Humility = Victory

Introduction: Everyone wants to be successful, strong and cared for. However, many times people skip over the very things God calls us too that we might experience those things in this life.

Peter has just finished addressing how a pastor should shepherd and lead God’s people during a season of trials and persecution. Now he takes time not only to address the shepherds but also the entire flock. Given the fact that shepherds and sheep are dependent on one another (show pic), they must learn how to cooperate with one another as they move forward from pasture to pasture.

This sermon teaches how the flock of the local church should cooperate with one another that they might experience God's grace, power and Fatherly care.

1) The Cooperation Of The Flock

A. The people of humility

First of all, what does it mean to be “clothed with humility?”

Define - enter into a state of condition

Sense: humility n. — the disposition of valuing or assessing oneself appropriately; especially in light of one’s sinfulness or creatureliness.

Example: everything you wear is a deliberate choice.

Illustration: I ask my wife all the time, “does this go well together?” (I still must choose to put it on)

God tells us exactly what looks the best for His purposes.

The younger = speaking of the younger of two persons

The elder = Speaks of the Christian elder; specifically those who hold a leadership role among the believers

All of you = those who are positioned in Christ

B. The purpose of humility

Peter speaks to the “younger” first.

“submit yourself unto the elder” = being inclined or willing to submit to the wishes of others

Peter speaks to every believer “all of you / one to another”

“be subject” = force to submit or subdue

Illustration: Have you every really not wanted to do something, take something, go somewhere, etc? However, when you found how important or beneficial it would be, you found yourself being subdued by that reality in to doing that thing, going to that place.

Why would a believer have to “force” oneself to submit to one another?

Our original nature has no will to submit to anyone.

There are all kinds of people types and maturity. levels within the brethren.

Not everyone will be easy to submit too.

Todays model: argue with and run away.

What does the Gospel teach us about submission?

2) The Condition Of Grace

A. The Person of Grace

God is author and source of all grace. (5:10)

Therefore, God has every right to determine who He extends it to and who He does not.

(look up biblical examples)

B. The position to experience Grace

Notice: “resists the proud”

He has every right to be hostile due to the fact pride is the very reason man became a sinner.

God gave His everything to conquer sin for the sinner

Notice: “giveth grace to the humble”

Sense: grace (outworking) n. — the resulting activity that is a necessary consequence of genuine, beneficent goodwill; especially used of the outworking of God’s goodwill.

God gives His grace for one purpose; for the completion of His will and glory.

God’s grace accomplishes what it is sent out to do!

Your justification, sanctification and soon your glorification!

3) The Care Of The Father

A. Properly placing your care

“Under the mighty hand of God”

God’s hand never weakens, shakes or loses its grip!

God’s hand speaks of God’s power on behalf of the believer.

There are many moments of life that you will not have the strength to lift yourself up. You will need God’s power!

Casting all your care - hurling/throwing on forcefully.

This promise is given only the the humble!

What does it mean to be “under”

All that Peter has already mentioned.

God cares for you

Conclusion: The decision before you tonight is this: 1) Are you submitting yourself to one another through humility? 2) Do you want to experience God’s saving and burden lifting grace? Only those who humble themselves before God can fully experience the wonderful work of His grace.