Hope for the Humble

1 Peter 5:5 has some bad news: "God opposes the proud." What could be worse than being opposed by the God of the universe? Pride can be our biggest enemy. Oh, but that same verse has some good news -- some very good news: "God gives grace to the humble." Humility can be our greatest friend. It invites God's grace. What could be better than that?

How can I humble myself before God? By casting all my anxieties on Him, because He cares for me (1 Peter 5:6-7). Now, there's hope -- hope for the humble.

Application Questions:

1. What do you tend to worry about?

2. Does it seem right to call worry a "sin"? Why or why not? Can you support your position from the Scriptures?

3. What is the connection between "humility" and "casting all our anxieties on Him"?

4. Why would God be categorically opposed to proud people?

5. Why is God so pleased with humility in people?

6. How can we teach our children at CCC about the need for God's grace (gospel) when we see them worrying?

7. How can we help each other in our Life Group deal with pride and its twin of worrying? How can we encourage humility in one anothers' lives?

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1 Peter 5:5-7

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (ESV)

April 3, 2011
1 Peter Series
Larry McCall