1. Scripture Reading: I Peter 5:1-7 “To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of glory that will never fade away. Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’

2. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

3. LIVING A MATURE CHRISTIAN LIFE IN 2016

4. Peter gives three important aspects of a mature, Christian life. So, if that is what you want for yourself in 2016—here is what you do:

5. I. START SERVING A. Taught over and over in scripture B. The greatest influence you will every have in your life will be that of a servant

6. This is the primary difference between happy, healthy families and unhappy, dysfunctional ones.

7. express no NEEDS yes

8. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen… Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:29, 31-32

9. Three ways to become a servant: 1. Be willing to be made willing “Not because you must, but because you are willing…” (v.2) Duty doesn’t work like desire Some feel trapped by the “have to’s” Don’t change your circumstances, but your attitude “Lord, I am willing to be made willing!!”

10. 2. Choose giving over getting “Not greedy for money, but eager to serve.” (v.2) a. Giving has power, getting doesn’t b. You will never make a lasting impact by what you get c. Don’t confuse your influence with you income!

11. 3. Choose being an example over being in control. “Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being an example… (v.3) You don’t make a lasting impact by TELLING people what to do, but by SHOWING them how to do it.

12. II. STAY HUMBLE “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” (V.6) A. HE may lift you up—not by yourself, or for yourself B. What you do is: 1. Recognize that there is a gap 2. Get rid of defensiveness and pride 3. Humble yourself before the Lord “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12

13. III. STOP WORRYING “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (v.7) A. “Cast” means to throw permanently on another

14. CONCLUSION: As we begin 2016—here is Peter’s 3-step plan to develop you into a mature, victorious Christian: (Are you ready??) 1. Start serving 2. Stay humble 3. Stop worrying