1 Peter 5
The first few scriptures here are written to To the Elders of the Flock. However, it is important for everyone to know what is expected of a leader.
1 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:
Peter in this first verse puts himself as an elder, and a witness.
The idea of the elder came into church life from Jewish culture (Exodus 3:16, 12:21, and 19:7). The word “elder” simply speaks of the maturity and wisdom that an older person should have, making them qualified for leadership. In its application, it is more about wisdom and maturity than a specific age.
It was the practice of Paul and Barnabas to appoint elders in the churches they had founded (Acts 14:23).
Act 14:23 NKJV – 23 So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
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;
This was the first aspect of leadership. Peter seemed to remember Jesus’ three-part commission to him in John 21:15-17. In that passage Jesus told Peter to show his love for Jesus by feeding and tending Jesus’ sheep.
A spiritual shepherd does his job in two main ways. The first job is to feedthe sheep. Another aspect of the job is to tend the sheep, which means protecting, guiding, nurturing, and caring for the sheep.
The most important “tool” to shepherd the flock of God is a heart like the heart of Jesus, one that is willing to give one’s life for the sheep, and who genuinely cares about and is interested in them (John 10:11-14).
Shepherds should not do their job by compulsion, as if they were being forced into a task that they really hated. Instead they should serve God and His people willingly, from a heart that loves God’s people as a shepherd loves sheep and wants to serve them.
3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
Shepherds should not do their job as lords, because the sheep do not belong to them. The sheep are entrusted to them. Therefore shepherds are to serve by being examples, not dictators.
4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
Peter reminded shepherds in the church that they would answer one day to their Chief Shepherd, who will want to know what they did with His flock.
It is important for shepherds – pastors – to realize that they lead Jesus’ sheep. He is the Shepherd, Heis the Overseer (1 Peter 2:25). In this sense, the Christian shepherd doesn’t work for the sheep, he works for the Chief Shepherd.
1Pe 2:25 NKJV – 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer* of your souls.
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.”
Faithful shepherds are promised a crown of glory, but not like the crown of leaves given to ancient Olympic champions. This crown will not fade away.
i. Crowns are not only for shepherds, but also for everyone who was faithful to Jesus and who did what He called them to do (1 Corinthians 9:25, 2 Timothy 4:8, James 1:12).
1Co 9:25 NKJV – 25 And everyone who competes [for the prize] is temperate in all things. Now they [do it] to obtain a perishable crown, but we [for] an imperishable [crown].
2Ti 4:8 NKJV – 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
Jas 1:12 NKJV – 12 Blessed [is] the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
Humility is demonstrated by submission. It is the ability to cheerfully put away our own agenda for God’s, even if God’s agenda is expressed through another person.
The phrase “be clothed” translates a rare word that referred to a slave putting on an apron before serving, even as Jesus did before washing the disciple’s feet (John 13:4).
Some signs that you have humility:
· The willingness to perform the lowest and littlest services for Jesus’ sake.
· Consciousness of our own inability to do anything apart from God.
· The willingness to be ignored of men.
Peter quoted Proverbs 3:34 to show that humility is essential to our relationship with God. If we want to live in God’s grace (His unmerited favor) then we must lay aside our pride and be humble – not only to Him but also to one another.
Pro 3:34 NKJV – 34 Surely He scorns the scornful, But gives grace to the humble.
7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Spurgeon used the illustration of a man who came to move your furniture, but he carried a huge and heavy backpack of his own. He complains that he finds it difficult to do the job of moving your furniture; would you not suggest that he would find it easier if he laid his own burden aside so that he could carry yours? In the same way, we cannot do God’s work when we are weighed down by our own burdens and worries. Cast them upon Him, and then take up the Lord’s burden – which is light burden, and a yoke that fits us perfectly.
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Your adversary the devil walks about: Peter exhorts us to remain clear-headed (sober) and watchful (vigilant), because Satan has not yet been bound and restrained for 1,000 years as Revelation 20:1-2 says he will be. At the present time, the devil walks about.
Rev 20:1-2 NKJV – 1 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is [the] Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years;
For Christians, Satan is a lion who may roar but who has been de-fanged at the cross (Colossians 2:15). Yet the sound of his roar – his deceptive lies – are still potent and he has the power to devour souls and rob Christians of effectiveness.
Col 2:15 NKJV – 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.
i. Psalm 91:3 suggests that Satan may come against us like a fowler, one who captures birds. The fowler is always quiet and secretive, never wanting to reveal his presence.
Psa 91:3 NKJV – 3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler* [And] from the perilous pestilence.
2 Corinthians 11:14 tells us that Satan can come as an angel of light, appearing glorious, good, and attractive. Yet other times, Peter tells us, Satan comes against us like a roaring lion, loud and full of intimidation.
– And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.
– Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
· He roars through persecution.
· He roars through strong temptation.
· He roars through blasphemies and accusations against God.
He seeking whom he may devour. He isn’t just looking to lick or nibble on his prey; he wants to devour. “He can never be content till he sees the believer utterly devoured. He would rend him in pieces, and break his bones and utterly destroy him if he could. Do not, therefore, indulge the thought, that the main purpose of Satan is to make you miserable.
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 sufferings.
Resist the Devil! Be more prayerful every time he is more active. He will soon give it up, if he finds that his attacks drive you to Christ. Often has Satan been nothing but a big black dog to drive Christ’s sheep nearer to the Master.” (Spurgeon)
“Scripture urges believers to flee from various evils (1 Timothy 6:11) but nowhere are they advised to flee from the devil. That would be a futile effort.” (Hiebert)
1Ti 6:11 NKJV – 11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.
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.
We almost want to ask Peter, “Why did you say that?” After you have suffered a while?
But the truth remains. We are only called… to His eternal glory… after you have suffered a while. We wish we were called to His eternal glory on the “no suffering” plan. But God uses suffering to perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle us.
but what does this glory entail?
· It is the glory of purified character.
· It is the glory of perfected humanity.
· It is the glory of complete victory.
· It is the glory of being honored by a King.
· It is the glory of the immediate, constant presence of God.
· It is the glory of the enjoyment of God Himself.
11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever: The God who can do this great work in our lives is certainly worthy of our praise.
Knowing the suffering and danger Christians face, Peter can only conclude with prayer. He asks God to do His work of perfecting, establishing, strengthening, and settling.
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.
We must understand not only what God’s grace is, but that grace is our place of present standing before Him.
13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.
She who is in Babylon… greets you: She probably refers to the church, which in the ancient Greek is in the feminine. Peter apparently wrote from Babylon. This may be the literal city of Babylon (which still existed in Peter’s day), or it may be a symbolic way of referring to either Rome or Jerusalem. These were two cities that in Peter’s day were famous for their wickedness and spiritual rebellion, just like ancient Babylon was. In any regard, this was one church greeting another.
Many believe that Peter was Mark’s primary source of information for his gospel.
14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Peter concludes with a command to greet and display God’s love to one another, and by pronouncing a blessing of peace. These two things – love for each other and peace – are especially necessary for those who suffer and live in dangerous times.
