2. So what do we do? The future IS unknowable
The future IS uncontrollable
We fall back on…
…what IS knowable
…what IS controllable

3. 1st Peter 5:6-12 …humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

4. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

5. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.

6. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.

7. Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it!
New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. LaHabra, CA : The Lockman Foundation, 1995

8. New Year, Same Stuff It’s about Grace (5:12) God’s provision
Our inability

9. New Year, Same Stuff It’s about Obedience (1:1-2)
Purpose of our salvation
Reconciled relationship is an obedient relationship
Reconciled relationship is a covenant relationship

10. New Year, Same Stuff What we imagine…Best Buddies! What is real…
Servant to King
Creature to Creator
Child to Father

11. New Year, Same Stuff Yes…Jesus is the Friend of sinners
Never forget though…
He is LORD
He is KING
He is CREATOR

12. New Year, Same Stuff It’s about Hope (1:3-5) This is not all there is
This is not the best there’ll be
I am safe

13. New Year, Same Stuff It’s about Love (1:22-2:3)
Purpose of salvation (part B)
Reconciled to God
Reconciled to each other
Inseparably united in our salvation

14. New Year, Same Stuff It’s about Love (1:22-2:3)
Requires maximum effort
Is fully provided for

15. New Year, Same Stuff What do we know? What can we control?
We have what we need
What our purpose is
What can we control?
Our faith
Our faithfulness