem isn’t the shepherds; it’s the sheep. Some sheep refuse to be led, deny their need for a shepherd, or aren’t willing to give up control.

How do we solve these potential problems? 

• By taking verses 5-6 seriously — clothing ourselves with humility and humbling ourselves before God.

Cast Your Anxieties on God

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:7

This is one of the most encouraging verses in the Bible! 

• Peter can look to the world and see all the reasons why Christians would feel stressed and anxious. He has talked about many of them in his letter.
• God knows one consequence of living in a fallen world is a lot of stress and anxiety.
• People do not always deal with their anxiety in a healthy way. Sometimes they bottle it up, numb the pain, or lash out at others.
• God wants us to cast it all on him because he cares for us.

Three Biblical truths about unaddressed anxiety:

1. It can prevent God’s word from bearing fruit in your life (Matthew 13:22).
2. It can distract you from spending time with Jesus (Luke 10:41).
3. It can keep you from seeking God’s Kingdom first (Matthew 6:25-34).

Instead, God wants us to cast it on him, since he is our ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). See also Matthew 11:28.

Standing Firm in the Fight

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8-10

• Our enemy is coming after us, but we are called to resist him. How do we do that?

1. Equip the full armor of God so we can stand our ground (Ephesians 6:13).
2. Draw strength from the elders who guide us from up front.
3. Lean on our fellow Christians who encourage us from alongside.

Remember: We have strength from the Spirit within, leadership from our elders up front, and encouragement from other Christians alongside.

Call to Action:

1. Stay grounded in your God-given identity and purpose.
2. Surround yourself with a community of faith.
3. Stand firm in the Lord and resist the Devil’s attacks. 

Study and Reflection

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” -Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)

Read: Philippians 3:4-21

1. This passage begins with a discussion of different things Paul could have pointed to as the primary source of his identity. What are some of the most common ways people define their identity today?
2. How would you define your identity right now? 
3. How does Paul define his primary goal or life mission in verses 7-10? How does this driving purpose compare to the things our world is chasing after?
4. Given what you know about Paul’s background, why does he say it’s so important to forget what is behind us in our walk with God (v. 13)? Is there anything in your past you need to let go of in your pursuit of Jesus?
5. Paul encourages the church to follow his example (v. 17). Bryan made the point that God has given us godly leaders to guide and set us an example from up front. Who are some of your role models or examples in the faith? What stands out about their walk with God?
6. After reading this passage and reflecting on our 1 Peter message series, what does it mean to you that we are citizens of Heaven?
7. In 1 Peter 5:7, we are instructed to cast all our anxiety on God. What is weighing heavy on your heart right now that you need to let go of in prayer? Who is someone you trust enough to confide it? How can you share that with them this week?
8. Bryan mentioned that the two mistakes Christians make in their spiritual battle are fighting with their strength instead of God’s, and fighting alone instead of together. Can you relate at all to either of those failed strategies? What is the better approach?
9. What do you feel or hear God calling you to do this week after spending time in his Word?