The Church of Hope
1Pet. 5:5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
"God opposes the proud
but gives grace 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 has just challenged the readers of his letter with:
17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,
"If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
Now he comes along side with wisdom:
Lets remember who Peter is writing to:
Young churches, with people who living in strong cultures
1Pet. 5:1 ¶ Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, (NAS)
Appeal - exhort (nas) - ‘parakaleo': encourage, urge, come along side
He is coming along side as a fellow elder,
Jesus may have made him the head of the church, others may look to him with reverence and honor, but Peter is not looking to himself that way, instead he says "I am right there with you"
While it is remarkable Peter would consider himself a "fellow" elder, but he also identifies himself as a witness to Christ's suffering. He could have said as the witness to Christ's resurrection and given claim to the truthfulness of his message like he did in early Acts
Acts 2:32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact
Or he could have said "a witness to his transfiguration" and provided a claim to his authenticity
2Pet. 1:16 We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.
But calling himself a witness to Christ's suffering is blunt reminder of the most painful episode in Peter's life.
We remember what kind of witness Peter was - the one whose courage failed him and he denied him publically - 3 times.
Why does Peter do this? Perhaps to demonstrate that restoration even from grevious sin is possible with Christ. Peter is encouraging the elders to a humble willingness to be penitent for sin rather than a hypocritical attitude of pride and an unwillingness to admit wrong. - Do no let the smell of your own sin get too far from your mind.
Growing in Maturity = Growing in Grace
Peter is speaking to the elders of the church, the ones spiritually mature, this was not a position but a condition.
It is good and right to grow in maturity, spiritual maturity, and he is speaking to them in positive attributes, describing them.
"Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care"
Peter no doubt still recalls Jesus direction to him in Jn 21
John 21:17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my sheep. 18 I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go."
Overseer - ‘episkopeo' - Bishop, Pastor
Overseeing shephard - one who looks out for the spiritual well being,
One being held accountable by the owner
One who is concerned for the health & well being of others
Willing Attitude
A choice that is balanced between my head and heart
1Tim. 3:1 Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.
"... as God wants you to be" - God initiates and expects some to be overseers
Phil 2:3-4
Eager to Serve
Matt. 6:24 "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
Gal. 5:13 ... serve one another in love.
Eph. 6:7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men,
Living Example
Live a life worthy of imitation
2 Tim 2:2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.
Life that must be seen - the strengths and failings
"I am challenged by your strengths, but encouraged by your weaknesses" Don't be afraid to show your weaknesses
what you know, what you can do, or how long you've been around does not qualify someone for leadership - it is the condition of the life.
Our lives should never value pride, but rather a continual humility in the awareness that sin remaining in ones heart is still hated, and that any growth in holiness of life has only come about by God's grace. To take pride in ones spiritual growth is exactly the wrong example for others.
There is a reward for people who live this way
4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
There is a crown - special recognition that is given to those who live this way. A recognition that does not come in this life, but when we stand before Jesus - a crown of glory that will never fade.
Jesus received glory from His father - and He will give us glory as well.
Healthy Leader = Humble Leader
1Pet. 5:5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
"God opposes the proud
but gives grace 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.
Be submissive to those who are older, be subject (NAS) -
Be willing to support those older than you - Young / older is an indication of age more than office - since it is in the same context of the spiritually mature elder role - it would apply here as well.
Sets a stage for respect and humility
These are people who have and are laying down their life for you
Laying down their life for Jesus
Humility starts out as a choice and becomes a lifestyle
Humble yourselves - "All of you" pursue humility - the evidence of grace received.
Put it on - like clothing
God's mighty hand - God's hand of authority, strength, protection, His grace
Only when you are in a position to be under his hand can he place his hand under you to lift you up.
When you are under his hand of authority, strength and protection and provision, and goodness
You are under his care, and you can trust him,
Cast your cares on him,
Know he cares for you.