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Hearing God: A Pure Heart

Hearing God: A Pure Heart Matthew 5:6 The Grove | August 9, 2026 Introduction Main question: How do we hear God? How do we develop a hunger for Him? Remember: God speaks Spirit to spirit (John 16:13) Warning: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:7-8, 15; 4:7) I. The Danger of a Hard Heart A. Murmuring and complaining B. Unbelief C. Disobedience (the 10 spies vs. Joshua and Caleb) D. Key truth: Obedience keeps the heart soft; God desires obedience more than repeated worship II. Developing a Hearing Ear A. The ability is given at new birth; the skill must be developed B. First secret: Hearing God must become vital to you C. Second secret: It requires exercise (F.I.T.) Frequency – deliberately set your mind on God Intensity – purposeful, regular time with Him Time – bring every thought captive until it becomes reflex D. There is no substitute (books, conferences, podcasts, counseling cannot replace direct hearing) III. A Pure and Undivided Heart A. Defini...
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Shepherds, Sheep, and the Roaring Lion  1 Peter 5 Hearers of the Word Theme:  In suffering, God calls His shepherds to faithful, willing, humble service and His people to humble dependence and vigilant faith, all while holding fast to our unfading hope in the Chief Shepherd. I. Instructions for Shepherds (Elders/Pastors) – vv. 1–4 a. Three charges to shepherds: i. Shepherd Faithfully – Feed, lead, love, protect God’s flock  (not “my” flock) -  Reference to John 21 ii. Serve Willingly – Not by compulsion but eagerly  (Reference  2 Cor 9:7) iii. Lead Humbly – Not lording over, but as examples  (Reference Mark 10:42–45). II. Instructions for the Flock (All Believers) – vv. 5–7 a. Key Elements: i. Younger submit to elders; all submit to one another. ii. Clothe yourselves with humility iii. Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you  III. Warning & Encouragement: The Enemy & the God of All Grace – vv. 8–11 a. Ke...
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Hope in Prayer, Love, Service and Suffering

  Hope in Prayer, Love, Service and Suffering 1 Peter 4:7-19 The Grove; July 12, 2026 Hearers of the Word: Essential Marks of a Believer: I.   Arm Yourselves with the attitude of Christ {verse 1-6} II.   Serious Prayer (v. 7) III.   Continual, Fervent Love (v. 8) IV.   Faithful Serving (vv. 9-11) V.   Expected Suffering (vv. 12-19) Suffering as Saints   (vv. 12-14, 16) Suffering for Sin & Dying to Self (v. 15;   see Galatians 5:24) Suffering from Satan (preview — ch. 5:8-11) Doers of the Word 1.   Prayer & Urgency: In what ways does the truth that “the end of all things is at hand” change how you approach your prayer life? What would it look like for you to be more “serious and watchful” in prayer this week? 2.   Love & Offenses: Share a time when choosing to “overlook an offense” (Proverbs 19:11) brought freedom. Why is fervent agape love so powerful in a church family, and where do you struggle most with this? 3. ...
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Living in Hope: God’s Will in a Hostile World

Living in Hope: God’s Will in a Hostile World Text: 1 Peter 4:1-6 Date: The Grove, July 5, 2026 (Week 16) HEARERS OF THE WORD THEME: Even when the world around us is difficult or hostile, Peter urges us to arm ourselves with the same attitude as Christ—who suffered in the flesh—so that we no longer live for evil human desires, but for the will of God. 1. Introduction & Prayer  o Welcome  o Opening prayer for hearts to be encouraged and challenged. o Brief series recap: Making our way through 1 Peter 2. Historical & Contextual Background  o Setting: ~64 AD, severe persecution under Nero after the burning of Rome. o Peter writes with empathy from firsthand experience; he and Paul will soon be martyred. o Suffering as a major theme (17 uses of “suffer” forms in 1 Peter). o Application to us: We enjoy comfort now—thank God, but don’t grow lazy. Be bold because the cost is currently low. Many believers worldwide still face life-or-death choices. 3. ...
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Hope in Doing Good

Hope in Doing Good Text: 1 Peter 3:13-22 Date: June 28, 2026 | The Grove I. Introduction – The Context of Suffering (1 Peter 3:13-17) Peter writes to believers facing a hostile world and persecution. The letter addresses practical living under pressure, with suffering as a central theme. Good behavior does not guarantee ease, but Peter insists it ultimately leads to victory. Pragmatic question many ask: “Why does God allow evil to persist?” Key principle: It is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil (v. 17). Christ is the model – He suffered for us, leaving an example (see also 2:21). II. The Call to Preparation and Bold Hope (3:15-16) Do not fear oppressors; instead, honor Christ the Lord as holy by being ready to give a defense for the hope within you. This readiness flows from holy living, not just mental attitude — daily confession and fearless witness. Backed by Jesus’ words (Matthew 10:26-33): Fear God, not those who can only kill the body. Sustained by the living ho...
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Hope in Harmony

 Hope in Harmony 1 Peter 3:13-22    Opening Prayer God, as we open Your Word, open our minds that we might know You, open our hearts that You might speak to us, and open our hands that we might serve You. Amen. Introduction There’s so much in our lives that needs to be challenged and smoothed by God’s Word. Only by His Word can we overcome the flesh, the world, the enemy, and life’s trials. In our study of 1 Peter, we’ve been in a section summed up by one word: Harmony. Peter shows us how to live in harmony in four key areas: 1. Harmony in the world (submission to government) – 1 Peter 2:13-17 2. Harmony in the workplace – 1 Peter 2:18-end 3. Harmony in the home (marriage) – 1 Peter 3:1-7 4. Harmony in heaven – 1 Peter 3:13-22 (today) Biblical harmony assumes differences among people brought together in unity under Jesus Christ, the Master Composer. Diversity adds richness — the challenge is turning differences into harmony instead of conflict. Practical Atti...
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Christians in a Hostile Society

 Christians in a Hostile Society 1 Peter 3:8-12 The Grove, June 11, 2026 Hearers of the Word First-century Christians lived under growing pressure and false accusations in a pagan culture. Today, we face a similar reality: a society that increasingly views Christians as narrow-minded, judgmental, and problematic. We are called to live faithfully in this hostile environment. Peter wrote to believers facing trials, reminding them of their secure hope: they are born again into an imperishable inheritance kept by God’s power (1 Peter 1:3-5). In chapter 2, he urged them to live honorably among the Gentiles through good works, submit to authorities (except when they contradict God), and show respect even to harsh masters, unbelieving spouses, and difficult relationships. In 1 Peter 3:8-12, Peter summarizes how Christians should respond: I. Christian Relations with One Another (v. 8) Harmonious / Like-minded: Share unity in biblical truth (soteriology, Christology, orthodoxy, and orthopra...
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