In our finale message in this series, we look at the closing remarks of Peter’s letter. Peter speaks of simple wisdom for the Christian to endure faithfully for a whole life: stand firm in grace.

Scripture 1 Peter 5:8–14

How are we to endure in the face of religious, social and political turmoil? By humbly surrendering our lives to Christ despite the cost. When the natural instinct is to close our hands—God invites us to open them to his care and command.

Scripture: Hebrews 13:7–16

Where do you go when your anxiety hits the limits of your humanity? 1 Peter 5:6-7 asks us to lay down our pride. In doing so, we admit that we are not in control as much as we would like, and God cares about our anxieties more than we ever could. Scripture: 1 Peter 5:6–7

Our love of God directly correlates to our love for others. As the family of God, there is a constant call to deepen our relationship ship with God and with our spiritual brothers and sisters. And we are called to steward and disciple the next generation to remember God’s word.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4-9

To be a follower of Jesus means Jesus shepherds us. He leads me, guides me, corrects me. And Peter takes this same metaphor and applies it to the elders of a church. Elders should be shepherd leaders.

1 Peter 5:1-5

Suffering has a way of quenching the generosity out of us. When we suffer, we often resort back to selfish ambitions. God invites us to live charitably while suffering, and trust him to care for our bodies and soul. Even in suffering, we hope in the power of Christ, we live obedient lives, and trust God through the process. Scripture: 1 Peter 4

There is often a dissonance between what we believe and what we see. There’s a cost to obey Jesus and obeying Jesus does not protect us from suffering. Is it worth it? This passage reminds us that because Christ was vindicated in resurrection, our faith will be vindicated in His return. Scripture: 1 Peter 3:17–22

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13–17

Peter encourages us to grow in our hope for the future we have in Jesus. These verses remind us that life in exile brings a variety of experiences, but we can face our fears with confident hope, knowing that Christ is Lord.