Chapter 5
-Peter concludes the short letter of exhortation and
declaration of the true grace of God (1 Peter 5:12) by speaking to directly to
the elders of the church. As a fellow elder, witness of Christ’s sufferings,
and future partaker in His glory, Peter instructs to “shepherd the flock of God
that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion (force, pressure,
coercion, obligation), but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful
gain (a hoarder, selfish), but eagerly; not domineering (becoming a master)
over those in your charge, but being examples (role models) to the flock (1
Peter 5:2-3).” In doing this, when the Chief Shepherd, who is Jesus Christ,
appears, the leaders will receive the unfading crown of glory for righteous
oversight in the House and Family of God (1 Peter 5:4). *Application* Oversight
in the church must be handled correctly with humility and righteousness. Not
many should become teachers because they will incur a stricter judgment in
their leading of others (James 3:1). To handle the church of the Living God,
these principles must be followed with devotion and introspection. This will
ensure fruitful ministry for you and those you lead. Grow into these virtues
and become the leader God wants you to be.
-Now Peter addresses younger members of the Body of Christ.
They are to be subject to their elders with humility, dignity, and respect for “God
opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5).” The
promise is given that if we humble ourselves under the mighty Hand of God that
He will exalt us at the proper time (1 Peter 5:6). We can cast all of our
anxieties (worries, fears, cares, apprehension) onto Him because He cares for
us (1 Peter 5:7). In life, we need to walk circumspectly (Ephesians 5:15) as
sober-minded and watchful because our enemy, the devil, is prowling around like
a roaring (angry) lion, seeking someone to devour. We are to resist him being
firm in our faith and knowing that our brothers and sisters in Christ around
the world are experiencing the same kinds of suffering throughout the world.
After we have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called us
to His eternal glory in Christ, will “restore, confirm, strengthen, and
establish” us in His dominion (1 Peter 5:8-11). *Application* Our humility in
the process of sanctification is paramount. Endurance is also very key as we
see in this passage. When God comes through, and He always will if you remain
faithful, you will see the following happen as a promise by the Lord Himself.
You will be restored, which means you have new hope in the proper order of
things. You will be confirmed, which means you will be deep-rooted and complete
in authority. You will be strengthened, which means you are no longer weak and
helpless. With Christ at your side and you are more than a conqueror (Romans
8:37) and have power in the spiritual realm (Ephesians 3:20). You will finally
be established, which means you have the enduring qualities with a strong
foundation. God intends for us to be strong in Him by the power of His might
(Ephesians 6:10). He is our rescue, so keep looking to Him in times of distress
and suffering. This too shall pass!
Verse to Memorize: 1
Peter 5:6-8, 10
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