Standing Firm in God's Grace and Future Hope

 

Summary

In this reflection on 1 Peter 5:6-12, we are reminded of the profound hope and assurance found in the promises of God. Peter encourages us to humble ourselves under God's mighty hand, casting all our anxieties on Him because He cares for us. This passage calls us to be sober-minded and watchful, recognizing the reality of spiritual warfare as the devil prowls like a roaring lion. Yet, we are not left defenseless; we are called to resist him, standing firm in our faith, knowing that our sufferings are shared by believers worldwide. The God of all grace, who has called us to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us.

The future holds a glorious promise for those who stand firm in God's grace. Despite the present sufferings and challenges, we are assured of a future exaltation, a time when Christ's glory will be fully revealed to us and in us. This hope should shape our present priorities and perspectives, urging us to meditate on the future life and the eternal glory that awaits us. Calvin's advice to regularly meditate on the future life is a call to align our lives with the eternal promises of God, setting our hearts on the things above.

The book of Revelation offers a vision of the future that is both awe-inspiring and comforting. It assures us that Christ will conquer, and the forces of evil will be utterly destroyed. The new heaven and new earth will be a place where sin, pain, and suffering are no more. This vision of a holy city, adorned as a bride for the Bridegroom, speaks of the beauty, value, and safety that God has prepared for His people. It is a city where God Himself will dwell with us, and there will be no need for a temple, for His presence will be our light.

As we reflect on these promises, we are challenged to live as conquerors, overcoming the struggles of this life with the assurance of the eternal city that awaits us. The call to stand firm in the grace of God is a call to courage, to resist the temptation to cowardice, and to live with the hope of the glory that is to come.

Key Takeaways:

- Humility and trust in God are essential as we navigate life's challenges. By casting our anxieties on Him, we acknowledge His care and sovereignty, allowing us to stand firm in faith despite the adversary's attacks. [00:37]

- The promise of future exaltation should shape our present priorities. Meditating on the eternal glory that awaits us helps us live with a perspective that values the eternal over the temporal. [05:53]

- The vision of the new heaven and new earth in Revelation assures us of a future without sin, pain, or suffering. This hope encourages us to endure present trials with the assurance of God's ultimate victory. [12:25]

- The beauty and value of the heavenly city reflect God's care and love for His people. It is a place of safety and righteousness, where we will dwell with God Himself, free from the struggles of this world. [28:54]

- Courage is essential in the Christian life. We are called to be conquerors, standing firm in the face of adversity, with the assurance that God will fulfill His promises and make all things new. [40:49]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:37] - Humble Yourselves Under God's Hand
- [01:30] - Stand Firm in God's Grace
- [02:23] - The Future Exaltation
- [03:23] - The Uncertainty of the Future
- [04:52] - Meditating on the Future Life
- [06:49] - Calvin's Counsel on Future Hope
- [08:21] - The Vision of Revelation
- [10:39] - Christ's Ultimate Victory
- [12:25] - A New Heaven and New Earth
- [14:22] - The Passing of the Old
- [16:20] - No More Tears
- [18:15] - The Book of Life
- [20:01] - The Holy City
- [23:15] - Contrast with Babylon
- [28:54] - The Beauty and Safety of the City
- [31:49] - The River of Life
- [36:11] - Heaven on Earth
- [38:57] - The Call to Conquer
- [40:49] - The Sin of Cowardice
- [47:01] - Standing Firm in Grace

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 1 Peter 5:6-12
- Revelation 21:1-7

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Peter instruct believers to do with their anxieties, and why? [00:37]
2. How does Peter describe the devil, and what are believers encouraged to do in response? [00:37]
3. According to Revelation 21, what significant changes will occur in the new heaven and new earth? [12:25]
4. What is the significance of the holy city being described as a bride adorned for her husband? [20:01]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the promise of future exaltation in 1 Peter 5:6-12 influence a believer's current life and priorities? [02:23]
2. In what ways does the vision of the new heaven and new earth in Revelation 21 provide comfort and hope to believers facing trials? [12:25]
3. Why might Calvin have emphasized the importance of meditating on the future life, and how does this practice affect a believer's perspective? [05:53]
4. How does the description of the holy city in Revelation 21 contrast with the depiction of Babylon, and what does this signify for believers? [23:15]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a current anxiety you are facing. How can you practice casting this anxiety on God, trusting in His care and sovereignty? [00:37]
2. Consider a situation where you feel spiritually attacked or tempted. How can you stand firm in your faith and resist the adversary? [00:37]
3. How can the promise of future exaltation and eternal glory shape your daily decisions and priorities? What changes might you need to make? [02:23]
4. In what ways can you incorporate regular meditation on the future life into your spiritual practices? How might this change your outlook on present challenges? [05:53]
5. Think about a time when you felt overwhelmed by the struggles of this world. How does the vision of a new heaven and new earth encourage you to endure? [12:25]
6. How can you cultivate courage in your Christian walk, especially when facing adversity or the temptation to compromise your faith? [40:49]
7. Identify one area in your life where you need to stand firm in God's grace. What practical steps can you take to strengthen your resolve in this area? [49:05]

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting God's Sovereignty in Our Anxieties
Humility and trust in God are essential as we navigate life's challenges. By casting our anxieties on Him, we acknowledge His care and sovereignty, allowing us to stand firm in faith despite the adversary's attacks. This act of surrender is not a sign of weakness but a profound declaration of faith in God's power and love. When we humble ourselves under God's mighty hand, we open ourselves to His guidance and protection, recognizing that He is in control of all circumstances. The adversary may prowl like a roaring lion, but our faith in God's promises equips us to resist and overcome. [00:37]

1 Peter 5:6-7 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: What specific anxieties are you holding onto today that you need to cast upon God? How can you practically demonstrate your trust in His sovereignty this week?


Day 2: Shaping Present Priorities with Future Promises
The promise of future exaltation should shape our present priorities. Meditating on the eternal glory that awaits us helps us live with a perspective that values the eternal over the temporal. This future hope is not just a distant dream but a reality that influences how we live today. By focusing on the eternal promises of God, we are encouraged to align our lives with His will, setting our hearts on things above rather than being consumed by the fleeting concerns of this world. This shift in perspective empowers us to live with purpose and intentionality, knowing that our present actions have eternal significance. [05:53]

Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

Reflection: What is one temporal concern that often distracts you from focusing on God's eternal promises? How can you adjust your daily routine to prioritize the eternal over the temporal?


Day 3: Enduring Trials with the Assurance of Victory
The vision of the new heaven and new earth in Revelation assures us of a future without sin, pain, or suffering. This hope encourages us to endure present trials with the assurance of God's ultimate victory. The struggles we face today are temporary and will one day be replaced by the eternal joy and peace of God's kingdom. This assurance gives us the strength to persevere, knowing that our present sufferings are not in vain but are part of God's redemptive plan. As we hold onto this hope, we are reminded that Christ's victory is already secured, and we are invited to share in His triumph. [12:25]

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: How can the assurance of God's ultimate victory help you face a current trial with renewed hope and perseverance?


Day 4: Embracing the Beauty and Safety of God's Presence
The beauty and value of the heavenly city reflect God's care and love for His people. It is a place of safety and righteousness, where we will dwell with God Himself, free from the struggles of this world. This vision of the holy city, adorned as a bride for the Bridegroom, speaks of the intimate relationship God desires to have with us. In His presence, we find true fulfillment and security, knowing that we are cherished and protected by our Creator. This promise invites us to live with confidence and joy, anticipating the day when we will fully experience the beauty and safety of God's eternal kingdom. [28:54]

Revelation 21:2-3 (ESV): "And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.'"

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of God's presence in your daily life, experiencing His beauty and safety even now?


Day 5: Living Courageously as Conquerors in Christ
Courage is essential in the Christian life. We are called to be conquerors, standing firm in the face of adversity, with the assurance that God will fulfill His promises and make all things new. This call to courage is not about relying on our own strength but about trusting in the power of Christ within us. As we face challenges and temptations, we are reminded that we are not alone; God is with us, empowering us to overcome. By embracing this identity as conquerors, we can live boldly and confidently, knowing that our victory is secure in Christ. [40:49]

Romans 8:37-39 (ESV): "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to step out in courage and faith, trusting in God's promises? How can you take a practical step towards this today?

Quotes

"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. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world." [00:49:19]

"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. 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." [01:30:14]

"Calvin recognized that. Calvin thought it was a great Christian failing not to think enough about the future. And so, he recommended in his Institutes a regular discipline for Christians. He said to Christians, 'Spend time regularly meditating on the future life.' Think about what God has promised you for the future because it'll set your priorities straighter now." [05:59:07]

"Think about the future. Think about the shortness of life. Think about what eternity really means with Christ. Think about the crown of glory that fades not away. It'll put your priorities straight. It'll order your thinking. Calvin wrote another letter to Madame Budé. She was the widow of the greatest scholar in France in the sixteenth century." [08:30:43]

"How does the Bible begin? 'In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.' And throughout the Bible, again and again and again, the Bible returns to our faithful Creator. And the reason it returns again and again to our faithful Creator is to remind us how glorious our God is, how powerful our God is." [12:32:92]

"Well, you see, we are not thinking biblically at all. This is a vision of the old passing away because what the old has contained is sin and pain and suffering. The ancient Hebrews didn't really like the sea. They weren't a seafaring people, by and large. They didn't live near the sea, by and large." [14:12:65]

"No tears. Why no tears? Because there is going to be nothing to cry over. We had hard questions in the question-and-answer period. Why so much suffering in this world? What about unsaved loved ones? What are we to think about this? All the tears shed, and none of them lost. Psalm 58 or 56, I never can remember which one, says, 'God collects our tears in a bottle.'" [15:28:23]

"One of the great images in the book of the Revelation is God keeps two books. He keeps a book of life for His people and in that book of life are just names. And then He keeps a book, we could call it, I guess, the book of death, for those who are rebels against God, and in there are names and deeds." [18:15:47]

"And what a contrast is drawn with the horror of Babylon in Revelation 17 verses 3 through 6, we read, 'And he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns. The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality.'" [23:15:64]

"God is saying, 'I will take care of you. I will protect you. You will be safe.' These first-century Christians weren't safe. We've seen that over and over again in 1 Peter. They were being persecuted; they were suffering. God is saying, 'I will take care of you. My new heaven and new earth will be a safe place for you. There will be no dangers for you there. There will be no threats to you there.'" [29:03:68]

"And then in verse 7, Revelation 21 verse 7, we read, 'The one who conquers will have this heritage and I will be His God and he will be My son.' Do you notice how this closing image is taking us back to the beginning of the book where we had seven letters to seven churches, each letter concluding with the statement, 'To him who conquers,' or as it is sometimes translated, 'To him who overcomes, I will give blessing?'" [38:16:41]

"There is the uncleanness that will be removed from the holy city. There is the uncleanness that will never pollute the new heaven and the new earth. There is a list of gross sins that will never be allowed in the holy city. Do you notice what the first sin is? What ... if you are making a list of gross sins, what would be the number one sin? Isn't it intriguing, here the number one sin is cowardice?" [40:49:28]

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Transcript
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