Shady Grove Sermons

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. ...

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...

 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...

 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...

Rest from the Storm Galatians 6:1-10 The Grove; June 7, 2026 Hearers of the Word Theme: Let Us Not Grow Weary: Finding Rest and Renewal in God While Doing Good Key Verse: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 I. The Reality of Weariness II. The Call: Do Not Grow Weary in Doing Good Statement of Truth: There is a crucial difference between resting from good works and resting in order to do good works.  III. The Promise: You Will Reap a Harvest Two Anchors: 1. “At the proper time”  2. “If we do not give up”  Finding Rest in God: • View Physical Rest as Stewardship • Seek Mental and Emotional Rest • Spiritual Rest is Abiding in Christ • Learn to Lean on Community Rest Doers of the Word: •   Where are you most weary right now—physically, mentally, or spiritually? • Is there a “good work” God has called you to that you are tempted to quit because you are tired? •  ...

 Eyes on Jesus in the Storm Matthew 14:22-33 Big Idea / Thesis: Storms are not always punishment or accidents—sometimes Jesus sends us straight into them. The difference between sinking and standing is where we fix our eyes. Three Points of Application  1. Jesus Sometimes Sends Us Into the Storm (Obedience Precedes Peace) • Text: “Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side” (v. 22). • Application: Obeying Jesus does not guarantee calm seas. Sometimes the next step of obedience is directly into difficulty (a tough calling, a season of waiting, conflict, loss, etc.). • Series Tie-in: This is the “storm” we’re sent into, not the one we choose. • Challenge: Where is Jesus telling you to “get in the boat” right now even though the wind is already rising? • Illustration: The disciples left a miraculous high (5,000 fed) only to row into exhaustion. 2. Faith Starts Strong but Must Stay Fixed on Jesus (The Danger of Looking at the Wave...