This Sunday in our church life group, we discussed the passage of scripture, 1 Peter 5.
It was a great discussion on humility, leadership, and suffering. If you take a look at this complete letter Peter writes to the saints in called 1 Peter in the Bible, it is quickly understood that suffering is expected in the life of a believer. The whole book is about suffering for the cause of Christ.
1 Peter 5
Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Messiah, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd(lead, guide, protect) the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
Therefore 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. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 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. 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. 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!
She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and so does my son, Mark.
Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to you all who are in Christ.
Since Sunday, I have thought on this closing chapter of this letter over and over. It is beautifully written and easy to understand. This final chapter, is the ending of this letter written to the churches. He speaks to the leaders, and he calls them elders.
This word elder is different from the word sometimes translated as elder in Paul’s letters. This word comes from the Greek word that means, older, mature man. The word Paul often uses has a meaning more like watcher, or overseer.
But, even though it is a different word, we can clearly see that Peter is talking to those who should be responsible as a shepherd of the flock. That is the church. Peter tells the leaders, shepherds to lead by example. Then he says to the younger men to follow in humility.
Peter goes on to tell everyone to be humble, not to worry, be alert, and prepared. He concludes with saying though we will all suffer for a while in the end Christ will perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish us. So, stand firm and love one another, and rely on Christ’s peace.
So are you a leader? Are you humble? Do you listen well? Do you set a good example? Are you worrying? Are you on the alert for the attack of the evil one? Are you prepared to fight the Good fight and to share the gospel at all cost? These are questions I have been asking myself this week.
Can you imagine what it will be like to be made perfect? To be confirmed by Christ? To know what it is like to be truly established and full of all Christ strength? What a glorious day that will be.
I can’t wait, but until that day, I will with His strength stand firm and love others as Christ loved me.
I hope you know the peace of Christ in your life, and that you too will Stand up for Christ in this life of suffering.
Blessings.
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