Climb: Pain into Purpose

1 Peter 5:1–10 NIV84

1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

1. The climb requires you stay alert and sober minded

Sub Point 1.1: Equip yourself with God’s Armor

Ephesians 6:11 “11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

Sub Point 1.2: Transform your thinking

Romans 12:2 “2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Sub Point 1.3: Stay in His Word

Hebrews 4:12 “12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

2. The climb will bring a real struggle

Sub Point 2.1: Understand how the enemy operates

1 Peter 5:8 “8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

Sub Point 2.2: Recognize your weaknesses

James 1:14 “14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.”

Sub Point 2.3: Recognize the real enemy

Ephesians 6:12 “12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

3. The climb demands you stand firm in the Faith

Sub Point 3.1: Faith is our shield

Ephesians 6:16 “16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”

Sub point 3.2: Faith comes from hearing and obeying the Word of God

Romans 10:17 “17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”

Sub Point 3.3: Faith in God brings assurance in life

Hebrews 11:1 “1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

4. The climb will transform our pain into Purpose

Sub Point 4.1: Our Pain Has a Purpose

Joseph's Story

Genesis 50:20 “20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

Jesus' Suffering for Our Salvation

Our Pain Produces Character

Romans 5:3–5 “3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”

James 1:2–4 “2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Sub Point 4.2: God Uses Our Pain to Shape Us for His Purpose

Romans 8:28 “28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

His Sovereignty in All Things

His Desire to Use Us for His Glory

Sub Point 4.3: Embrace Our Pain as Part of God's Plan for Us

Find Meaning in Our Suffering

Seek God's Will for Our Lives

Trust in God's Grace to Transform Our Lives

Find Comfort in His Promises

Surrender to His Will in Our Pain