1 Peter 5 (April 29)
1 Peter 5
Ingredients of a Strong Christian Walk
(April 29, 2007)
Ref: 1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)
“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.”
Our lives here on earth are described here (at least in part)
as a time when we “have suffered a little while”.
Chs. 3-4 talked extensively about suffering and how we should respond to it.
Whatever we're going through, though, we must always remember that it is “only for a little while”.
Ref: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NASB)
“Therefore we do not lose heart,
but though our outer man is decaying,
yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.
For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory
far beyond all comparison,
while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen;
for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
Ref: Romans 8:18 (ESV)
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing
with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
So, until that time comes, how are we to live as we wait?
How does Peter wrap up this first letter to the believers in Asia Minor?
What are the ingredients of a strong Christian walk?
Lead through Service
Serve with Humility
Humble Yourself for Protection
Lead through Service (vs. 1-4)-
Ref: 1 Peter 5:1-4 (AMP)
“I WARN and counsel the elders among you (the pastors and spiritual guides of the church)
as a fellow elder and as an eyewitness [called to testify] of the sufferings of Christ,
as well as a sharer in the glory (the honor and splendor) that is to be revealed
(disclosed, unfolded):
Tend (nurture, guard, guide, and fold) the flock of God that is [your responsibility],
not by coercion or constraint, but willingly;
not dishonorably motivated by the advantages and profits [belonging to the office],
but eagerly and cheerfully;
Not domineering [as arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over those in your charge, but being examples (patterns and models of Christian living) to the flock (the congregation).
And [then] when the Chief Shepherd is revealed,
you will win the conqueror's crown of glory.”
The Greek word translated as “elder” here is “presbuteros” (pres-boo'-ter-os).
In English, the word “elder” generally conveys that the person being described is older.
That supposition is not incorrect here, but it's certainly not complete.
The “elder” described here is one who fills a distinct role in the church, a role of service.
Note the descriptions of this role of service in vs.2-3:
Tend, shepherd, care for, feed, or watch over the “flock”
Perform your duties willingly (not grudgingly, by coercion, by constraint,
or by compulsion)Act without greed, sordid gain, the dishonorable motivation of advantages and profits
Serve cheerfully and eagerly
Not domineering, arrogant, dictatorial, overbearing, or “lording over”
Be an example
What role(s) does this describe at FBCW?
Senior Pastor, Associate Pastors, Sunday School Teachers, Care Group Leaders...
any “position”
What is the reward for following this path?
Ref: 1 Peter 5:4 (NIV)
“And when the Great Shepherd appears,
you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.”
Serve with Humility-
Ref: 1 Peter 5:5-7 (NLT)
“In the same way, you younger men must accept the authority of the elders.
And all of you, serve each other in humility,
for 'God opposes the proud but favors the humble.'
So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God,
and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”
The Greek word translated as “younger” here is “neos” (neh'-os),
which conveys a newness (maybe regarding time spent in the faith)
and possibly physical youthfulness.
This is Peter's speech to the “rookies”.
Each Christian will eventually be called to lead through service.
That service must be colored with humility.
Ref: Proverbs 3:34 (referenced in 1 Peter 5:5)
“The Lord mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble.”
Humility is marked by patience.
Ref: 1 Peter 5:6 (NIV)
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”
His plan will unfold “in due time”.
Part of being humble is trusting Him for results (to the point of not needing to worry anymore).
Ref: 1 Peter 5:7 (CEV)
“God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.”
Humble Yourself for Protection-
Ref: 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV)
“Be self-controlled and alert.
Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Resist him, standing firm in the faith,
because you know that your brothers throughout the world
are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”
Your enemy would like to devour you.
We can ignore him (unfortunately, he won't just go away).
We can blame other people, places, or things.
We can engage him in battle.
How do we engage our enemy in battle?
How do we humble ourselves for protection?
“Be self-controlled and alert...” (v.8).
We need the Holy Spirit's “street smarts” to “see it comin'”.“Resist him, standing firm in the faith...” (v.9a).
This means we must make faithful choices when he attacks.
This can only be accomplished through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Ref: Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV)
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.
Put on the full armor of God
so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.”“... know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (v.9b)
Humbly acknowledge that we're not the “only show in town”.
We are not alone. Others know exactly what we're going through.
God did not gift us with uniqueness in our problems,
but in the solutions He wishes to manifest in us.
Conclusion-
Ref: 1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)
“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.”
Challenge for this week- What is the next step God has for you in your spiritual growth?
What is the Holy Spirit convicting you about regarding this next step?
Write this down and spend at least 1 quiet time this week meditating on it.
Follow-up from a month ago (1 Peter 3:1-12)- Have you been praying together?
