Keeping Ourselves unspotted from the world (Lesson 44)
Introduction:
1. We learn from James 1:27 that "keeping ourselves unspotted from the world" is a requirement for practicing "pure and undefiled religion before God." 2. In this lesson we are concentrating on the information presented in 1 Peter 5:5-11. 3. When put into practice, this information will help us to remain free from the world's spots. Discussion: I. WE ARE TAUGHT IN VERSES 5-7 TO REMAIN HUMBLE
A. Emphasis is placed on "humility" (vs.5b, vs.6a). B. We normally do not associate humility with warfare; however, we are engaged in a spiritual war, and humility is essential for Christians. 1. God will not help those who are proud (vs.5c -- "God resisteth the proud"). 2. According to 1 Corinthians 10:12, one who thinks he can stand on his own will fall. 3. Humility will lead us to depend upon God. 4. When we depend upon God, He will help us. a. (vs.5c) God gives "grace to the humble." b. (vs.6b) God will exalt the humble "in due time." c. See James 4:10. C. (vs.7) Those who humble themselves before God can do something that others cannot do. 1. We are told to cast all our care upon God. 2. The reason we are to do this is because God cares for His children. 3. Vs.10 shows what God will do for those who depend upon Him. II. WE ARE TAUGHT IN VERSES 8 & 9 TO STAND AGAINST THE DEVIL
A. (vs.8) Being "sober" and "vigilant" indicates that we are to be watchful. 1. We are to be watchful because we have an adversary [enemy]. 2. Our adversary is Satan, the devil. a. He is pictured as a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. b. He is fearless, restless, and constantly searching for victims, including Christians. 3. God loves His children, but Satan wants to destroy us. B. Satan uses many devices to try to destroy people. 1. (Genesis 3:5) He lied to Eve when he tempted her to disobey God. 2. (Job 1-2) He accused Job before God and caused him to suffer badly. 3. (Matthew 4:1-11) He questioned whether Jesus was God's Son. 4. (Acts 5:3-4) He convinced Ananias and Sapphira to lie before God. 5. As Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 2:11, "we are not ignorant of his devices," therefore we must be watchful. C. (vs.9) We must resist Satan. 1. (James 4:7) "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." 2. Jesus showed us in Matthew 4:1-11 that Satan can be resisted. 3. The key is resisting Satan steadfastly "in the faith" (Ephesians 6:16). 4. Other people have faced the same temptations that we face and remained true to God. III. LET US MAKE AN OBSERVATION FROM PETER'S LIFE
A. (Luke 22:31-32) Jesus told Peter that Satan was after him. B. When Peter did not humble himself, he denied Jesus 3 times (Luke 22:54-62). C. Peter finally did humble himself before the Lord, and he corrected his mistake. D. He went on to become one of the Lord's strongest and most dedicated followers. E. Satan continued to afflict Peter in various ways, but Peter remained humble and was able to overcome Satan's devices. Conclusion:
1. Let us humble ourselves before God and steadfastly resist Satan. 2. Doing so will greatly help us in keeping ourselves unspotted from the world.
