1 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: 2 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; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 1 Peter 5:1-4 (NIV)
In this final Chapter of 1 Peter, he charges his readers within the church during the troubled times they were encountering with responsibilities. The Elders were exhorted to shepherd (to tend, guide, guard, protect, lead and nourish) the flock. If we are honest, we often feel we experience more troubled times rather than sweet times of refreshing do we not? During our trials Peter here reminds us as well to stand firm in our faith and willingly and lovingly do our duties for those under our care. We too are to tend, guide, guard, protect, lead and nourish those God has placed in our lives to care for. I am reminded of Jesus’ Words to His disciples:
42 “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.” Matthew 10:42 (NIV)
This is to be sans complaining! We are not to let these charges pass over us either – as we have previously discussed, we are all leaders in some ways. So, heads up here! Also, we are not to take away from our good deeds by our grumbling mouths! We share in Christ’s sufferings now, but we will one day share in His glory. Paul tells us in Philippians:
27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved--and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. Philippians 1:27-30 (NIV)
Our motives must stem from willingness not compulsion for God loves a cheerful giver in all things. We are to have a pure motivation to do God’s will and to serve Him freely and eagerly. We serve God in serving others. It is His desire that we are faithful stewards of what He has entrusted to us. Also, we are to be examples – by living what we espouse – to serve as models for those under our care and in our spheres. Leading by the example of mature Christian character gives weight to our words. Which begs the question – are we mature followers of Christ Jesus? Christ is the Chief Shepherd – the True Shepherd – the Great Shepherd and ever so worthy to follow. Indeed, He tells us:
26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. John 12:26 (NIV)
Peter reminds us in verse four that when Jesus returns – the Chief Shepherd – we will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. These words are reminiscent of Paul’s in 1 Corinthians:
24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NIV)
Do not grow weary in doing good ladies – persevere to end – finish well – it matters greatly how you live this one life you have been given. I am reminded of the late Billy Graham’s passing into his home in heaven this past week. What great rejoicing there must have been for his entrance into the heavenly kingdom, for hearing His Savior’s approving words and experiencing His warm countenance and smile. This humble man who lived for Christ, by His Word and through His power was used greatly. It is amazing what God will do for His servants who will ready themselves for use and humble themselves under His mighty hand so that He may lift them up in due time. Quite amazing.
Of her father, Anne Graham Lotz writes:
“But when I think of him (Billy Graham) I also think of his message because he was immersed in it. Saturated in it. He was his message…a simple man who had responded to God’s love by placing his faith in Jesus, receiving the assurance that his sins were forgiven, that he would not perish, but would have everlasting life. Simple faith. Faith that now matters more than anything else. For years, over his head as he preached was the banner that quoted the words of Jesus: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” Jesus completed that sentence by saying that “No one comes to the Father but by Me.” Based on what Jesus said, Daddy is safely with the Father. n heaven. Daddy not only claimed Jesus as the only Way to God, he lived by the Truth publicly on platforms and privately behind closed doors and is now enjoying real Life. I have often stated that I was raised by a single parent because ministry took my father away from our family – for weeks and months at a time. Daddy estimated that he was gone from home approximately 60 percent of his children’s growing-up years. Now, he has left again. This time, he will not be coming back. At least, not until Jesus does, too. While he may be physically absent and his voice silent, I am confident that his message will continue to reverberate throughout the generations to come. My prayer on this day of his move to Our Father’s House is that his death will be a rallying cry. That tens of thousands of pastors, teachers, evangelists, and ordinary men and women will rise up to take his place. That they will take up his message like a baton being passed in a relay race and faithfully pass it on to those with whom they come in contact. Because Daddy’s message is God’s message. And it’s a message of genuine hope for the future, of love for the present, of forgiveness for the past. It’s a message, when received, that brings a fresh beginning, unshakable joy, unexplainable peace, eternal significance, meaning and purpose in life, and opens Heaven’s door.” Ann Graham Lotz
Next Peter writes in 1 Peter 5:5-7:
5 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.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:5-7 (NIV)
In this next section, Peter turns his attention from the shepherds to the sheep - which we are as well. As we all have those we lead we also all have those we follow. Good leaders deserve good followers. On our earthly sojourn, according to God’s Word, we are responsible to be in subjection to both men and to God. We are to willingly place ourselves under the authority that God has established for us – this is for order and for our best. Unless, of course, it goes against God’s revealed will. Our subjection is to be done clothed (meaning to tie on oneself) in humility. Pride should have no place in believers. We should never be puffed up. God calls us to be humble. God hates pride and rightly so. True humility is indeed one of the most fragrant and rarest flowers found in God’s garden. As Peter states, God opposes the prideful but gives grace giving way to grace to the humble.
We have nothing to prove but everything to bow low for. Let others have the credit – God sees all – and what does it matter anyway? Wisdom is always proved right by her actions. Seriously, how dare we have a bit of pride? Why we can’t even add a single hour to our lives and even the very hairs of our head are all numbered. As we live our lives for an Audience of One – the One Who gave His all for us in the greatest act of humility known - God lifts us up in due time. It is like the Proverbs 31 woman where her works brought her praise at the city gates – not her own big fat mouth.
“O believer, learn to reject pride, seeing that you have no ground for it. Whatever you are, you have nothing to make you proud. The more you have, the more you are in debt to God; and you should not be proud of that which renders you a debtor.” Charles H. Spurgeon
“Those who know God will be humble. Those who know themselves cannot be proud.” John Trapp
“And if you don’t lie prostrate on the ground before that cross, you have never seen it: if you are not humbled in the presence of Jesus, you don’t know Him. You were so lost that nothing could save you but the sacrifice of God’s only begotten. Think of that, and as Jesus lowered Himself for you, bow yourself in lowliness at His feet. A sense of Christ’s amazing love to us has a greater tendency to humble us than even the conscious awareness of our own guilt……Pride cannot live beneath the cross.” Charles H. Spurgeon
“Pride is as safely the sign of destruction as the change of mercury in the weather-glass is the sign of rain; and far more infallibly so than that. When men have ridden the high horse, destruction has always overtaken them…God hates high looks, and never fails to bring them down. All the arrows of God are aimed at proud hearts.” Charles H. Spurgeon
Scripture tells us:16 There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19 a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. Proverbs 6:16-19 (NIV)
Remember ladies, humility is the most attractive dress we can don. Pride is a barrier to all spiritual progress. In the Christian company it should have no place. God sets Himself against the proud and haughty but ministers all needed grace to enable the meek to overcome, no matter what difficulties they are called upon to face. We are to take the lowly place of unquestioning submission to the will of God now, knowing on the authority of His Word that in the day of manifestation He will take note of all we have endured for His Name’s sake, and He will then give abundant reward. Also, in theses verses Peter was more than likely reminiscing of Christ humbling Himself by girding a towel and stooping to wash His disciple’s feet – even those of Judas whom He knew would betray Him. Humility is the prerequisite for service and service is the practice of humility.
12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” John 13:12-17 (NIV)
Again, it does us well to remember that God sets Himself against the arrogant, but He grants favor and acceptance to the humble of heart. The command could actually be translated to “allow yourselves to be humbled”. We are to willingly humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand. Those who were suffering persecution for Christ’s sake could be encouraged by the fact that the same mighty hand that allowed them to suffer would one day lift (exalt) them up. Let us learn to live in the presence of the living God; let’s pray to the Holy Spirit that this day, and every other day, we may feel, “You, God, see me.” We all live Coram Deo – before the face of God.
Peter then referred to Christ’s classic Words of encouragement in the Sermon on the Mount that we are not to worry, fret or fear:
31 “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:31-34 (NIV)
And quotes the precious words of King David in Psalms 55:22:22Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22 (NIV)
Christ sustains us – He keeps us standing - because He loves and cares for us. It is His grip on us not ours on His. Our confidence rests in the fact that Christ is genuinely concerned for our welfare and loves us each with an everlasting love. His heart is ever towards His own. He is no indifferent spectator of our suffering. He feels for us in all our afflictions and bids us to cast every care upon Him, assured that He is concerned about all we have to endure. It matters to God about you. People may let us down – most all do at one time or the other - but God never will. It does us well to remember too that the path of suffering, both for Christ and for His followers, always ends in glory.
Paul tells us in Romans:31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:31-39 (NIV)
8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:8-11 (NIV)
“Lean hard upon Me, for I bring you through to new victories, and restoration shall follow what seems now to be a wind of destruction. Hold fast to My hand, and rest in My love, for of this you may be very certain: My love is unaltered; yes, I have you in My own intensive care. My concern for you is deeper now than when things are normal. Draw upon the resources of My grace, and so shall you be equipped to communicate peace and confidence to your dear ones. Heaven rejoices when you go through trials with a singing spirit. Your Father’s heart is cheered when you endure the test and do not question His mercy. Be like a beacon light. His own glorious radiance shall shine through you, and Christ Himself will be revealed.” Frances J. Roberts
“Whatever may be the machinations and devices of the enemies of God’s people, there is still the same effectual barrier to thwart their design. The saints are God’s heritage, and He is in the midst of them, and will protect His own. What comfort this yields us in our troubles and spiritual conflicts! We are constantly opposed, and yet perpetually preserved! A saint never yet had a virtue or a grace which was not the target for hellish bullets: whether it was hope bright and sparkling, or love warm and fervent, or patience all-enduring, or zeal flaming like coals of fire, the old enemy of everything that is good has tried to destroy it. The only reason why anything virtuous or lovely survives in us is this, ‘the Lord was there’.” Charles H. Spurgeon
In this section Peter warns us to be alert. While our confidence is in God and not in ourselves we are not to be careless either. Satan is a real being, a malignant personality, the bitter enemy of God and man. When we refuse to give place to the Devil – standing firm in the power of the Spirit – he will flee from us and his power is broken. We are to stand steadfast in the faith. Remember when we play with fire we’re going to get burned. Christians in conflict are to stand firm and be ever aware – made strong and steadfast by Christ Himself. We are to be constantly alert because the enemy of our souls – the devil – Satan is always actively seeking an opportunity for a vicious attack. He is both a good study and a good shot and He is ever seeking to defeat the believer’s testimony. If he cannot keep us from being saved, he seeks to keep us from being used greatly. And every time we fall for his tactics, he comes back to us loading us down with guilt and shame often rendering us frozen to go forward. Guilt and shame are two of Satan’s most used tools keeping us from running to the cross of sweet Jesus for forgiveness, cleansing and being made whole again.
Paul tells us in Ephesians:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)
The term translated “devil’s schemes” is from the Greek word “Methodeia” meaning the following or pursuing of an orderly and technical procedure in the handling of a subject. Just as the Lord has a plan for our lives, so too Satan. Therefore, we are to be strong in the Lord and His mighty power.
Scripture also tells us in Proverbs:28 Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. Proverbs 25:28 (NIV)
The city walls were for the city’s protection. Without them the city was vulnerable - open to all enemy attacks. Similarly, around our lives is the figurative wall of self-control. We are to be ever fortifying the breaches in our walls – searching for our weaknesses and bolstering them up as the city leaders would have been doing in ancient times on their literal city walls. We bolster our walls of self-control up in many ways a few of which are: staying near to the cross – quick repentance when we fall, being in the Word, prayer, setting our hearts and minds on things above, and living our lives for an audience of One. Also, we are not to willingly allow ourselves to be placed in arena’s that would be overwhelmingly tempting – it is like we stated before, we do not want to play with fire. God has promised us a door of escape when things come our way. We do not have to wallow in sin or fall for Satan’s tactics13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
Think Joseph and Potiphar’s wife. It is such a great example of this I think we would benefit from its read:
1 Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Potiphar, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him there. 2 The LORD was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, 4 Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. 5 From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. 6 So he left in Joseph's care everything he had; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, 7 and after a while his master's wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!” 8 But he refused. “With me in charge,” he told her, “my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. 9 No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” 10 And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her. 11 One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. 12 She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house. 13 When she saw that he had left his cloak in her hand and had run out of the house, 14 she called her household servants. “Look,” she said to them, “this Hebrew has been brought to us to make sport of us! He came in here to sleep with me, but I screamed. 15 When he heard me scream for help, he left his cloak beside me and ran out of the house.” 16 She kept his cloak beside her until his master came home. 17 Then she told him this story: “That Hebrew slave you brought us came to me to make sport of me. 18 But as soon as I screamed for help, he left his cloak beside me and ran out of the house.” 19 When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, “This is how your slave treated me,” he burned with anger. 20 Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison, 21 the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. 22 So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. 23 The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. Genesis 39:1-23 (NIV)
Remember ladies, an undisciplined person, who lacks self-control remains vulnerable to trouble. Satan can be and should be resisted through the Holy Spirit’s power. “Resist” him in Verse Nine means to “withstand” which is a term of defense rather than attack. We must remember that in our flesh we are no match for the devil and his many minions. Christians may stand firm against Satan only if they depend wholly on Christ, standing firm in the faith. Peter also encouraged his readers by reminding them that they were not alone in their suffering. The knowledge that other Christians throughout the world were suffering would strengthen their resolve to continue to stand firm in the faith.
Peter also encouraged his readers to endure suffering in such a way that the grace of God would be made manifest in their lives. When we are undergoing pain and suffering we are to hold fast to the faith, depend upon our Lord and His strength for the grace sufficient to meet the need we are experiencing. He is always faithful. The world takes notice of our actions because they are so other-worldly. In the closing word of benediction Peter committed the believers to the God of all grace. The benediction briefly summarizes Peter's message of encouragement. Christians' suffering will last only a little while, while their glory in Christ, to which they were called, will be eternal. God’s plan is that His children grow through suffering – it is through this that conformity to Christ is carried out. Also remember there are abundant stores of grace from which we may draw freely for strength to meet every emergency as we pursue our pilgrim way. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians:
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)
Also, in Romans, he states:17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. 18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:17-18 (NIV)
God Himself will one day restore us making us strong, firm and steadfast (established).
In his benediction, Peter praises Christ Who has all power for all time as Paul similarly states in Romans:36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11:36 (NIV)
Christ certainly has the power to strengthen His own as they undergo persecution. And as Piper states, “The One Who gives the power gets the glory. All praise to His Name!
12 With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. 13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ. 1 Peter 5:12-14 (NIV)
Silas had served Peter with the writing by taking dictation and probably personally delivered the letter to the churches of Asia Minor. This was most probably the same Silas who had accompanied Paul on his second missionary journey. Peter now appears to have penned these last two verses himself. His intended purpose was for his words to encourage the saints to continue to endure persecution and to stand fast through the Holy Spirit’s power so that the true grace of God would be evidenced to the unbelieving, watching world.
Since Peter was writing to churches probably “she” refers to the church (which is a feminine noun). If so, Peter was sending greetings from the church in “Babylon” to the churches in Asia Minor. According to historical evidence, Peter was in Rome during the final years of his life. “Babylon” here might be a disguised reference to Rome, used in order to protect both the Roman church and Peter from the Neronian persecution. (Others suggest, however, that he wrote from the literal city of Babylon on the Euphrates River.)
Greetings were also sent from Peter's son in the faith, Mark. Paul placed John Mark in Rome on an earlier occasion. Consequently, most would agree that John Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, was in Rome at the time 1 Peter was written. This strengthens the view that “Babylon” referred to Rome.
Greeting one another with a kiss indicates that it was a common sign of fellowship and Christian love. Paul writes in Romans:16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings. Romans 16:16 (NIV)
Peter closed his letter as he had begun it by encouraging Christians in the midst of persecution. Peter’s words of encouragement are just as applicable to us as modern-day believers. It is not hard to get buried under the problems and heartaches of this life. Peter calls us to focus on the grace of God and stand fast in it. And He causes us to stand because He is faithful and able to cause us to stand. It is as if Peter is calling us to lay down our burdens and pick up His grace. The grace of God enables the believer to triumph in all circumstances as He bestows the grace sufficient to meet each need we have. As we are told in Matthew by our Lord Himself:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
How we all need the encouragement and peace of Christ! He prayed for their peace, which is abundantly available to all who are in Christ, the Prince of Peace.
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV)
3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)
These are Beth’s personal notes, due to this fact sources are not often stated.
