The True Grace of God
Pastor Steve McInroy
mac@trc.life

Four Steps Toward the True Grace of God

I. Humble Yourselves.

1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,   

Luke 14:11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

1 Peter 5:7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 

Psalm 94:19 (NIV) When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. 

II. Resist Your Adversary.

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

1 Peter 5:9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 

Ephesians6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to
stand against the schemes of the devil.

III. Trust God.

1 Peter 5:10-11 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.

IV. Love God’s People.

1 Peter 5:10-11 By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. 

Are you standing firm (in the grace of God) with others?

Ephesians 1:5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

1 Peter 5:13-14 She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. 14 Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

Discussion Questions:

1) Have you ever encountered a time when God clearly humbled you? Share how that shaped your walk with the Lord.

2) Do you struggle with anxiety? If so, what helps you in those times?

3) Is there an adversary you regularly face? How do you resist?

4) What can you do to help yourself grow in your ability to trust God?

5) Do you go out of your way to be with God’s people? How can you grow in this area?