You Belong
When a person is in Christ they are admitted into the body of Christ, a world wide community of faith. The next and most important step is to become a member of a local body!
1 Peter 2:9-10; 1 Peter 5:1-2; 1 Corinthians 1:2
The Church – God’s Nation of Exiles
The Church is God’s Nation in the world today, comprised of believers from every earthly nation, scattered throughout every earthly nation, and with ultimate loyalty and affection reserved for God and His kingdom.
1 Peter 5:1-2; 2:9-12; 5:13-14
The Church – Elders
Each local church must have a group of elders who shepherd the flock by God’s Word, are servant leaders for those under their care, set a godly example in character and conduct, and point people to Jesus, the Chief Shepherd.
1 Peter 5:1–7
Engaging in Spiritual Warfare
Our strategy in spiritual warfare is to draw near to God, be alert for the attacks of Satan, and stand against, resist, and attack his works.
Ephesians 6:10-20; 1 Peter 5:6-9; James 4:7-10
Encouragement for God’s Sojourning Exiles
As God’s chosen, exile people, we are called to stand in His grace, loving, encouraging and serving one another, as He blesses us with His perfect peace.
1 Peter 5:12-14
One Body, One Church, Doing Good
As the body of Christ we are called to entrust ourselves to our faithful creator by doing good as the Church.
1 Peter 5:1-11
Discerning the Battle Lines
We must be able to discern where the battle lines have been drawn if we have any chance of even entering into the battle.
1 Peter 5:8
The Functions of an Elder-Shepherd
Shepherds are called to serve the flock by feeding, protecting, leading, and equipping it to serve God.
1 Peter 5:1-4