II. `GOD PROVIDES AN INSPIRATION! I Peter 5:10-11
When I preach my “How to Survive a Valley” message, this would be my final point in a three point message. In this passage, God offers an “INSPIRATION” as to why we should CAST our cares on Him and RESIST the devil. It is our inspiration to “Hang in There!”
When you enter a valley, keep in mind that there is another side of that valley. Many of the things that we experience will pass and we will come out of that valley. Now I know. some things will never change and the valley will not end until we stand in the presence of Jesus. The loss of a loved one will not end in this life. Some illnesses or physical conditions will not end until death. But most situations will pass and as I have said many times, “There is Sunshine after the Rain!” This invitation is intended to create Hope for the believer.
In this passage in I Peter 5, in the King James version reads, “ 10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, (may He) make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” In the KJV, it appears to be in the form of a Request. But, in the original language, the four words; Perfect, Confirm, Strengthen, and Establish are used in a “Future” tense. This passage is definitely a Promise - Not a Prayer! As a believer, you can count on this promise.
Here are the literal translations of the four actions that God Promises to us:
Perfect = Repair, Restore, to Perfect, and to Complete you.
Stablish = To Establish you and Confirm you.
Strengthen = To make you stronger - This is the only place in the bible that this word is used. It implies a personal touch and involvement of the hand of the Lord.
Settle = The picture here is the Lord creating a firm foundation and then placing you on that foundation.
When it comes to going through a Valley, here are two passages that I have personally held in my heart:
Romans 8:18 (The Message) 18-21 That's why I don't think there's any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times.
Romans 8:28 (New Living Translation)28 And we know that God causes everything to work together[a] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
See you next week, MRQ
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Outline for Teachers and Preachers:
ReplyDeleteIt is specifically during these times that ....
GOD OFFERS:
I. An INVITATION ... v. 6 & 7
[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. (NIV)
A. To CONFORM ! v. 6a humble .. under God ...
B. To CONVEY! v. 7a cast ....
C. To CONSIDER! v. 7b because ....
II. An INSTRUCTION ... v. 8 & 9 [8] Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to "Slurp Up". [9] Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
A. To CONTROL ! v. 8 Be self-controlled
B. To CONFRONT ! v. 9a ... Resist
C. To CONTINUE ! v. 9a ... Standing Firm ...
III. An INSPIRATION ... v.10 & 11
[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. [11] To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
A. To CONSECRATE ! v. 10a God,who called you
B. To CONTRAST! v. 10b after you have suffered a little while
C. To CONFESS ! v. 11 ... to Him be the power & glory