1. In these verses Peter contrasted 2 individuals who are both interested in our souls -- God and the devil. 2. God and the devil could not be more opposite, but they do have something in common -- they both want us to spend eternity with them. a. Being with God in heaven for eternity will be the ultimate blessing. b. Being with the devil in hell for eternity will be the ultimate curse. 3. Learning as much as we can about God and the devil will be to our advantage. 4. We must go the proper source for information as Jesus showed in John 5:39. 5. This morning the purpose of our study is to help us learn about God [let us remember the exhortation given in Colossians 1:10]. 6. This evening the purpose of our study will be to help us learn about the devil. 7. The first point that we need to make is that . . .
Discussion:
I. THERE IS ONE GOD (Ephesians 4:4-6)
A. He is the "Father of all," including Jews and Gentiles (Romans 3:29-30). B. He is "above all." 1. Jesus taught that the Father is in heaven (Matthew 6:9). 2. We learn from Isaiah 40:22 that God sits "upon the circle of the earth." C. He is "through all, and in you all" (see Acts 17:24-29).
II. WE CAN KNOW THAT THE ONE GOD EXISTS
A. Let us heed the advice in Psalm 46:10 -- "Be still, and know that I am God." B. We need to listen to the heavens and the objects in the heavens (Psalm 19:1-6). 1. The sun, moon, and stars have a message that can be heard in any language [they "declare the glory of God"]. 2. We must avoid the mistake of the Gentiles (Romans 1:20-23).
III. WE CAN KNOW GOD'S WILL
A. God has revealed His will in His Word (Psalm 19:7-11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). B. The knowledge of God's will leads us to want to be in good standing with Him (Psalm 19:12-14; 139:23-24).
Conclusion:
1. Learning as much as we can about God is to our advantage. 2. We learn about our responsibilities to Him that are revealed in His Word. 3. For example, in the verses we read earlier (1 Peter 5:6-7) we are taught: 1. to humble ourselves under God's mighty hand (vs.6, 5b) 2. to cast all our care upon God (vs.7; Philippians 4:6-7).
