Sermon text
1 Peter 5:12-14
¹² 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. ¹³ 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.
Understanding the text
The world is full of false and empty gospels that offer vain hope and strength. Only the gospel of Jesus Christ is able to save, sustain, and transform us because it is the truth. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are objective historical events, and therefore have genuine power. As Christians, we must be on guard against false hopes and false gospels. As a church family, we are to “stand firm” in the truth of Jesus.
Even Peter, an Apostle and eyewitness to the resurrected Jesus, needed other people in his life. Without the support and friendship of people such as Sylvanus and Mark, he could not have accomplished the work that God had given him. Consequently, standing in the truth of the gospel is a community project that requires us to live in brotherly love with one another. As we live in this truth, we increasingly experience the peace of Christ.
Additional scripture
- Ephesians 6:10-20
- John 14:6
- 1 John 4:1-6
Applying the text
- What are some of the false hopes or gospels you are tempted to believe?
- How has Peter demonstrated his own neediness in 1 Peter?
- Take a moment to list the people in your life that you depend on. Pray for them, giving thanks for their presence, and ask for God’s protection and provision in their lives.
Call to Worship
Psalm 25:1–6
¹ To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.
² O my God, in you I trust;
let me not be put to shame;
let not my enemies exult over me.
³ Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame;
they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
⁴ Make me to know your ways, O LORD;
teach me your paths.
⁵ Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.
⁶ Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old.
Prayer of Confession
Almighty God, Father of mercies, continue to work in us what is pleasing to you. Grant to us the grace to see our sins as you see them, so to grieve over them: then turn our sin into repentance, and let our repentance lead to forgiveness; and teach us diligently to guard all our actions that we may never willingly transgress your laws or disobey your Word, but make it our life's work to obey you, the joy of our souls to please you, and the purest of all our desires to live with you in your kingdom of grace and glory. Amen.
November Memory Verse
James 1:17
¹⁷ Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
Resources for Parents
On Family Worship Sunday, the Juniors class, (the 2 and 3 year olds), receives a special lesson on next month's catechism question. All of our classes work through one question per month from the New City Catechism.
Parents! You can download the New City Catechism app with all the questions and children's songs for free.
New City Catechism Question #20
Question:
Who is the Redeemer?
Answer:
The only Redeemer is the Lord Jesus Christ.
Additional questions:
Q: Who disobeys God?
A: Everyone.
Q: Who is the only one who can save us from sin?
A: Jesus!
Q: Who is the Redeemer?
A: The only Redeemer is the Lord Jesus Christ.