1^st Peter Chapter Five

1 Peter 5:1 (All verses from the English Standard Version)

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed:

EXHORTATION TO ELDERS

Peter had every right to encourage and admonish the elders of the church as a fellow elder himself. Before we go onto those particular encouragements, here's a refresher lesson on the qualifications and responsibilities of elders.

REVIEW OF ELDERSHIP:

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Desire the office - 1Ti 3:1.

2. Blameless (without reproach) - 1Ti 3:2; Tit 1:6-7.

3. Husband of one wife - 1Ti 3:2; Tit 1:6.

4. Rule well his own house - 1Ti 3:4.

5. Father of believing and faithful children - 1Ti 3:4; Tit 1:5.

6. Steward of God - Titus; (1Co 4:1-2).

7. Given to hospitality - 1Ti 3:2; Tit 1:8.

8. Lover of good - Tit 1:8.

9. Sober-minded - 1Ti 3:2; Tit 1:8.

10. Just - Tit 1:8.

11. Holy - Tit 1:8.

12. Temperate (self-controlled) - Tit 1:8.

13. Holding the faithful word according to teaching - Tit 1:9.

14. Apt to teach - 1Ti 3:2.

15. Vigilant - 1Ti 3:2.

16. Patient (gentle) - 1Ti 3:3.

17. Orderly (of good behavior) - 1Ti 3:2.

18. Good report (good testimony) from without - 1Ti 3:7.

19. Not self-willed - Tit 1:7.

20. Not contentious - 1Ti 3:3 (ASV).

21. Not soon angry - Tit 1:7.

22. Not given to much wine (KJV), vigilant, temperate (ASV) - 1Ti 3:2-3; Tit 1:6.

23. No brawler - 1Ti 3:3; Tit 1:7.

24. No striker - 1Ti 3:3; Tit 1:7.

25. No lover of money (not covetous - not greedy of filthy lucre) - 1Ti 3:3; Tit 1:7; 1Pe 5:2.

26. Not a novice - 1Ti 3:6.

SIX NATURAL DIVISIONS OF QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Experience (6,26).

2. Reputation (18).

3. Domestic relations (3,4,5).

4. Character (1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25).

5. Habits (15,17).

6. Ability to teach and rule (13,14).

DUTIES:

1. Take heed to yourself - Act 20:28.

2. Take heed to the flock - Act 20:28.

3. Feed (tend) the church of the Lord - Act 20:28; 1Pe 5:1-4; 1Ti 3:2 b.

4. Exhort in sound doctrine - Tit 1:9.

5. Watch for grievous wolves - Act 20:29-31; 1Ti 3:14-4:3.

6. Be guided by the word of God - Act 20:32.

7. Support the weak - Act 20:35.

8. Consider and decide matters of the church - Act 15:6.

9. Admonish the church - 1Th 5:12.

10. Rule well - 1Ti 5:17; 1Ti 3:4.

11. Stop the mouths of vain talkers and deceivers - Tit 1:11.

12. Watch for their souls - Heb 13:17.

13. Pray for and administer to the sick - Jam 5:16.

14. Take the oversight - 1Pe 5:2.

15. Be an example to the flock - 1Pe 5:3.

16. Be hospitable - 1Ti 3:2; Tit 1:8 (wives are important!).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. They shall give account for the souls under the care - Heb 13:17.

2. Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required - Luke 12:48.

3. Unless watchman warns, blood is on his hands - Ezek 33:6.

THREE EQUAL TERMS:

episkopos = Overseer; guardian; bishop - Act 20:17,28

prebiteros = Elder; Presbyter - Act 20:17, Act 20:28 and 1Pe 5:1-4

poimen = Shepherd; pastor - 1Pe 5:1-4

Notice in these three passages:

episkopos = prebiteros in Act 20:17, Act 20:28

AND

poimen = prebiteros in 1Pe 5:1-4

THEREFORE

episkopos = prebiteros = poimen

When two items are equal to a third item they are also equal to each other. Therefore, these three terms are equal (mean the same thing), and are interchangeable!

Overseer = To look over, to visit (good or bad), and to organize and govern.

Shepherd = Ruler, Guide, Protector, Companion and Feeder (not to bring the food to the sheep, but to bring the sheep to where the food is).

Peter’s admonishment to the elders as a fellow elder himself carried the weight of his experience and personal witness of Jesus sufferings and the glory to come. Peter saw the violence and abuse Jesus submitted Himself to, very willingly and without negativity. This attitude is not of this world. That is what these exhortations are based upon – the holiness we are called to imitate throughout this entire letter which Jesus showed us so gracefully on Calvary!

What is extra shocking to us humans, and mostly to Peter, James and John, who witnessed the coming glory during Jesus’ transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-3; John 1:14); is that such a God, such a powerful and infinite being, beyond our comprehension and certainly above any powers on earth, gave Himself willingly for our sake (Phil 2:3-11). Such is the good, holy and blessed God we serve. There is no excuse amongst us not to submit to such a holy example and not to want to imitate this goodness and holiness we see in Jesus. After all, what’s coming is beyond anything we can ever imagine and will certainly be worth any kind of temporary situation we face here on earth, even if the temporariness of it lasts our entire earth life!

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.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 ESV 16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

1 Peter 5:2

shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;

Shepherd the flock…

This is a command to the elders. That’s why they became elders, no? To shepherd. Their attitude should be like the chief shepherd, Jesus! How does He do it? John 10:11-16

1. He lays down his life for the sheep

a. He protects them

b. He watches out for their safety

2. He knows his sheep by name

a. He is among the sheep

b. He embraces the sheep

c. He smells like sheep

3. He is not like the hired hand – exercising oversight under compulsion and for gain

a. He takes ownership – exercises oversight willingly and eagerly

b. He faces the danger for the sheep

c. He does not run away

d. He cares for the sheep as if they were his own

e. He does it eagerly to give, not to get

1 Peter 5:3

not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

Here's where the shepherd, the pastor, really shines. You see, the worldly view and attitude of those having some authority is to domineer, or Lord, over those they oversee:

Matthew 20:25-28 NIV Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave-- 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

To be an example to the flock is to show them how Jesus lives in you by having the same attitude He had, to serve and give His life. That attitude is postulated in Phil 2:

Philippians 2:5-8 NIV Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death--even death on a cross!

To be an example means

V Not thinking of yourself better than others

V Considering yourself a servant

V To serve willingly, not under compulsion

V Understanding that the church belongs to God

V Not looking to be served

V Not looking to get or gain

V Being humble in attitude

V Submitting to insult, injury and even death!

We know how those in authority in the world like to throw their weight around. Power corrupts the human heart. This leads to abuse of power and victimization of those who ought to be served by those who lead. The Lord's shepherds are to be different! They are to be holy like Jesus! They lead by serving. Their service in humility and love is what causes conviction and encouragement. This is how the Chief Shepherd has served and serves His church!

1 Peter 5:4

And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

When the crown of glory is mentioned I can't help but to think that for me to wear a golden and unfading crown Jesus had to wear a crown of thorns. In the same way, wear your crown of thorns without shame through this life because you will be wearing one of gold forever!

The Greek word translated as unfading is amaranthine, from the amaranth flower that does not lose its color or form as time passes.

There is deep significance to the crown mentioned here and in many other texts throughout the New Testament:

· An “imperishable crown”, for mastery over the old man (1Co_9:25).

· A “crown of rejoicing”, the adornment of those who have led others to Christ (1Th_2:19).

· A “crown of life”, for those who successfully endure trials and temptations (Jam_1:12).

· A “crown of righteousness”, awaiting those who long for the appearing of Christ (2Ti_4:8).

· Finally, a “crown of glory”, received by the faithful shepherd in this passage.

Winners, achievers, the chosen and the special are recognized with crowns and awards (rewards).

Possible symbolism:

· Indication of our royalty (1 Peter 2:9; Rev 5:10)

· Indication of our special selection (1 Peter 2:9; Col 1:13-14)

· Indication of divine possession and recognition (1 Peter 2:9)

We of course understand that preoccupation with crowns or rewards of any kind is not appropriate for believers. We ought to be compelled by the love of Christ (2 Co 5:14)! Note the disposition of crowns in Rev_4:10-11:

Revelation 4:10-11 NIV the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: 11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."

Our crowns will be cast unto the King of kings and Lord of lord's for He alone is worthy to receive all the glory!

All of us who live with this goal and revelation in mind indeed will be rewarded by the Lord Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, when He appears again. Peter specifies this hope as the motivation to shepherd and feed the flock without ulterior motives for those who desire to be elders.

1 Peter 5:5

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

A CALL TO HUMILITY

Young men, be subject to the elders

Just like shepherding should be done by the elders in a holy way, unlike the world, likewise those who are under the shepherds, namely the younger, should be subject to their elders lovingly and willingly. As we practice the greatest command: “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34), we will be holy and full of humility, treating each other as better than ourselves, which is the attitude of Jesus (Phil 2:5-8).

God always favors and exalts the humble in heart. Peter and James (James 4:6) quote the proverbs and Jesus Himself:

Proverbs 3:33-35 NIV The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. 34 He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble. 35 The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame.

Matthew 23:11-12 ESV The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

The way of the world will only get you pride, wickedness and shame. As members of the body of Christ we now are holy and ought to desire to love truth and clothe ourselves with the humility of our Lord to honor Him. Clothes are put on the outside – they are what people see. In the same way our deeds done with humility are for people to see who we really are. These deeds can precede us and give glory to God. In the following verses Peter will detail exactly what it means to humble yourself and be subject under the Lord's guidance through His elders.

Instructions on being subject under the Lord's elders:

V Humble yourself

V Depend on the Lord

V Be sober minded, not delusional

V Be watchful, not lazy or extremist

V Resist the devil, hate evil, flee evil desires

V Don’t be overcome by evil, overcome evil by doing good

V Be firm in your faith, not in your opinion

V Remember God is in control!

Humility is such a wonderful virtue that all of the publican's sins did not destroy him because he had it; and all of the Pharisee's righteousness could not save him because he did not have it. – Coffman

1 Peter 5:6-7

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Humble yourself and cast your anxieties on the Lord

I believe it is the lack of trust in God and the seeking to resolve our anxieties on our own that leads us away from clothing ourselves with humility. The proud person desires to stand on his own, and doing so, does not lean on the Lord. This causes perversion, wickedness and shame.

If you think you have all the answers and lean on your own understanding you will fall like a house of cards.

Proverbs 3:5-7 NIV Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.

Matthew 7:24-27 NIV "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

Humbling yourself, not trusting your own judgment but believing the words of God, is how you will be able to then cast your anxieties on Him*. You have to switch from self-preservation mode to God centered worship mode. When worship of God is your focus you will be open to the proper time for exaltation. The proud, believing more in their own worth than God, will be harried and upset things don’t go their way. They will be humbled to learn this valuable lesson.

*The Greek participle is in the aorist tense, indicating that we are to give our anxieties over to God once for all.

God will lift you up! That is a promise! All those who lean on the Lord and seek him and depend on Him will never be let down. God is the only being who truly cares for you! Do you believe that? That’s the test of faith in this life. What or who do you lean on?

Ø People

o Spouse

o Children

o Professionals

§ Lawyer

§ Doctor

§ Minister

Ø Things

o Home

o Car

o Riches

o Other possessions

Ø Status

o Degree

o Career

o Family name

o Religion

o Race

Leaning on these will lead to pride, wickedness and shame. None of these can support for a moment your anxieties and they will not speed up the results you want. None of these care for you the way God does! When you lean on the Lord and receive His grace in exchange for your anxieties you will be able to serve these people and use these things to the glory of God! You will be on the Lord’s timetable as opposed to your own.

1 Peter 5:8

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Sober-mindedness allows you to not fall in the devil’s trap

The opposite of sober minded would be delusional. This requires being watchful. Not suspicious, but watchful. Shrewd as serpents but innocent as doves (Mat 10:16); grasping the one and not letting go of the other (Ecc 7:18). Avoiding all extremes! Those who are suspicious are not trusting God is in control. They need to depend on themselves or someone else or something. Being that our Heavenly Father is in control and cares for us all we need to be is watchful. What does that mean? We need to watch others? No! To be watchful means to keep your eyes on Jesus and to watch your life and doctrine (1 Tim 4:16)! If you end up just watching others and judging them you are being a hypocrite and you will be devoured. If you are leaning on any of the things listed previously you will be devoured easily since you are living in a fantasy world and not in God's reality.

Peter presents the imagery of a lion stalking the weakest prey in a herd. When a lion prowls he is silent, at a distance, assessing the situation and waiting very patiently for the opportune time to strike and devour.

1 Peter 5:9

Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

Resist the devil – do good

Don’t be overcome by evil. Flee the evil desires. So what is it, resist or flee? Here are some verses that are clear and helpful when it comes to dealing with the temptations and evil we face daily:

Proverbs 8:13 NIV To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

Romans 12:21 NIV Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

2 Timothy 2:22 NIV Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

On the

Outside – We can start by saying that we need to resist the devil’s attempts to knock us down.

· These are the things we cannot control – they are beyond our control

o Circumstances

o People

o Certain illnesses

o Weather

o Other acts of God

· This is where we need the full armor of God! – Eph 6:10-18

· Continue to stand firm and move forward (Phil 3:14; 2 Peter 3:14)

· Remember God has a hold on you! Satan cannot harm you! – 1 John 5:18

· Don’t give up! (Gal 6:9)

Inside – our hearts are full of trickery and deceit, easily influenced by the devil’s schemes (Jer 17:9).

· These are the desires that come from within – ones we can control with God's strength.

o Lust

o Pride

o Greed

· Flee them by pursuing righteousness (doing what is right by applying God's word in our life), faith (studying the Bible to build our faith and trust in God), love (practicing our faith on others) and peace (keeping anger and greed under control in yourself).

· Overcome the evil by doing and thinking good! (Rom 12:21; Phil 4:8)

· Don’t give in! (James 1:14)

Upside down – evil often tries to turn your world upside down but by doing good and not giving up or giving in you will live right side up! It is the world that is upside down!

· Fear the Lord!

· Hate evil, pride and arrogance

· Hate evil behavior and perverse speech

· Don’t allow yourself to be desensitized to sin

· Keep yourself right side up in an upside down world!

Don’t think you’re special, be faithful

A firm faith, established in God's promises and your hope to see Him face to face will keep you thinking straight. This faith teaches you that what you face against the devil is the same as other faithful people face. You don’t take it personally and you don’t take yourself too seriously, knowing that you are part of something much bigger than you. If you are full of yourself you will indeed fall for lack of faith.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 NIV 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! 13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; h