07.31.16 | Unfading
Chapter 5
Brad Kidder
1 Peter 5
There are moments in time when it is hard to believe that God is at work in our world and even in our lives. For some of us, this puts us on edge. How can we trust that a loving God is at hand? Brad Kidder directs us to believe in God’s sovereignty and trust that He cares for you. In this, we can find comfort.
1 Peter 5
- Live Notes
… if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name … So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
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.
Throw your cares, which are so cutting and distracting, which wound your souls and pierce your hearts, upon the wise and gracious providence of God; trust in him with a firm composed min, ‘for he cares for you’. He is willing to release you of your care, and take the care of you upon himself. He will either avert what you fear, or support you under it. He will order all events to you [to] convince you of his paternal love and tenderness towards you; and shall be so ordered that no hurt, but good, shall come unto you.
– Matthew Henry
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
… the manner in which Satan [blinds minds] is through sowing corrupt ideologies and destructive patterns of life within creation, luring humanity to live in ways that are enslaving and oppressing. Satan is, after all, “the ruler of the power of the air,” the realm of ideologies, cultural prejudices, and well-worn patterns of thought. In this role he controls “the spirit that is now at work among those who are now disobedient (Eph. 2:2)”.
– Tim Gombis
Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
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