Tag: elders

1 Peter 5

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, 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.

Unfortunately due to all of our modern conveniences, we don’t understand shepherding, sheep, or how flocks of sheep behave. Peter’s audience however would have understood how sheep behave and what it takes to be a good shepherd. But for us, we need to know that sheep are very prone to getting lost and if they do, they lack the ability, like other animals, to find their way home. All other animals can track their way back home. But Jesus uses sheep to describe mankind time and time again. Sheep can get lost very easily but they also need a shepherd to guide them, keep them from danger, and carry them should they become injured.

Sheep also once they are adults are no longer white and fluffy, their coats are very oily, and therefore every little bit of dirt clings to their body and they have no way to clean themselves. The only way they can get clean is when the shepherd shears them. Sheep are also very vulnerable to predators. They can’t kick, jump, bite, or scratch their prey. They need a shepherd to defend them and keep them safe. Because we are so often compared to sheep, we need shepherds to guard and watch over their church, to help keep us safe, clean, and not get lost and most of all, to make sure the flock is being fed. Peter tells the elders that they need to be eager to serve, not to lord over them, and to be a good example to the rest of the flock.

As a shepherd, you are responsible for the flock. Peter also suggests that there be multiple Elders, pastors, and other leaders. One man should not be in charge so that he is not elevated above his congregation. Having multiple men in leadership helps against imbalance and each godly man has his own capabilities and gifts. There should also be multiple godly men so when the pastor is gone, there are other strong men in the church left to continue the preaching and teaching. When you are given the responsibility of preaching, teaching, and shepherding you are held to a higher standard. He is responsible for leading and feeding the sheep of his congregation. Feeding the sheep means leading them to green pastures so they can be adequately fed, and keeping them safe from danger. He encourages those who lead to do so with a pure heart because one day the Chief Shepherd – Jesus will come back and judge the work that was done. If your sheep are getting lost or hurt, it is the shepherd’s fault. But if they are well taken care of, the shepherd will receive an unfading crown of glory. This crown will never tarnish, fade in its brilliance, or become damaged. This is our eternal inheritance.

5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud

but shows favor 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.

Peter provides us with essential attitudes that are vital for nurturing our spiritual growth. In recent chapters, he emphasizes the importance of submission, regardless of our societal roles, offering guidance to slaves and masters, wives and husbands, and more. Now, Peter revisits the theme of submission, specifically addressing young men in verse 5. Recognizing their potential headstrong nature, he calls for additional restraint. This message also extends to the entire church, urging alignment under the wise leadership of pastors, elders, and spiritual guides. It is crucial for church members to embrace submission to spiritual authority. Peter instructs us all to be adorned with humility towards one another. When humility is absent from the church, the responsibilities of pastors and elders become significantly more demanding.

Emulating Jesus’ humility, as demonstrated when He washed the feet of His disciples, including Judas, is paramount. Choosing not to humble oneself results in opposition from God while embracing humility invites His favor. God detests pride, the very sin that led to Lucifer’s fall from Heaven. He addresses pride swiftly and seriously. God commands us to be humble before Him, walking under His mighty hand, which signifies His control, protection, and guidance. Straying from God’s protective umbrella exposes us to various dangers we were shielded from when close to Him. Cultivating humility requires prayer and the confession of sins, as it does not come naturally to us. Entrust your burdens, fears, and anxieties to God, who cares deeply for you. His love is so profound that He sent His only Son to die for us—there is no greater love than this.

8 Be alert and of sober mind. 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 the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of suffering.

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. 11 To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.

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.

Today our churches easily fall prey to all the new-age teachings. We no longer have the biblical intellect and discernment to help keep us safe, and that leaves us in a very dangerous place spiritually. Without a standard for our discernment, we start looking for experiences in the church rather than diving into the word of God. Christianity is a matter of the mind. The Bible tells us that God has given us a sound mind and a renewed mind when we are born again. The purpose of teaching and preaching is to pour truth into your mind. So that one day all the truth that you consume will become a part of you. This strength gives you strength and usefulness which help mold your attitude. It gives you an attitude of submission, humility, and trust in God. Our enemy is powerful and subtle. Satan and his demons attack us as individuals, through the world system. They are unable to read our minds but they can entice our flesh to sin. They also attack families with married couples. They attack leaders and the church. You see Satan works every angle he can to erode the foundation of Christianity. We have a very serious problem on our hands and he is a huge threat. But now we have to figure out how we can protect ourselves from our enemies. Peter tells us to be alert and on guard. Peter tells us also to resist him or stand up against him. But how do you stand up to the Devil? You stand up to be him by being firm in your faith, trusting God, and living in accord with His truth. We don’t battle against Satan by anything of our human capabilities but rather with our eyes on God and being obedient to His truth. We are to put on the full armor of God, the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the spirit, and the shoes of peace.

Peter reminds us that we must suffer for a little while so that we may become strong and steadfast, increasing our eternal reward. But after our suffering, God Himself will confirm you, perfect you, and restore you. He is making us whole through our trials and tribulations. Peter reminds us to stay faithful and to stay affectionate with other believers, to the church, and to individuals as well. Let God’s truth come into your life and change you to look more like Christ.

Friends we have talked about a number of things this chapter, but it mainly boils down to our attitude and behavior as a Christian. It is so important for us to not just talk the talk but to also walk the walk. If we are shallow and insincere Christians, our friends and family will see right through us. We are called to be a great light to this world and the only way to do that is to behave and talk like a child of God. Through your self-control and obedience to God, you will help inspire others to do the same. Stay strong in your faith and lead all of your relationships with the example of Godliness.