The Believer’s Submission and Steadfastness

partaker of the glory

1 Peter 5:1-14

Am I Resisting?

What the devil is up to today:

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

What I am up to today?

“Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” (1 Peter 5:9).

What God is up to today!

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” (1 Peter 5:10).

Unless I remember — continually, consciously — life consists of far more than I can see, I frequently will be lunchmeat for the roaring lion. And not only I, but also those for whom I am responsible — primarily my wife and children and, as patriarch, grandchildren.

Let me also remember — continually, consciously — to live by God’s grace. May I put behind me my careless, self-sufficient, ego-centric ways of dealing with life.

Taken from: Am I Resisting?

What is humility?

Most Christians have a healthy regard for humility. After all, God in His Word extols and exalts this virtue in language that borders on the incredible once you stop and think about it. Just listen to what He has to say!

“God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5, and see also James 4:6). Can you imagine getting into a pushing contest with God?! The proud do it all the time. The humble, on the other hand, receive God’s marvelous, matchless, loving grace. Grace — what it takes to be saved and to live successfully for God — is granted only to humble. Amazing!

Excerpted from What is humility?

To not pursue humility is to flagrantly disobey the Scriptures that command, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord” (James 4:10) and “be clothed with humility” (1 Peter 5:5). Furthermore, to not pursue humility is to cut ourselves off from divine blessing and protection. God hears, forgives and heals those who know humility (2 Chronicles 7:14). God lifts those who humble themselves (James 4:10). God’s grace fills the lives of the humble (1 Peter 5:5). Without a doubt, humility is a worthy pursuit! (Source: Have you ever pursued humility?)

“If you think you are humble, then you can be sure you aren’t.” Really? I cannot accept that God would give us a command without also making it possible for us to knowingly obey it. Just as I know when I have put on my clothes, so I will know when I am “clothed with humility” (1 Peter 5:5). One of the evidences of that spiritual clothing known as humility is full-hearted submission to God: “God…giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God” (James 4:6,7). If I can see the evidence, how shall I ignore the reality? In other words, when I can see my submission, I shall see my humility also.

Excerpted from Can I know if I’m humble?

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