Shady Grove Sermons

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...

  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. ...

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. ...