God's Virtues on Display

Introduction and Flow

If all someone could learn about God’s character nature came from your conduct, what kind of person would they understand Him to be?

1 Peter was probably written some time prior to the “Great Fire” in Rome which took place in the year 64 AD.

The Apostle Peter would eventually be killed, at least according to tradition.

Salvation, and the expectation of its future completion, compels us to a way of life.

While we await Jesus’ return, we have God-given responsibilities.

Peter expresses this most clearly in 1 Pet. 2:9.

We live in subjection to government and obey the laws (1 Pet. 2: 13-16).

Servants obey their masters (1 Pet. 2:18-23).

Wives submit to their husbands (1 Pet. 3:1-6).

Husbands value their wives (1 Pet. 3:7).

Unity is the goal (1 Pet. 3:8).

We remain faithful even when hauled before the authorities.

It affects how elders “shepherd” their congregations (1 Pet. 5).

Humility is a key characteristic for unity.

Upon first observation, it appears that 1 Pet. 5:7 can only be understood in connection to the call for humility under God’s strong hand.

This trust would manifest itself in obedient, godly behavior.

Furthermore, it would indicate a trust that God will fulfill his promise for vindication and exaltation in the future. Instead of seeking our own exaltation in this world, where we are seen as important among men, we are to humble ourselves before God.

As part of this humility, we throw our concerns upon him in light of the fact that he is caring about us.

Introduction Part 2

Tonight, we want to return to two places:

Psalm 55:23 to note the last, core idea expressed by David in the line of that Psalm.

The remainder of the section in 1 Peter 5 to see how it is relevant to Peter’s thoughts.

“Worry” or “stress” does not refer to inward feeling but serves as a description of our lot in the world.

Our strength to face opposition enabling us to remain obedient comes from the Lord himself.

Remaining obedient is the point.

Peter, in 1 Pet. 5:7 quotes, or reworks a quotation, from Psalm 55:23 (Psalm 54:23 LXX). There David issues a command to “throw your worry upon the Lord, and he himself will maintain you.”

Notice the complete context of this statement earlier in Ps. 55. 1 Peter 5:9 indicates that suffering is not unique to one person or group. Hence, there is no reason to personalize the sufferings being experienced. Instead of seeing them as creating a set of unique circumstances that justify disobedience, we should see them as part of what it means to live as a believer in the world. Peter’s audience was not suffering uniquely. They should remain obedient. Furthermore, there is every reason to understand that God cares for us.