Rev. Brian L. Kachelmeier
1 Peter 5:6-9
In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Anxiety, who likes anxiety? Well, there probably aren’t too many people who enjoy it. Anxiety is that feeling of apprehension about the future. It is that uneasiness about things to come. It is that overwhelming sensation of not being in control. Anxiety probably won’t find a place on the top ten positive emotions of life.
I might as well ask if anyone would like to stand up front and list off all the sins that he or she has committed in the last week. I bet you would be anxious about that. What would the pastor say? What would the others say? What would God say?
Yet, this side of heaven we will feel anxiety. There will be things in our lives that make us anxious. We do not know what will happen tomorrow. But, tonight we look to the only real solution to anxiety. Tonight we will focus on the words found in the first letter of St. Peter in chapter 5. We hear these words,
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. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, (1 Pet. 5:6-9a ESV)
Tonight’s passage, which begins at verse six, is connected to the rest of the letter and especially to the previous statement in chapter five. The letter is written to Christians who are facing persecution. Peter encourages them that just as Jesus suffered they too are suffering with Jesus. In chapter four, Peter says,
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. (1 Peter 4:12-14 ESV)
There is no greater anxiety than to be anxious about the life to come. These Christians were facing persecution to the point of death. Peter wants them to be sure that they have not been abandoned by God. They are to recognize that the Lord cares for them and they should cast all of the cares on Him. They should not doubt about the future life because of the present realities. Instead, they should be sure that God will exalt them in due time.
Not only does Peter make these Christians aware of the reality of suffering persecutions and trials, he also reminds them of the reality that there is a devil who wants to see them destroyed in these trials and sufferings. The devil is on the prowl waiting for someone to devour. The devil is not a cartoon character in a red jump suit and holding a pitch fork. No, he is much more deadly. He is looking for someone to devour.
Now these are some major things to anxious about. Are Christians blessed in the midst of persecution and suffering? Is the devil going to destroy us?
Now God encourages us with these words,
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. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, (1 Pet. 5:6-9a ESV)
Know that you cannot stand up to the devil on your own. Instead stand in faith under God’s mighty hand. It is the hand of God that was pierced for you. It is the hand of God that no one can take you out of. It is the hand of God that will keep you from all harm.
If God is for us, then who can be against us? If God is with Christians in their persecution, suffering and death because of their faith, then God is with us through our entire heart ache. Because we do not need to worry about where we stand with God, we can stand firmly in our faith in His promise. Because we do not need to worry about where we will spend eternity, we do not need to worry about the present moment.
It is God who cares for you. Therefore, cast your anxieties upon Him. Know that your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ are experiencing the same type of suffering around the world. This suffering is only a moment in time. These things will pass away, but the word of the Lord will never pass away. Cast your anxieties upon Him, because He cares for you.
Oh and by the way, even if you were to stand in front of the group tonight and confess all of your sins, you should not doubt or wonder what the response would be. God’s response is that you are forgiven because of Jesus. The proper response of the church is that you are forgiven in the name of Jesus. This is just as sure in heaven as it is on earth. Amen.
