Who Can Be Against Us?

Notes from Lance Shumake's sermon on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Sermon text: 1 Peter 3:8-12 The good life starts with the kind of people God wants us to be harmonious sympathetic loving compassionate humble The good life is found in doing good to others bless those who seek to harm you Luke 6:27–30 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back." be careful what you say “Let everything you say be good and helpful.” -Ephesians 4:29 turn away from evil seek to do good Holiness signifies separation, even withdrawal, from the evils of this world. By contrast, when we do good we engage the world, seek to reverse evil. We put up buildings, create constructive institutions, perform music, and generally do whatever our skill and experience allows. To do good is to bring good to all. By doing good, Peter says, believers silence the accusations of foolish men (1 Peter 2:14–15). —Daniel M. Doriani, 1 Peter pursue peace with everyone “So Peter has explained how we might find a good and peaceful life. If we avoid evil words and deeds, do good to all, and submit to proper authorities, it will ordinarily lead to a good life in the present. That does not always happen, as Peter soon points out. We might still do good and suffer for it. If so, at least we know that the Lord’s eyes see the righteous, that his ears hear our prayers, and that the same face that favors us opposes evil.” —Daniel M. Doriani, 1 Peter Discipleship Questions: In what ways have you seen the character traits Peter describes in other members of your CG? (people being harmonious, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble) In what ways have you seen God produce those characteristics in your life? How do we see these characteristics in Jesus? What would it look like in our world and culture to actively seek to bless those who try to harm us? How can you guard your tongue to make sure you only say what is good and helpful? Are there any areas in your life right now where you need to turn away from evil? How are you seeking to do good in the world as a follower of Jesus? How do we seek and pursue peace as followers of Jesus?

Notes from Ky Martin's sermon on Sunday, May 11, 2025. Sermon text: 1 Peter 3:1-7 A wife who submits to her husband: May win him to Christ “We also see a connection with the counsel given to slaves in that both wives and slaves were under authority, and these authorities were liable to oppress those under them.” -Thomas Schreiner The phrase “without a word” means wives should refrain from badgering their husbands about their need for conversion. Thomas R. Schreiner Is submitting to God Submission pre-dates man “Women need to stop being so offended about being asked to submit to an equal. Christ did not consider it robbery to humble himself and submit to an equal, and neither should we.” -Rebekah Merkle Submission is grounded in creation order 1 Cor. 11:7-9 "For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. 8 For man was not made from woman, but woman from man. Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man" “So we see that the submissive wife—far from being the weak-willed woman our culture portrays, is actually a model of inner strength. By Gods’ grace, she has conquered this opposition within her own heart.” - Carolyn Mahaney Is precious to God Proverbs 25:15 "With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone." 1 Peter 2:21,23 "For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps…When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly." Husbands: Lead with understanding Honor your wife. Discipleship Questions: Why does our culture balk so hard at the idea of wives submitting to their husbands? Has that influence crept into the church? Wives, what are the practical blessings you’ve found in submitting to your husbands? What does a “gentle and quiet” spirit look like? Why are wives referred to as “weaker vessels”? Husbands, what are some practical ways in which you can show honor and understanding to your wives?