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Scripture and questions for study and reflection:

Read 1 Peter 5:6-11.

1. Pastor Mick shared that in today\\u2019s passage, the Apostle Peter was writing to a persecuted church. In what ways is the church persecuted today, globally and right here in the U.S.?

2. Peter says, \\u201cHumble yourselves, therefore, under God\\u2019s mighty hand...\\u201d What does he mean by this and why is it important?

3. Peter says, \\u201cCast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.\\u201d Pastor Mick shared an example of one man asking another, \\u201cHave you given it over to the Lord?\\u201d The other man replied, \\u201cYes, many times.\\u201d What does the second man\\u2019s response reveal? How often do you act more like that second man than what Peter is recommending? Why?

4. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus says, \\u201cCome to me, all you who are weary and bur- dened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.\\u201d Have you found this kind of rest for your soul? How might humility before God affect whether (and how much) rest you find?

5. Peter describes the devil as the one who \\u201cprowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.\\u201d In what areas of your life are you easy prey for this lion? What changes do you need to make to protect yourself?

6. Peter says to resist the devil by standing firm in the faith. What are some things you can do to stand firm like this? (Hint:Think about Jesus alone in the wilderness. Also, look at James 4:7)

7. Peter is clear that our sufferings are not unique to us. Christians throughout history have faced the same kinds of sufferings. Pastor Mick said his commentary called this a \\u201ckoinonia of suffering,\\u201d or a \\u201cfellowship of suffering.\\u201d What does this mean for us? How can we find hope in this?

8. Peter says, \\u201cThe God of all grace...will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.\\u201d How does this support Pastor Mick\\u2019s mentor who says, \\u201cThe answer is always grace\\u201d? What does this tell us about the importance of grace in our lives, both receiving it and offering it to others?

Prayer for the week:

Almighty God, forgive us for the times we have failed to humble ourselves and surrender our lives to you. Forgive us for the times we\\u2019ve tried to do life on our own and made a terrible mess of things. Help us to do better going forward. Take our guilt and shame away from us and restore us though your steadfast love, mercy and grace. Give us wisdom, courage and strength to stand firm in our faith and resist the temptations of the evil one. As we do, help others to see your mighty hand working in our lives so that they seek and find you in their lives as well. We pray all of this in the strong and holy name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.
Amen.