1 Peter 5:5-11: “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." 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.”

The church in America has "church training" in many areas, but one is conspicuous by its absence -- a theology of, or training for suffering. We are taught, and rightly so, that God desires above all things that we prosper and be in health, even as our soul prospers. (3 John 2). (Someone said America is divided into 3 classes, the Haves, the Have-Nots, and the Have-Not-Paid-For-What-They-Haves!)

However, there is a counter-balance to this teaching that is often omitted. The teaching is that of the theology of Suffering in the School of Affliction. And because of this imbalance, today's problem-free, name it and claim it, gab it and grab it, teaching is producing a class of spiritual dwarfs that are ill-prepared for the upcoming course they must take in the University of Adversity. One of the sobering realities of God's great redemptive plan is that suffering, tribulations, hardships, trials, afflictions is a Required Course and not a Chosen Elective.

We are reminded in 1 Peter 5:9 "that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world..."; therefore we should not be surprised and staggered by them, nor think them strange, but endure them without murmuring, and with patience and cheerfulness; since they are the "same afflictions" and trials which others have been exercised with in all ages: the same which the fraternity, or "brotherhood of believers."

In order to get oriented for this life-long course, we must stay enrolled and daily online with heaven in the School of Revelation, for the lessons of life cannot be learned by mere education or rationalization. One of the most instructive lessons may be learned from the inspired Word of God which we have read as our text today.

There are few practical questions of deeper and more extensive interest, than how we should conduct ourselves amid the afflictions of life, so as to be best sustained under them, most improved by them, and soonest and most certainly delivered from them?

This is a question which concerns us all; for, however we may differ in other points of view, here we all occupy common ground. We are all sufferers. It is universally true that "man is born of a woman," and that he is " born to trouble." In spite of the nature of the afflictions, or who started them, or why they were allowed, the truth is that we as Christians can be made better or bitter by them, based on how well we do on the test. The Psalmist said, "It has been good for me that I have been afflicted." "Chastisement yields peaceable fruits," says the writer of the book of Hebrews.

Addressing the matter of the Christian's afflictions and suffering, Martin Luther said:" Affliction is the Christian's theologian; I never knew the meaning of God's Word until I came into affliction; My temptations have been my master's of divinity; No man, without trials and temptations, can attain a true understanding of the Holy Scriptures."

Remember, we are King's Kids in Training for Reigning with the King. Because of this, a loving, gracious Heavenly Father is far more concerned about preparing sons for glory and future rulership with Him than He is in protecting and pampering saints from all of the hurts and hardships of life! In light of this, let the class begin!

I. The Teacher in Charge of Life's Lessons is the Person of ALL Grace --v 10a -- "the God of all Grace"

This is the only time this descriptive title -- "the God of all Grace" -- occurs in the Bible. What is grace? Unmerited favor? No it is much bigger than that definition. Grace is "the love of God on the move." It is the heart of God's love and the hand of His almighty power moving toward His people, so that they have His favor and thus all grace abounds to them, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, they may abound in every good work, irrespective of how hard and painful the circumstances they find themselves in may be.

This God is more than a teacher, He is a Homeschooling Father who has all the riches of grace in Himself. He has treasured up a fullness of grace in his Son. He is the author of all the blessings of grace, of electing, adopting, justifying, pardoning, and regenerating grace. He is the giver of the graces of the Spirit, such as faith, joy, hope, love, and repentance, and of all the supplies of grace. By this character God the Father is described as the object of prayer, to encourage souls to come to the throne of his grace, and pray, and hope for, and expect a sufficiency of his grace in every time of need; as well as to show that the sufferings of the saints here are but for a while; that they are in love and kindness; and that they shall certainly enjoy the glory they are called unto by him; and which is the next thing in verse 10 by which he stands described.

The kingdom of God is located in the place of grace. The throne of God sits in the Palace of grace. The children of God eat at the table of grace and go out into the world to show God's grace! Life in the kingdom is all of grace from base to summit. Grace on every course and stone; grace in planting and rearing crown, sovereign grace and grace alone!

An ongoing experience of grace will result in an outpouring extension of grace to others. The Royal family that all Christians have been birthed into is designed by the God of all grace. It resides in a house built by grace, rules from a throne of grace, and relates to others out of a continual experience of grace. The higher we rise in the experience of God's grace the lower we are willing to bow in humble submission to the exercise of His child-training lessons of life.

II. The Taking of the Course of Life's Lessons Requires Getting in the Position that Accesses Grace--5:5-6 "...Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another..."

"Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,"

The word here rendered “be clothed” occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It is derived from kombos - a strip, string, or loop to fasten a garment; and then the word refers to a garment that was fastened with strings. The word engkomboma refers particularly to a long white apron, or outer garment, that was commonly worn by slaves. The only position that allows the grace of God to flow freely in our lives is that attitude of a servant with the apron of self-forgetting service to others constantly being chosen as the way to exaltation before God. No doubt Peter had in mind the Lord Jesus, as recorded in John 13, where there in the Upper Room, He laid aside His outer garment and clothed Himself in the towel or apron of a bond-slave in order to wash His disciple's feet.

There is, therefore, special force in the use of this word here, as denoting an humble mind. They were to be willing to take any place, and to perform any office, however humble, in order to serve and benefit others. They were not to assume a style and dignity of state and authority, as if they would lord it over others, or as if they were better than others; but they were to be willing to occupy any station, however humble, by which they might honor God. It is known that not a few of the early Christians actually sold themselves as slaves, in order that they might preach the gospel to those who were in bondage. The sense here is, they were to put on humility as a garment bound fast to them, as a servant bound fast to him the apron that was significant of his station. Compare Col 3:13. It is not unusual in the Scriptures, as well as in other writings, to compare the virtues with articles of apparel; as that with which we are clothed, or in which we are seen by others.

What is your definition of humility? Some define it as thinking lowly of yourself or putting yourself down. Humility is living before the face of God, conscious that there is always someone above me, and over me that is all majestic and almighty. Humility is knowing that promotion comes from God. Humility is refusing to boast, because God is our strength. Humility is refusing to be selfish, because God is our Provider. Humility is refusing to proclaim our own merit, because God is our righteousness. Humility is refusing to be presumptuous, because our times are in His hand. Humility rides the donkey when stallions are available.

Amazing grace composer, John Newton, gave a great example of the attitude of humility: “If I ever reach heaven I expect to find three wonders there: first, to meet some I had not thought to see there; second, to miss some I had expected to see there; and third—the greatest wonder of all—to find myself there!”

III. TheTaking of the Course of Life's Lessons Requires Getting the Victory Over the Problems that Assault Grace

Peter lists three big and basic problems in our text:

A. Pride in relationships -- 5:5b, "God opposes the proud."

Pride is always shown in the light of relationships. No person is proud they are pretty, but prettier than others; just intelligent, but more intelligent than others. When a person is haughty, high-minded, self-centered and feeling self-sufficient, they ignore their need for God, as a result God sets Himself in battle-array against them.

Our day is reminiscent of the time in history when at the height of the ancient Greek and Roman empires pride was exalted and humility belittled. This tragic development will surely contribute to the demise of modern society as it did to the demise of Greece and Rome. No society can survive the self destructiveness of pride run rampant, because every society depends for its preservation and success on the mutually supportive and harmonious relationships among its people. When a significant number of them become committed only to themselves and to their own interests, with little regard for their families, friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens, society disintegrates. As self becomes stronger, relationships become weaker. As self rights become supreme, the interpersonal bonds that hold society together are severed.

The promotion of self-esteem, self-fulfillment, and self-glory has become a major industry that ranges from exercise programs to motivation for executive success. Tragically, the cult of selfism has found its way into evangelical Christianity.But a great part of the western church has become self-indulgent, self-satisfied, and self-reliant, claiming numerical and financial growth as evidence of spiritual blessing. It has replaced sacrifice with success, suffering with self?satisfaction, and godly obedience with fleshly indulgence.

B. Worry over Circumstances -- 5:7, "casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."

Worry is defined as "a troubled state of mind, anxiety, uneasiness distress," according to Webster’s Dictionary. In reality, worry is a form of incessant FEAR, which makes it more psychological. Dr. Edward Hallowell defines worry as, “… a special form of fear. It is what humans do with simple fear once it reaches the part of the brain called the cerebral cortex. We make fear complex adding anticipation, memory, imagination and emotion." Worry is a sin for a child of God. Worry says in essences, "God, I know You mean well by what You say, but I'm just not sure You can pull it off." Worry is the sin of distrusting the promise and the providence of God -- yet we do it all too frequently.

The Greek word for worry means "to divide, rip or tear apart, or to strangle." We have all experienced this strangulation, those feelings that tie us into knots and dominate us to such a degree that we can think of nothing else. We have all lain awake at night disturbed, anxious, fearing, dreading the worse about something. Our hands may sweat, our stomachs may churn, we may be unable to eat, or worse — we can’t stop eating. We call this worry, anxiety or fear, and it is one of the great enemies of joy and contentment in our lives.

The meaning of our text is, that we are to cast, throw, commit our whole cause and circumstances to our Father. If we suffer heavy trials; if we lose our friends, health, or property; if we have difficult and responsible duties to perform; if we feel that we have no strength, and are in danger of being crushed by what is laid upon us, we may go and cast all upon the Lord; that is, we may look to him for grace and strength, and feel assured that he will enable us to sustain all that is laid upon us.

C. Fear of the Devil --5:8-9, "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."

Satan tempts under three forms:

1. The subtle serpent; to beguile our senses, pervert our judgment, and enchant our imagination.

2. As an angel of light; to deceive us with false views of spiritual things, refinements in religion, and presumption on the providence and grace of God.

3. As a roaring lion; to bear us down, and destroy us by violent opposition, persecution, and death. Thus he was acting towards the followers of God at Pontus, etc., who were now suffering a grievous persecution.

All the great persecutions that ever were in the world were raised, stirred up, and conducted, by the devil; he is the grand persecutor, as well as the deceiver and accuser, of the brethren; men are his willing spiteful instruments, but he is the chief adversary that wars against Christ and his people, Gen_3:15; Rev_12:12.

The design of Satan in raising persecutions against the faithful servants of God is to bring them to apostasy, by reason of their sufferings, and so to destroy their souls.

Soberness of mind -- alertness-- and watchfulness -- awakeness -- are necessary virtues at all times, but especially in times of suffering and persecution. If you would overcome Satan, as a tempter, an accuser, or a persecutor, you must resist him steadfast in the faith; if your faith gives way, you are gone; therefore, above all, take the shield of faith,” Eph_6:16.

We are not to fear Him, but face Him in the Faith, both ours in Christ and the Faith of the gospel. Faith in the fact that the gospel has the answer for all our problems, including the defeat of our worst one -- the Devil!

Peter advocated three responses to Satan in this passage. We should respect him ("be of sober spirit," v. 8). If Peter had respected Satan more he might not have slept in the Garden of Gethsemane after Jesus had warned him to watch and pray so that he would not enter into temptation.

Second, Peter said we should recognize Satan ("be on the alert," v. 8). If Peter had been alert he might not have denied Jesus three times in the courtyard of the high priest. Third, we should resist Satan (v. 9). If Peter had resisted Satan he might not have felt that he had to resist Malchus' advance in Gethsemane and cut off his ear.

"Before we can stand before Satan [vv. 8-9], we must bow before God [vv. 6-7]. Peter resisted the Lord and ended up submitting to Satan!"

IV. The Test on Life's Lessons Gives the Answers in the Promises that Attend Grace-- 5:10, "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 perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you."

A. The Glorious Assurance to Sufferers

1. Suffering is limited in time -- 5:10a, "...after you have suffered a little while..." The term "little while" means that sufferings have a shelf-life, although the expiration date on them may not be until the entrance into His eternal glory. But we have been called unto His eternal glory and nothing can separate us from this destiny, so we need to confess with Paul that "...we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison (2 Cors 4:16-17).

2. Supplies of grace assures us that suffering is not in vain -- 5:10c, "...will himself perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle."

(a) Perfect -- God will equip and outfit His people through the School of Affliction to be Victors in life and not Victims

The Greek word for perfect is also translated as “restore” and is used in Mark 1:19 for the disciples repairing their fishing nets. The point is that, after we have suffered a little while and taken some hits and gotten knocked around, the God who called us into his eternal glory will repair us and restore us. We will not be damaged goods. We will not carry psychological scars. We will be happy and whole. And to that end God himself promises to make us strong, firm and steadfast. God is on a personal mission to prove a point that not even the devil can debate, viz., that the power is his forever and ever.

(b) Establish -- God will supply His people with all the grace needed to keep them from fatally denying their Lord and falling away -- (Luke 22:31-32)

(c) Strengthen -- God will impart the needed strength so His people will be able to resist the Devil and endure suffering.

(d) Settle -- God will set His people upon an immovable foundation so they will not be swept away during hard times.

V. The Triumph in Life's Lessons that Gives God Praise for His Amazing Grace-- 5:11, "To him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen

"Glory" is due to God for all the grace he bestows on His people; and to give it to him shows a sense of appreciation for divine goodness and a grateful heart.

"Dominion" is properly ascribed to Him whose kingdom rules over all, and who dispenses his grace, as well as his providential favors', in a sovereign way. Amen is an Affirmation that God is the Bountiful Giver and I am the Needy Receiver ?? 2 Cor 1:20.

Amen is an Exultation that Relishes the Grace of God because it Advances the Glory of God ?? Roms 16:20,24,27;Eph 3:21;6:24; Philps 4:20,23; I Tim 1:17

1Peter 4:19, "Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator."

God our Father is Faithful. He is faithful to fulfill the expectations of support and protection. The new creature in Christ cannot but have an expectation, that he who has given him true life will preserve it and never let it perish. This is in the spiritual DNA of the new born believer; and "he will fulfill the desire of them that fear him, he also will hear their cry and save them." "The Lord preserves all them that love him."

Besides, he has given to them as his new creatures in Christ, "exceeding great and precious promises."

We will quote a few of them:"In six troubles God shall deliver thee ; in seven no evil shall touch thee. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shall thou trust ; he shall give his angels charge concerning thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. The Lord is thy keeper, the Lord shall preserve thee from all evil, the Lord shall preserve thy soul. When thou passeth through the waters I will be with thee, and the flood shall not overflow thee ; when thou passest through the fire thou shalt not be burnt, neither shall the flame kindle on thee. I give unto my sheep eternal life, and they shall never perish ; neither shall any one pluck them out of my Father s hand. Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, can separate" those created anew in Christ Jesus "from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus their Lord." "Faithful is he who hath promised, who also will do it." "He is not a man that he should lie, nor the son of man that he should repent. Hath he said it, and shall he not do it ? Hath he promised it, and shall he not make it good ?" "All these promises are yea, amen, in Christ Jesus, to the glory of God by us."

He has promised that he will "withhold no good thing from them ;"that "it shall be well with them;" that "their desire shall be granted," and that "their hope shall be gladness." He has declared that theirs is the world, and that they "shall inherit all things ;" and promised to "supply all their need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

He has a promise which meets every anxiety which can arise in their hearts. Are they anxious as to strength to perform duty ? he says, "My grace is sufficient for you." "God will work in you to will and to do of his good pleasure." "I will strengthen them in the Lord, and they shall walk up and clown in my name."

Are they anxious as to guidance in difficulty? "I will lead the blind in a way that they know not ; I will make darkness light before them." " I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way that thou shouldest go."

Are they afraid of falling before their spiritual enemies, and ultimately coming short of eternal life? He who is the Father s substantial image says, "I give to my sheep eternal life, and they shall never perish ; neither shall any pluck them out of my hand. My Father which gave them me, is greater than all ; and none can pluck them out of my Father's hand." "God who is faithful, will not suffer you to be tempted above what ye are able to bear ; and will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye maybe able to bear it." "Satan shall be bruised under your feet shortly."

In every situation in life fitted to excite anxiety there are appropriate promises which I cannot stop to enumerate. To his people, when in poverty, in famine, bereaved of relations, spoiled of their possessions, misrepresented and slandered, promises specifically suited to their circumstances are made, all proving that he cares for them, that "in all their afflictions he is afflicted," and that "they who touch them, touch the apple of his eye."

So rejoice, even if you have miserably failed God's Life Lesson's test! Why? because you get to retake it again and again until you pass it!