Hope That Stands Firm (1 Peter 5:8-14)

Bridge Community Fellowship Sunday 11-16-25 Worship Service Living Hope in a Broken World: A Journey Through 1 Peter Hope That Stands Firm (1 Peter 5:8–14) Big Idea for This Week: Because our adversary is actively seeking to destroy us, God’s people must be sober-minded and actively resist, knowing that the God of all grace will sustain us. Sermon Outline 1. Stay Alert (5:8) •Be sober-minded and watchful against your adversary, the devil, who is prowling like a roaring lion. •Action: Don't numb out; stay vigilant. 2. Stay Resistant (5:9) •Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing your suffering is shared by believers worldwide. •Action: Stand strong on God's Word and draw courage from community. 3. Stay Humble (5:10) •Admit your weakness and beg Jesus for help to be humbled before God's Word. •Promise: After you suffer a little while, the God of all grace will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 4. Stay Encouraging (5:11–14) •Give God all the glory and stand firm in His true grace. •Action: Greet one another with love and share the peace of Christ with others. Study Questions for Reflection •In what specific ways is your adversary (the devil) trying to "devour" you today, and how can you set up better safeguards? •What does it look like for you to practically "submit yourselves therefore to God" so that you can "resist the devil"? •How can the knowledge that other Christians are suffering similarly around the world help you draw courage in your current trials? •When you feel weak, how can you shift your focus from your own strength to trusting the God of all grace to restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you? •How can you demonstrate the "kiss of love" (warm welcome, grace) this week to someone new or someone who has failed? Practical Challenges •Pray First. Before reacting to a distraction or temptation, beg Jesus for help and humble yourself to His Word. •Know Your Defense. Actively memorize and use Bible verses to repel temptations and set up barriers. •Wait and Trust. Wait patiently on God, knowing that in being stretched by trials, you will grow and surrender more to His will. •Encourage Others. Share your testimony of how God used brokenness and forgiveness in your life to call others to Himself.