Final Words
1 Peter 5:6-11
Pastor Jerry Koller

One of the first topics in the summary is humility—something that he just talked about in the previous verse where he said, ...All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (vs. 5)

Peter has not mentioned the word humility more than once. However, he does mention the word humble three times.
Humble is a verb. It is an action we are to take.

The term, under God’s mighty hand was a common Old Testament reference to God’s power.

Anxiety is a general term that includes cares, worries, or concerns., things that make us nervous or uncertain. It is an emotion that is often uncomfortable and can cause fear or dread.
· The word cast literally has to do with placing upon or throwing upon something or someone.
· There is an element of giving up something present in this meaning.

Peter states: Be self-controlled and alert. (vs. 8a)
· Some translations use the phrase be sober minded.
· Being self-controlled/sober means not allowing our perception to become distorted.
· Alert comes from a word that literally means to stay awake. It means to be vigilant or watchful. Alert means one is to be carefully observant or attentive. It means being on the lookout for potential danger.

The translation “adversary” is a stronger description.

Peter mentions three important things in regard to the devil:
· He prowls.
· He roars.
· He seeks to devour.

The word seek means to find out by thinking, meditating, or reasoning. The word devour means to swallow up.

It is true that the devil is a powerful adversary, but we have to stop projecting attributes that belong to God alone to him.

· Resisting means to take a stand against.
· It means to oppose or resist.

In verse 10, he offers a word of encouragement.

· God is the source of all grace.
· God is the One who called you.
· He is the One who will bring you to eternal glory when Jesus returns.
· He is the One who will restore you.

Restore simply means to set right what has gone wrong, put in order, to complete.
· Suffering is not eternal. Your glorification will be eternal.

· Stay humble.
· Throw your anxiety upon God for He cares for you.
· Be self-controlled.
· Be on the alert.
· Our adversary devil may be looking for your weaknesses, but you don’t have to show him anything.
· Persevere in all circumstances, for Jesus is coming again.
· When He returns, will set everything in order.

· John & Susan Seitz and their family upon the loss of Susan’s mother, Loretta Pollard, on 3/16.
· Nancy Scott and her family upon the loss of her mother, Evelyn Semand, on March 5. A memorial service will be held on May 20 at 2:00pm at FBC.
· Sue, Kyle & Sarah McKamey and their family upon the unexpected loss of Sue's grandson and Kyle's nephew on 3/2.
· Caroline Bocock has been terribly ill as she is dealing with a Lyme Disease outbreak. Some of her symptoms included being in excruciating pain, having blackouts, issues with sleeping, darkening vision, random skin issues, a constant headache since 11/5, and so much more. She is taking a regiment of medications to get it under control.
· Nolan Marshall (son of Dan & Tracy) is receiving outpatient therapy but hasn’t found an even keel yet. He has been allowed to return to the school environment with many boundaries in place. The Marshall family is still very much in crisis mode and continued prayers are appreciated as they try to adjust medications and work with Nolan to manage his diagnoses.
· Marge Benham is doing well. She is working with physical therapy on weight bearing activities.
· Joyce Bocock has completed chemo and radiation; praise God that both tumors have shrunk significantly more than expected; evaluating additional treatment options.
· Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.

First Baptist Church
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com