Anchored by Grace

• The following message by Aleister Beg is made available by Truth for Life. For more information, visit us online at truthforlife.org. All right. Well, the people are just coming back in. Uh the ones that haven’t left for the airport are here. And we’re going to uh turn to first Peter if you are able to follow along.
• And at least in my mind there is some kind of progression between where we were and where we are. Whether that will also factor in in your own thinking I I don’t know. But um from my grace is sufficient for you to uh the God of all grace. So let’s let’s read let me follow along as I read from from 1 Peter and chapter 4 um and verse 12.
• Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in so far as you share Christ’s sufferings that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you’re insulted for the name of Christ, you’re blessed because the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
• But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a medddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God. And if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner? Therefore, let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful creator while doing
• good. So I exhort the elders among you as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed. Shepherd the flock of God that is among you. Exercising oversight not under compulsion but willingly as God would have you. Not for shameful gain but eagerly not doineering over those in your charge but being examples to the flock.
• And when the chief shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another. For God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him because he cares for you.
• Be sober minded. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 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.
• To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. A brief prayer. Grant Lord as we come to this uh final address with so many things that have already catapulted themselves into our minds and so many considerations that is uh that are there for the con for our attention in the balance of the day and the coming weekend.