10/12 11am "Standing Firm in the Gospel" 1 Peter 5:12-14

Devotional

Day 1: Stand Firm in the True Grace of God

The grace of God is an unmerited gift, freely given to those who are unworthy and unable to save themselves. This grace cost God dearly—the life of Jesus, who took on flesh, died on the cross, and gave us His righteousness in exchange for our sin. Because of this, believers are called to stand firm in this grace, understanding that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. This foundation is not only to be cherished but also to be shared freely with others, as it is a gift that cannot be earned or taken away. [44:41]

1 Peter 5:12 (ESV):
"By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you struggle to rest in God’s grace rather than trying to earn His favor? How can you remind yourself today that your standing with God is based on Christ’s finished work, not your own efforts?

Day 2: God’s Faithfulness and the Call to Be Faithful

God’s faithfulness is unwavering—He promises never to leave or forsake His people, even in times of trial, judgment, or suffering. Just as Silvanus (Silas) and Mark were commended for their faithfulness despite past failures or hardships, believers are called to be faithful to God, His Word, and His church. No matter how much one has failed or sinned, God can transform and use anyone for His purposes, demonstrating that faithfulness is what God desires most from His children. [43:22]

2 Timothy 2:13 (ESV):
"If we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself."

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt you had failed God or others. How might God be inviting you to trust in His faithfulness and step forward in faithfulness today, regardless of your past?

Day 3: The Peace of God in the Midst of Suffering

True peace comes first from being reconciled to God through Christ, and then experiencing the peace of God even in the midst of suffering and trials. This peace is not dependent on circumstances but is rooted in the assurance of God’s sovereignty and presence. Believers are called to stand firm, putting on the full armor of God, and to fight from a place of victory, knowing that the Holy Spirit within is greater than any opposition. When peace is lacking, it may be time to examine one’s heart for unconfessed sin or misplaced fear, and to seek God’s restoring presence. [56:22]

Ephesians 6:13-15 (ESV):
"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace."

Reflection: Where in your life do you most need the peace of God right now? What step can you take today to bring that area before God—whether through confession, prayer, or seeking support from a fellow believer?

Day 4: Love as the Mark of Christian Community

Love is the defining characteristic of the Christian life, not as the world defines it, but as God does—patient, kind, not self-seeking, keeping no record of wrongs, and always persevering. This love is to be shown both within the church and to those outside, not just in words but in tangible actions of respect, forgiveness, and unity. The method of expressing love may change with culture, but the principle remains: believers are to be known by their genuine, sacrificial love for one another. [07:18]

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV):
"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

Reflection: Who is one person—inside or outside the church—you can show Christlike love to today, especially if it requires patience, forgiveness, or humility? What specific action can you take?

Day 5: God’s Unconditional, Everlasting Love

God’s love for His people is unconditional and everlasting—He cannot love you more, and He will not love you less. This love is not based on your performance or worthiness, but on God’s very nature and the finished work of Christ. Understanding and believing this truth shapes how you view God, yourself, and others, and empowers you to live with confidence, gratitude, and a desire to share that love with the world. [06:36]

Jeremiah 31:3 (ESV):
"The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you."

Reflection: When you think of God, do you truly believe He loves you unconditionally and eternally? How might embracing this truth change the way you approach God and others today?

Sermon Summary

As we close our journey through 1 Peter, we’re reminded of the richness and depth found in just five short chapters. Peter’s letter is a powerful summary of the Christian life, filled with encouragement, challenge, and hope for believers facing trials. We are given a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ—an inheritance that is imperishable and kept in heaven for us. This hope is not based on earthly possessions or circumstances, but on the finished work of Christ, who has done all the work to secure our salvation.

We are called to be holy, set apart, and different from the world, reflecting God’s character in our conduct. Peter reminds us that we are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, called out of darkness into God’s marvelous light. This identity shapes how we live, how we submit to authority, and how we relate to one another, especially in our closest relationships like marriage. Husbands and wives are called to honor and understand each other, knowing that our spiritual lives are deeply connected to how we treat one another.

A major theme throughout Peter’s letter is suffering. The early church faced intense persecution, yet Peter urges believers to stand firm, knowing that God is faithful even in judgment and hardship. God’s discipline begins with His own people, not to destroy, but to purify and restore. Our own church has experienced seasons of trial and renewal, and through it all, God’s faithfulness has been evident.

Peter also emphasizes the importance of humility, watchfulness, and resisting the devil, who prowls like a roaring lion. Yet, we are not to fear, for Christ in us is greater than any opposition. We are to stand firm in the true grace of God, understanding that our salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. This grace is a gift—unearned, undeserved, and irrevocable—purchased at the cost of Christ’s own life.

The letter closes with reminders of the power of faithful relationships, the possibility of change and restoration (as seen in the lives of Mark and Peter himself), and the call to genuine love and peace within the body of Christ. Love is not a fleeting feeling, but a patient, enduring, selfless commitment that reflects God’s own love for us. As we go out, we are to carry grace, love, and peace to those around us, both inside and outside the family of faith.

Key Takeaways

1. The Foundation of Living Hope and Holiness Our hope is anchored in the resurrection of Jesus, granting us an imperishable inheritance that cannot be touched by earthly troubles. This hope calls us to live holy lives—set apart and distinct from the world—reflecting God’s character in our actions and attitudes. Holiness is not about perfection, but about being wholly different, marked by God’s presence and purpose. [29:24]
2. Grace: The Unmerited, Irrevocable Gift Grace is God’s unearned favor, given freely to the unworthy. It cost God everything—Christ’s own life—so that we might receive righteousness in exchange for our sin. This substitutionary atonement means our standing before God is secure, not because of our works, but because of Christ’s finished work, and this grace should be cherished, explained, and shared. [44:02]
3. Standing Firm in Suffering and Spiritual Battle Suffering is not a sign of God’s absence, but often the context in which His faithfulness is most clearly revealed. We are called to stand firm, putting on the full armor of God, knowing that our battle is not against flesh and blood. The peace of God and the assurance of victory in Christ enable us to face trials with courage, not fleeing from the enemy, but resisting him with the truth and righteousness of Christ. [57:04]
4. The Transforming Power of Restoration and Faithfulness The stories of Mark and Peter remind us that failure is not the end. God delights in restoring the fallen and making them useful for His purposes. Faithfulness, not perfection, is what God seeks; He is able to redeem our past and use us in ways we never imagined, as long as we remain open to His transforming grace. [51:36]
5. Love and Peace as the Hallmarks of Christian Community Genuine love is not a cultural gesture, but a deep, enduring commitment to one another’s good, modeled after God’s own love for us. Peace with God leads to the peace of God, which becomes our foundation in every circumstance. As we love one another with patience, kindness, and forgiveness, we become a living testimony of God’s grace to the world.

** [54:58]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[26:54] - Opening Prayer and Scripture Reading
[28:16] - Announcements and Service Overview
[29:24] - Living Hope and Heavenly Inheritance
[29:54] - The Call to Holiness
[30:26] - Royal Priesthood and Proclaiming God’s Excellencies
[31:21] - Submission, Freedom, and Honoring Authority
[32:23] - Marriage and Mutual Honor
[34:00] - Love Covers a Multitude of Sins
[34:42] - Suffering, Judgment, and God’s Faithfulness
[37:14] - Elders, Humility, and Spiritual Vigilance
[38:22] - Standing Firm Against the Enemy
[39:51] - Silvanus, Mark, and the Power of Faithfulness
[44:02] - The True Grace of God and Substitutionary Atonement
[49:28] - The Church in Babylon and Spiritual Family
[51:36] - Restoration: Mark’s Journey and Our Own
[54:58] - Love, Peace, and the Christian Life
[57:04] - The Armor of God and Standing Firm
[64:18] - What You Believe About God Shapes Your Life
[64:57] - God’s Unconditional, Everlasting Love
[66:36] - Defining Love: 1 Corinthians 13
[68:47] - Closing Prayer and Sending Forth

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Peter 1:3-5 (ESV) — > Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

2. 1 Peter 5:12-14 (ESV)
> By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

3. Ephesians 6:10-18 (ESV)
> Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil... (read through verse 18)

Observation Questions

According to 1 Peter 1:3-5, what is the source of our “living hope” and what kind of inheritance do believers receive?
In 1 Peter 5:12-14, who are the people mentioned by Peter, and what does he say about them? ([39:51])
What does Peter urge believers to do in the face of suffering and spiritual opposition, as seen in Ephesians 6:10-18 and 1 Peter 5? ([57:04])
How does Peter describe the way believers should relate to one another in the church? ([54:58])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Peter emphasize that our hope is “imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven”? How might this shape a believer’s response to trials or loss? ([29:24])
What does it mean to “stand firm in the true grace of God”? Why is it important that grace is described as “unearned, undeserved, and irrevocable”? ([44:02])
The sermon mentions that suffering is not a sign of God’s absence, but a context for His faithfulness. How does this perspective challenge or encourage someone going through hardship? ([34:42])
Peter calls the church to be marked by love and peace. How is this different from the world’s definition of love, and why does it matter for Christian community? ([54:58])

Application Questions

The sermon says our hope is not based on earthly possessions or circumstances, but on the finished work of Christ. Is there something in your life right now that you’re tempted to put your hope in besides Jesus? How can you shift your focus this week? ([29:24])
Peter calls us to be holy and “wholly different” from the world. What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to be set apart? What practical step could you take to reflect God’s character in that area? ([29:54])
The message highlights the importance of humility and resisting the devil. Are there specific ways you can be more watchful or humble in your daily life, especially when facing temptation or conflict? ([37:37])
The story of Mark and Peter shows that failure is not the end, and God delights in restoring the fallen. Is there a past failure or regret that you need to bring to God for restoration? What would it look like to let God use your story for His purposes? ([51:36])
The sermon describes love as a patient, enduring, selfless commitment. Think of a relationship in your life (family, friend, church member) where you need to show this kind of love. What is one specific action you can take this week to demonstrate it? ([01:06:36])
Peter urges believers to “stand firm” and put on the armor of God. What part of the armor (truth, righteousness, faith, etc.) do you feel you need to focus on right now? How can you intentionally “put it on” in your daily routine? ([57:04])
The sermon ends with a call to carry grace, love, and peace to those around us. Who is one person—inside or outside the church—you can intentionally encourage or bless this week? What will you do? ([54:58])

Sermon Clips

Suffering as a Christian seems to be a major theme throughout this book. And it is. Right, Peter? Because think about what they were going through back then. The emperor was taking Christians, dipping them in tar, sticking them on stakes, and lighting them on fire at night to light up the city of Rome. That's some persecution. Right? They had the Colosseum. They turned lions loose. There was just all kinds of persecution going on back then. So suffering as a Christian is a major theme here that Peter was addressing. [00:34:35] (36 seconds) #FaithfulInSuffering

Man what a great thing to have someone say about you right? Isn't that what we're looking for in the end? When we go to heaven and we see Jesus. We want to hear good and faithful servant. Right? We don't want to hear or we're never going to hear that it's oh well done good and rich servant. Well done good and beautiful servant. It's no. It's faithfulness. God wants faithfulness. Because God is faithful. Right? He tells us he will never leave us and he'll never forsake us. He wants us to be faithful to his word to his church and to him. Right? [00:42:54] (44 seconds) #FaithfulnessOverRiches

The definition of grace is unmerited favor for the unworthy. So who are the unworthy? All of us. Right? None of us are worthy. Paul says in Romans that we're dead in our sins in our transgressions. We're dead. What can dead people do? Nothing. Zero zilch. Nothing. Right? It all depends on God. Calling that dead person to life. Into a relationship with him. None of it is ours. It's theirs. It's up to God to do it. Grace is freely given to us by God. It is a gift to his chosen people of God that cost us nothing and cannot be taken back. Right? He gives it to us. He's never going to take it back. [00:44:02] (55 seconds) #GraceForTheUnworthy

The second person of the Trinity became flesh and blood, died on the cross, paid the price that we could not so we can spend eternity with him. This is called substitutionary atonement. Right? We're going to teach a little bit of doctrine. I like to sneak that in. We're going to do some doctrine. So substitutionary atonement. That means Jesus did what we couldn't. He's got the good stuff. He's got righteousness. We got our righteousness as filthy rags. He takes our filthy rags and we get his righteousness. Right? That's our position in Christ. That's how God sees us. Now are we still sinful and we still need to work on that? Yes, we do. But God sees us as righteous. Because we have Christ in us and his covering over it. [00:45:10] (51 seconds) #SubstitutionaryAtonement

So let us cherish this gift of salvation that it shouldn't be taken lightly. And it should be shared freely with others because it was a gift given to us. Right? If you get a gift, why not give it? So this is the whole idea of the grace and having that. And then we are told to stand firm in it. Stand firm in the grace. The grace that is given to us. But you cannot stand in something you cannot explain. This is why we teach doctrine. Trying to get that out. Josh is doing that. But we can explain that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, by Christ alone. Our salvation cannot be earned by us. There is no this plus Jesus will get us salvation. Nothing. Christ alone. Grace alone, through faith alone, through Christ alone. That's it. So if we can explain that, we are good. [00:48:04] (64 seconds) #CherishAndShareSalvation

God's grace is free. So as we go out today, remember, according to the Apostle Peter, we go with grace, love, and peace. And we give that to those around us, those that are in the family and those that are out. [01:08:26] (24 seconds) #GoWithGraceLovePeace

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