Don’t WORRY, TRUST God! BEING Your BEST In BAD Times, Pt. 2

1 Peter 5:5-7; Selected Scriptures
By
D.Z. Cofield, Th.M., D. Min.
March 7, 2021

Scripture Reading:

Psalm 28:6-9 (ESV) – Blessed be the LORD! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy. 7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. 8 The LORD is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed. 9 Oh, save your people and bless your heritage! Be their shepherd and carry them forever.

BEING Your BEST In BAD Times, Pt. 1

1. You need to learn how to LISTEN and LEARN from those who are WISER than you.

1 Peter 5:5 (ESV) – 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.”

1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (ESV) – We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

2. You need to learn to practice HUMILITY with one another.

1 Peter 5:5 (ESV) – 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.”

John 13:13-15 (ESV) – You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.

Ephesians 5:20-21 (ESV) – giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

BEING Your BEST In BAD Times, Pt. 2

1. You need to realize PRACTICING humility POSITIONS you to be BLESSED by God.

1 Peter 5:5-6 (ESV) – 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.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

Proverbs 3:34 (NKJV) – Surely He scorns the scornful, But gives grace to the humble.

Proverbs 3:34 (ESV) – Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor.

A. Realize God OPPOSES you when you are in your PRIDE.

1 Peter 5:5-6 (ESV) – 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.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
Oppose –
Proud –
B. Realize God BLESSES you with GRACE when you are HUMBLE.
1 Peter 5:5 (ESV) – 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.”

Matthew 18:3-4 (ESV) – and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Colossians 3:12 (ESV) – Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,

Questions to Consider

1. Other than Jesus, who is the humblest person you can think of? Explain
2. When was the last time you were challenged to be your best in a bad time? Explain
3. Do you think it is difficult or easy to be humble? Explain
4. How will practicing humility change what you do and say in terms of how you lead others?
5. How will practicing humility change your attitude and actions toward those who are in positions of authority over you?
6. Do you think it is easy or difficult to be humble? Explain
7. What worries tend to plague you?
8. What does it mean to cast your anxieties, cares and worries on the Lord?
9. What are some specific ways you can give your anxieties, cares and worries to the Lord?
10. What is the relationship between your humility and you praying?
11. Give some specific ways this week you can be a better example to the people who look to you for leadership?
12. What anxieties, cares and worries will you give to God this week?