Hoover Church of Christ Sermons
Religion & Spirituality:Christianity
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. (1 Peter 5:6-11, ESV)
Brief thoughts about the text/sermon:
I suspect most people who will be present in worship tomorrow believe in the Devil, but CS Lewis was probably right when he wrote that many of us are either “superstitious” or “substitious” when it comes to what we believe about him. We either over-believe in him, which leads to an unhealthy fear because we see him everywhere in everything. Or we believe he exists, but we don’t really think he’s doing much of anything (e.g., he’s a cartoonish, harmless, semi-fictitious character).
The Bible generally–and Peter in this text specifically–paints a more nuanced picture. The Devil is real; the image of a “roaring lion” is vivid and frightening. But he’s not omnipotent, preying only on those weaknesses that we present to him. In this text Peter mentions two: pride and anxiety.
In our sermon time tomorrow, we’ll focus on the Devil’s work in our lives, and we’ll also speak to how the gospel addresses these attacks and helps defend us.
Repentance
Believe
Priests Who Proclaim
The Kingdom of God Has Come Near
Worship the Father
Partners in Christ
Good News About the Church
Good News: Standing on God’s Doorstep
What is the Gospel?
Some (Really) Good News
Self-Control and the Christian Walk
“Post-Christian” – Lesson 1
Up From Lo-Debar: A Story of Kindness
Great Chapters in the Bible: Genesis 1
What Happens When They Ask?
One Word: Justice
As I Have Loved You
Be Merciful as He is Merciful
Great Chapters in the Bible: Deuteronomy 6
One Word: Sin and Wrath
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