1 Peter 5 (verse-by-verse)

Passage: 1 Peter 5:1-14

Title: He Cares for You

Summary: He cares for you - The words “for he cares for you” in verse 7, can be translated literally, “for it is a care to Him concerning you,” or “for you are His concern.” The creator of the universe, is saying, “my concern? – Is you! Think about that Christian, God saying….. My concern ….. is you!

1 Peter 5 (NKJV) 1 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: 2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; 4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. 5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 12 By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand. 13 She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Peter’s Credentials / Still Feeding

Written by the Apostle Peter, whose credentials have been challenged because of his lack of education and training; but Peter walked with the Lord, the second Apostle called, and all could see that his power and boldness came because he had been with the Lord. For 3 years he walked with Jesus step-by-step, and now it is 30 years since the resurrection and Peter is still faithfully doing what the Lord commissioned him to do, “feeding His sheep”.

The Dispersed / Nero

He is writing to the Believers that have been spread out, dispersed form their homeland, thrown into foreign countries. Many of them are struggling and suffering; but their greatest struggle is yet to come, for in just several months Roman Empire Nero is going to launch and all-out attack and persecution against Christians, and over the next 2 centuries over 6 million Christians will die for their faith.

Why Peter Writes / Remember

Peter tells us in the Second Epistle why he writes to them (and us), to stir us up, to remind us, that we hang on to the things we have been taught in the Old Testament, the Epistles of the Apostles, and the teachings in the Gospels. He says remember these things, hold on to them, no matter how hard life may get.

(2 Peter 3:1 NKJV) Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder),

(2 Peter 3:2 NKJV) that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior,

Doctrine – Duty – Declaration

Peter pretty much breaks this letter into 3 areas. Doctrine, Duty, and Declaration; this book takes on the frame work of Ephesians, except Peter adds on the Declaration – The Lord is Returning – Remember that! Doctrine, what we believe and why. Duty, doctrine in action, living it out. Declaration, soon and very soon we are going to see the King, Hold-fast until then.

Doctrine: Remember Our Great Salvation (1:1 - 2:10)

The Certainty of Our Salvation (1:1-12)

The Calling with Our Salvation (1:13-25)

The Chosen of Salvation (2:1-10)

Duty: Remember Our Example Before Men (2:11 - 4:6)

Honorable Living Before Unbelievers (2:11 - 3:7)

Submission to the Government (2:11-17)

Submission to Masters (2:18 - 25)

Submission in the Family (3:1- 7)

Honorable Living Before Believers (3:8 - 12)

Submission to One Another (3:8 - 12)

Honorable Living in the Midst of Suffering (3:13 - 4:6)

The Principle of Suffering for Righteousness (3:13 - 17)

The Perfection of Suffering for Righteousness (3:18- 22)

The Purpose of Suffering for Righteousness (4:1 - 6)

Declaration: Remember Our Lord Will Return (4:7 - 5:14)

The Responsibility of Christian Living (4:7 - 11)

The Rewards of Christian Suffering (4:12 - 19)

The Requirements for Christian Leadership (5:1 - 4)

The Realization of Christian Victory (5:5 - 14)

Theme

He tells us to remember because of the theme of this book. The theme of this book is given to us in chapter 5:

(1 Peter 5:10 NKJV) But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

The word suffering is used 16 times, glory 12, and grace 8. Peter unties these 3 words to write a letter of encouragement to those who are struggling and suffering, that their suffering will one day be transformed into glory.

Perfect / Establish / Strengthen / Settled

He writes to us so that we may be:

· Perfect- (mature) which means to mend (what has been broken or rent), to repair, to complete, to fit out, equip, put in order, arrange, adjust, to fit or frame for one’s self, prepare;

· Established– to set fast, confirm one’s mind;

· Strengthen – to make one strong;

· Settle – to lay a foundation.

End – Judgement / House in Order / Leaders need to Lead/ We All Leaders / Difficult Days Ahead

The end of all things is near (1 Peter 4:7), and judgment begins at the house of God first (1 Peter 4:17); therefore the house of God has to be in order. In this study we will see then that the leadership in the house of God needs to lead, and the house of God is here in this church and there in your homes. We are all leaders in some way or another, whether it be Parents over Children, Pastor/Congregation, Sunday School Teacher/Students, most everyone leads in some form or fashion in their lives. These verses are applicable to all, and Peter calls for this structure and leadership because difficult days were upon these people, and it still continues today, the church is and will continue to be under attack until the return of Christ.

Outline for Chapter 5:

· The Requirements for Christian Leadership (5:1 - 4)

· The Realization of Christian Victory (5:5 - 14)

Verse 10 / God of All Grace / Peter’s Life Proof

Then in verse 10, Peter will say the God of all grace, for Peter knew grace, and imbedded in these verses here in chapter 5, is Peter's life of grace, and God's proof to us that the same grace is available to us. We will look at that when we get there, but first, order in the house of God.

Prayer

The Word of God is Living and Powerful, and is ready, and will do a mighty work in our lives.

Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV) 12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

In Every Study

· Who Is God? (How Great is He?)

· What Does He Think of Me? (How Wonderful Are His Thoughts Towards Me?)

· What Does He Want Me to Do?

· What Can I Boldly Request of Him?

· What Do I Need to Be on Guard of When I Leave Here Today?

Boldly come to the throne of grace, ask God to reveal Himself in a mighty way to you, and to do I might work in you, and through you.

Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV) 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need

The Requirements for Christian Leadership (5:1 - 4)

(1 Peter 5:1 NKJV) The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:

My concern is you, therefore I have put servants and order in your church life to grow and protect you.

Fellow Elder

“The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder...” Notice Peter classifies himself “a fellow elder.” This is why it’s preposterous for Roman Catholicism to refer to Peter as the first pope. Peter never exalted himself above “a fellow elder.”

And as “a witness of the sufferings of Christ.”Though Peter followed at a distance, he was there when Jesus was tried, and scourged, and nailed to the cross. He was an eyewitness of Jesus’ sufferings.

(1 Peter 5:2 NKJV) Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;

Peter talks to Elders – Applies to All of Us

So Peter is going to say elders Shepherd the flock of God. If you are a parent, these words apply to you, these words apply to anyone who works with others. So we see we are all elders in some way or another.

Shepherd because the flock is vulnerable to predators.

Interchangeable in NT

Elder, Pastor, Bishop, you will see used interchangeably throughout the NT, so it is important that we understand their meaning:

Note: It is an assumption that is often made, but not proven in the Scriptures, and that is that every New Testament church had a Pastor/Shepherd. Again, not proven, and not so. Many churches after Paul or Peter did a mission trip, everyone who got saved, were therefore only new babes in Christ themselves. So many congregations we can see through a step-back in the Scriptures, there teaching was the receiving of these letters (whether epistles, gospel, reading Old Testament). So not all churches had pastors, but the order God set was mature men, who could and would maintain order, and leadership, as (until) someone came to pastor or was matured to pastor.

Acts 14:21–23 (NKJV) 21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” 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.

Titus 1:5–9 (NKJV) 5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you—6 if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. 7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, 8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.

The foundation of elders, overseers, goes back to Israel after leaving Egypt and Moses leading them, and the 70 elders came alongside Moses to help “oversee” the congregation.

Numbers 11:16–17 (NKJV) 16 So the Lordsaid to Moses: “Gather to Me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them; bring them to the tabernacle of meeting, that they may stand there with you. 17 Then I will come down and talk with you there. I will take of the Spirit that is upon you and will put the same upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone.

Elder / Describes Man / Spiritually Mature

Elder (presbuteros): describes the man; he is spiritually mature, and has experience/history in the things of God.

Bishop / Describes Ministry / Oversees – Not Lording / Cares for People / Titles

Bishop (episkopos): describes the ministry. He is an overseer. He oversees but he doesn't overburden or lord over people. A bishop is someone who looks out for the flock. He isn't just concerned with himself, but has heart to see that everyone in the church body is and does do well. To be a bishop, you have to be an elder, you have to be spiritually mature in the things of God. Every church needs people like this, be male and female (although male as call of God when it is the actual office of Elder in the church).

The problem we have today is people want the title, without the entitlement. We see many churches rush to give titles because their organization chart says they need this many bishops, and this many elders. I have seen it too many times, a title destroying a person, they seem to forget they too are sinners saved by grace. The way I see it through the Scriptures, people are these things, they are doing these things, so it then just becomes man recognizing what God has already done in that person's life.

Pastor / Method / To Feed – Nourish / Sheep Reproduce / Shepherd Equips the Saints

Pastor (Shepherd): describes the method. The root of the word shepherd is to feed, and that is the vital role of a Pastor, to nourish the flock of God with God's Word. Healthy sheep will reproduce. The Shepherd doesn't produce sheep, he feeds and nourishes them, and then the healthy sheep reproduce. The Shepherd quips the Sheep:

(Ephesians 4:11 NKJV) And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,

(Ephesians 4:12 NKJV) for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,

Emphasis on Word / Faith & Word

We put such an emphasis on the studying of the Word because as we grow in the Word, then we grow in the faith, and it will just be natural to share our faith:

(Romans 10:17 NKJV) So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Push Ministry Down

You see, with these three people, ministry is pushed down, because people are raised up. That is the way it is suppose to be:

(2 Timothy 2:2 NKJV) And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Everyone has a Gift / The Coach / Everybody Serves

We saw in 1 Peter 4:10 that everyone has a spiritual gift, and it meant to be used to minister to one another. I believe strongly that is a role of Pastor, almost like a coach, to make sure that people’s gifts are being used, because ministry causes people to grow, for they will need to be in the word and seeking the Lord in prayer.

1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV) 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

A Word to Parents

Shepherd – Feed / Mom - Dad

Shepherd the flock, feed the flock of God. Leaders in the home (mom and dad), you need to feed your family; notice there, "which is among you."

Tough One Leaders – Among & Over / Unrelatable – One of Gang

Here is a tough one, notice leaders you are among them, but to be over them. Whether in the ministry or a parent, you need to be among them, but still lead in authority. If you only oversee then you become unrelatable and unapproachable. On the other hand if you are just one of the gang, always cutting up, then authority is lost or greatly diminished.

Tough for Parents / Lose Respect – Overbearing / Split Families – Good Time – Satan’s Lie

Especially tough for parents we want to be buddies with our kids but we can't be so much so that they don't respect our authority. Yet we can't be so much about leading them that we become overbearing. Split families, it is ever so hard on you especially if the ex-spouse gets to be good time Charley or Good time Charlene. You feel the pressure that they get to have all the fun and then you have to all the discipline and development. Don't listen to Satan's whispers, that’s all you do is correct, they like the other better. Then the tendency is to let things go that really are detrimental to your child. Your kids need a leader, they can play with their classmates, but those classmates cannot lead them deeper in the Lord, but you can. It is a balance, but God gives us the how to, verse 3:

Verse 2 - not for dishonest gain but eagerly: Financial reward should never be the goal of a spiritual leader. Paul said it best, I came for you, not yours; but he is also clear to point that the worker is worthy of his wages.

2 Corinthians 12:14–15 (NKJV) 14 Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. 15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.

1 Timothy 5:17–20 (NKJV) 17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. 20 Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.

(1 Peter 5:3 NKJV) nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;

I & Hate

Verse 2 - not by compulsion - Interestingly, the only place that you'll find words in red that use the word I and the word hate in the same sentence, is in the Book of Revelation (to the Church of Pergamos) where Jesus is talking about the deeds of Nicolaitans. And their deeds were that they put heavy hands and compulsiveness upon the people. For the word “Nico” means to conquer (maybe you wear the shoes, Nike). And “laity” is people. So basically, it's the conquering of the people. It's the reestablishing of the priesthood to put the people into bondage.

Revelation 2:12 (NKJV) 12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword:

Revelation 2:15 (NKJV) 15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

Be Examples / Dictator – Leader / Go – Lets Go / Be Involved

Be examples, this is the answer to the tension of being among the people, yet being over them. Don't be a dictator, but a leader, which is a big difference. A dictator says go, but a leader says "lets go", follow me, follow my example. A leader is involved in whatever he is trying to teach or get done. To teach grace you have to be gracious, to teach love you have to love. Here is a good one for us parents, if your kids grow up to be exactly like you, would that be a good thing. Would they work hard, be dependable, care about others, serve others, be in the Word, a person of prayer.

(1 Peter 5:4 NKJV) and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

Crown

The Greek word translated “crown” referred to a crown of victory in the Greek athletic games, a crown given for military valor, or a festal garland worn at marriage feasts. Here it is the reward given to faithful shepherds of the flock of God. “Fadeth” is a participle in the Greek describing this crown. The word in its noun form was the name of a flower that did not wither or fade, and which when picked, revived in water. The crown given to victors in either athletics or war was made of oak or ivy leaves, the festal garlands of the marriage feast, of flowers. These would wither and fade. But the victor’s crown which the Lord Jesus will give His faithful under-shepherds will never wither or fade. What form this reward will take, is not stated. Paul says that his crown of rejoicing at the coming of the Lord Jesus for His Church will be made of the souls he won (I Thess. 2:19). (Wuest)

Verse 2 / 2 Reasons / Forced – Gain / God Looking Out for Us / Ministry on the Heart

Back in verse 2 we saw two reasons not to be in a ministry. Your heart is not in it and you feel guilted or forced into that ministry (Children's Church excluded - just kidding). And for dishonest gain; some people get rich off the ministry, but I think more applicable for us today is that people get into various ministries for respect and recognition. God isn't being harsh here, He is actually being totally loving, He is saying if you are expecting to be appreciated and recognized, at some point you will be disappointed and then frustrated. We do ministry, because God has put the desire in our heart, and when ministry is difficult, we keep going because I am serving you and you are my reward Lord.

Children’s Ministry / Crowns

Let me tell all of you serving in the Children's Church, Youth Ministry, you have no idea the Crowns awaiting you. Jesus says let the children come to Me, Jesus loves the children:

(Mark 10:14 NKJV) But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.

Children / Planting Seeds

Jesus loves the little ones, and you have no idea the seeds you are planting within these children. We often think it is that one day it clicks, and boom someone gets saved, but we know the what the Word says:

(1 Corinthians 3:6 NKJV) I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.

(1 Corinthians 3:7 NKJV) So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.

(1 Corinthians 3:8 NKJV) Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.

(1 Corinthians 3:9 NKJV) For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building.

Every Kid / Billy Graham – Pastor / Chief Shepherd Sees

Every kid that gives their life to the Lord, God accounts their salvation to your account. Not just to Billy Graham's because they went forward at a Crusade, not just to the Pastor who prayed with them, but to yours, for you were mightily used by God whether you realized it or not. The Chief Shepherd sees them all.

The Rest of Our Time

As we studied last week, we only have "the Rest of Our Time" what are you doing with it.

My concern is you, therefore I have put servants and order in your church life to grow and protect you.

And

My concern is you, therefore rest in that regardless what comes against you.

The Realization of Christian Victory (5:5 - 14)

(1 Peter 5:5 NKJV) Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."

Respect Elder

The context appears not elders as in the church elders, but just as in age that the younger people should give respect to those that are older. And Timothy would say, treat the older women as mothers. And of course, we live in a day that youth rules and age is not so much run over, just run past that. They don't even be seen anymore in this youth culture. And there's a place here that what Peter's saying is to the youth, the younger people, there's wisdom that can be found in those that have lived the while and walked with the Lord for the while because this is in context of the church, and so great wisdom for that.

1 Timothy 5:1–2 (NKJV) 1 Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity.

Addressed to Younger / Humble / Allow Parents to Make Mistake

Addressed to the younger, submit to your elders, and be clothed with humility. Humility means to be humble. So even if your elder, say your parent, is making your life miserable, you are still called to submit; you see humility is allowing them to make mistakes, yet you give them grace.

Resist – Draw Up Battle

Verse 5 - for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." - “resisteth” them (antitassetai, oppose). This is a military term used of an army drawn up for battle. It means God’s armies are set in opposition to persons who are proud; so it is in the interest of young and old alike that all believers should be “clothed with” humility (enkombōsasthe, gird oneself)

Clothe – Apron – Servant / Kids to Serve / Opposite World / Jesus Served / Parents don’t Rob

This word clothe is the verb form of the noun word for "apron". The apron that servants wore in the days of this writing. You see youth, kids, teens, you are called to be clothed with humility, yes put your apron on and serve your elders - your parents. It is so opposite of the world, and truly every family that I know, but the kids are to serve the parents also, not just the parents serving the kids. Jesus put the servant's apron on, and he washed feet. He refreshed the people, he cleaned up after them, he served them. He served them after He had a long hard day Himself. Kids, just because you are kids, doesn’t mean that you are not old enough to serve, and parents don’t rob your kids of serving by doing everything for them.

(John 13:3 NKJV) Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God,

(John 13:4 NKJV) rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself.

(John 13:5 NKJV) After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.

Clothed in Humility

Jesus knowing that all power had been given to him, and this is a telltale of who truly knows that they have literally the power of God upon their lives, in that they’'ll be a servant of all. Jesus, knowing all power had been given to him. What does he do? He girds himself with a towel and does literally the lowliest thing that could be done in that room. And that is to wash these feet that are filled with dust and dirty and point be made….. nobody in the room had done that. And that should have been one of the roles of the apostles of washing feet. But what you see there is none of the apostles, as they argue, who's the greatest in the kingdom, wanted to do something so lowly so that they would be viewed as the least in the kingdom, at least of the 12. And so no one did it. The guest of honor, Jesus surely should not have done it, better said, expected that it was his role. But here Jesus is the guest of honor because he is the last supper, literally the Lamb of God, who to be sacrificed. He does this lowliness in that He girds himself with a towel and serves with all humility.

The word there in verse five is to be clothed. It's something that you wear, something that covers you. It's very much as clothing is, it's the identification of us. It's a style.

Jesus clothed himself with humility. And so Peter's remembering this and therefore he's reaching back to it as he would speak these words of humility.

And I might add, Peter probably did not think that he was gonna write a second Peter. He probably thinks this is his last writing. And so he is writing these things of what's most important to him that he wants to say before he departs, as he would expect his departure is near. And so he writes these things and here we are closing out with the clothing of humility.

(1 Peter 5:6 NKJV) Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

Allow Yourself to be Humbled

Verse six. The verb tense is saying, allow yourself to be humbled. And that's a pretty deep statement, and I believe a great application is it's hard to be humble in the moment. It's hard to be humble in the middle of a situation, and therefore there has to be this past tense yielding that says, I'm gonna allow myself to be humbled and I'm not gonna rise up. I'm gonna be a person who's clothed with humility.

Tie verses five and six together, and when you read this in its big picture, God's saying, not just us that, Hey, I'm gonna resist you if you're proud, and I'm gonna give grace if you're humble. It is a warning, yes, but it's a promise that God's literally saying, if you'll be humbled and come lowly and gentle, (the only autobiographical description of Jesus in the scriptures, Matthew chapter 11), and he says, if you'll do that, I'll give you grace. You're gonna get a dose of grace. God's riches at Christ's expense. There's a blessing in this of taking the low road.

Matthew 11:28–29 (NKJV) 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

But the promise that comes with verse six is that he will exalt you in due time. He's doing something. Remember the book on suffering? He's doing something in the midst of it.

God will Exalt You

God says submit now, and I will exalt you in due time. If you submit, humble yourself, don't worry because whatever comes your way I will take care of you.

(1 Peter 5:7 NKJV) casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

He Cares – You are His Concern

He Cares for you - The words “for he careth for you” can be translated literally, “for it is a care to Him concerning you,” or “for you are His concern.” The creator of the universe, is saying, “my concern? – Is you! Think about that Christian, God saying….. My concern ….. is you!

Cast

Cast - The word “cast” is the translation of a word that means “having deposited with.” We deposit our cares to Him, like we deposit money into a bank, placed into a vault.

Only Other Use

The only other place the word occurs is to describe the action of the disciples casting their garments on the back of the colt to make an impromptu saddle for the Savior (Luke 19:35). It seemed to them the obvious thing to do. Peter, of course, would remember the occasion well. “Do the same thing with your cares,” he says, “Don’t carry them around. Cast them on Him!” (Phillips)

Don’t Rise Up – Cast It

Mistreatment in the world, mistreatment among your most closest people. He says, but I'll exalt you. And that he gives the promise in verse seven, you can do something greater than rising up, standing up, and exalting yourself. You can just cast your care upon me cuz I care for you.

What an amazing promise in that He's saying, well, you're not in this alone. You don't even have to carry it. You don't even have to carry it for one minute. You can just cast it, throw it on to me and I'll take it from you. And therefore, the only way that can happen is for us to have this sweetness of the fellowship with him. I'm not saying that's our responsibility to get that as true as that is, but I'm saying it's the beauty of it that he's gonna give us his presecet. Hey, I got this. I'm carrying it for you because it's upon you and therefore I'm gonna carry it as I walk with you. And again, beautiful promise,

Peter can write this in power because he watched Jesus rise from the dead. He knows the victory is in He who we cast our cares upon. We cast our sin upon him for salvation. Now we can cast our burdens of life onto him for peace and rest.

Get Some Sleep

Always turn your cares over to God before you go to bed, He’s going to be up all night anyway.

(1 Peter 5:8 NKJV) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Suffering & Satan Comes / Cast on Jesus / Satan Dealt With

When the suffering comes, the attacks from the evil one, cast all your cares upon Jesus. As we have studied, Satan and his henchman have been dealt with:

(1 John 4:4 NKJV) You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Notice he Roars- Doesn’t Claw, Chew

He roars, do you notice that, he roars he doesn't claw you, chew you, because he cannot touch you. Remember back to a couple studies ago, Satan and his henchmen have been dealt with.

Satan’s Goal / Devour

We see in this verse Satan’s goal for you; To Devour, which means - to drink down, that is, gulp entire

Relation to Us / Adversary

His relationship to us, Our Adversary, which means - an opponent (in a lawsuit). Which means he automatically loses because our Father is the Judge, and our defense team is His Son.

2 Things – Sober & Vigilant

And then we are given 2 things we are to do ourselves, be sober, and be vigilant. Be sober, meaning not to be drunk, which applies to don’t be drinking in the things of the world you can’t see him coming, but rather be vigilant, which means to be wake and watch. Christian, Satan is vigilant about you, he is always waiting and watching for an opportunity to strike you. We need always remember that, there is no day off for the Christian.

Categories

Again, The word for adversary means an opponent in the courtroom. That's who he is.

In Revelation 12, of course, the accuser of the brethren. The word there in Revelation 12 is where we get the word categorize. And that's what the devil loves to do. He loves to get us thinking in categories, grouping, and then we can look in all these areas and feel like we're doing great in this category, in that category, and this category over here. So the devil comes and all he gotta do is find a category here or a category there. And every last one of us have those categories that we're just not doing great. And he goes, looks where you are failing. Look at this failure.

(Revelation 12:9 NKJV) So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

(Revelation 12:10 NKJV) Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.

But that's not what the scripture say. That's not what the Lord has told us. We are made righteous through the righteous blood of Christ. We overcome the devil by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony (which our testimony is really His testimony – He made us Righteous).

Revelation 12:11 (NKJV) 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV) 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

(1 Peter 5:9 NKJV) Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

The Greek word translated “resist” means “to withstand, to be firm against someone else’s onset” rather than “to strive against that one.” The Christian would do well to remember that he cannot fight the devil. The latter was originally the most powerful and wise angel God created. He still retains much of that power and wisdom as a glance down the pages of history and a look about one today will easily show. While the Christian cannot take the offensive against Satan, yet he can stand his ground in the face of his attacks. Cowardice never wins against Satan, only courage.

The word “stedfast” is a military term. Paul uses it in Colossians 2:3 when he says “beholding your order,” that is, “beholding your solid front or close phalanx.” The Greek phalanx was a body of heavy-armed infantry formed in ranks and files close and deep. Pope has a line, “The Grecian phalanx, moveless as a tower.” The word speaks of solidity in the very mass and body of the thing itself. The exhortation is most appropriate to Peter whose name means “A Rock.” He was that at Pentecost and after, for the Holy Spirit controlled him. Any saint today can be the same, and by the energy of that same Spirit. The words “in the faith” refer to the believer’s own faith, the definite article here pointing to ownership. That is, the Christian is to stand firm against the onset of the devil, not in himself, but in the exercise of a faith that depends upon the strengthening and protecting power of God. (Wuest)

Resist – Don’t Run

Don’t run, resist! If you run you turn your back, and expose the only part of your anatomy not protected. Ephesians 6 describes the whole armor of God, and there’s protection for every body part, but the back. This is why we can’t back down. Let’s be strong. Recall James 4:7, “Resist the devil and he will flee from

you.” Muster a resistance - he’ll be forced to flee.

Steadfast / Back to the Word / Battle in the Mind

Verse 9 - steadfast in the faith: back to the Word, for Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. The battle in your mind must be combated by faith, and our faith is on the solid Word of God.

THE Faith

The faith, there's only one faith, and it's the only faith we need. And it's the faith to wash us, cleanse us. Past, present, future. By the blood of the Lamb. It is the faith, the one and only faith and praise the Lod there is a faith when we only needed the one faith. The faith.

Verse 9 - knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. - We’re never alone in our suffering for Christ. There are Christians the world over enduring persecution!

(1 Peter 5:10 NKJV) But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

God is the Source

The phrase “the God of all grace” speaks of God as the source of all spiritual comfort and help for every occasion. (Wuest)

Theme

He tells us to remember because of the theme of this book. The theme of this book is given to us in chapter 5:

(1 Peter 5:10 NKJV) But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

The word suffering is used 16 times, glory 12, and grace 8. Peter unties these 3 words to write a letter of encouragement to those who are struggling and suffering, that their suffering will one day be transformed into glory.

Perfect / Establish / Strengthen / Settled

He writes to us so that we may be:

· Perfect- (mature) which means to mend (what has been broken or rent), to repair, to complete, to fit out, equip, put in order, arrange, adjust, to fit or frame for one’s self, prepare;

· Established– to set fast, confirm one’s mind;

· Strengthen – to make one strong;

· Settle – to lay a foundation.

Verse 10 - after you have suffered a while– Just a little while longer Christian, the Lord says to you today, just a little while longer.

2 Pillars

Verse 10, established, strengthened. That's the name of the two pillars outside the temple of the tabernacle that was built.

1 Kings 7:21 (NKJV) 21 Then he set up the pillars by the vestibule of the temple; he set up the pillar on the right and called its name Jachin, and he set up the pillar on the left and called its name Boaz.

God’s Grace for You?

Is God’s grace, available to you, or do you think that your failures disqualify you, lets ask Peter. Peter says the God of all grace, because Peter understands grace. We can read these 9 verses here in chapter 5 and see a biography of God's grace in Peters life, and God's grace that is promised to us, no matter how we have blown it in the past. (Courson)

· Verse 1 - I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ: Peter said he witnessed the suffering of Christ, yes he did, but from a distance, next to the fire as he warmed himself, but then cursed them as they said you are one of them (John 18). The cross, the mention of any disciples being there was John, so again it must have been from a distance. Strike the shepherd and they will scatter:

· Verse 1 - and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Peter said he saw the glory of God, no doubt referring to the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17). What did Peter say, lets build three monuments here, one for you, Elijah, and Moses. In other words putting Jesus on the same level as the law and the prophets. God spoke from heaven, Peter, hear Him. In other words, quiet, my Son is not on the same level as the law and the prophets.

· Verse 2 - Shepherd the flock of God which is among you: Jesus told the disciples He would make them fisher of men. He trained them for three years to carry this good news to the lost and dying after His departure, He told Peter to leave his nets and follow me, for I will make you fisher of men (Matthew 4). Where do we find Peter, fishing up in Galilee. Jesus meets Peter there and tells him, Feed my People, as we had studied, Shepherd my People Peter (John 21). Peter, you can't do that from where you are at, because you are in the wrong place right now, for you are not where I told you to be.

· Verse 2 - serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly: Peter pray and watch Jesus said to him that night in the garden of Gethsemane, that place Jesus would sweat drops of blood. Jesus agonized, as we know while Peter slept. Jesus gave opportunity to intercede for Him in His most crucial hour, but Peter slept. Jesus would say sleep on, sleep on, for the Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26):

· Verse 3- nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; Ahh Peter, good example as you lop off Malchus's ear in the garden that night (John 18).

· Verse 5 - Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Jesus said in (Matthew 16) that he will suffer, be killed, and raise again on the third day, but Peter jumps in and says not so Lord. Peter not an example of submission to his elder, his leader. My way is better Lord, and suffering is not part of the plan.

· Verse 5 - and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.": Jesus gives the example of washing the disciples feet, but when he comes to Peter, Peter says not me. Peter is too proud, not humble enough to allow the Lord to wash his feet (John 13).

· Verse 7 - casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you: The boat was taking in water (Matthew 14), the waves were raging, and Peter said Lord is that is you command me to come to you, Jesus says come, Peter walks on water until he takes his eyes off of Jesus, sees the raging sea around him rather than his Lord's face, and he sinks. So much for casting all your cares upon Him

· Verse 8 - Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour: In (Luke 22) Jesus tells Peter that Satan desires to sift him, but Peter says I'll die if I have to; Lord you don't need to worry about me, its these other guys you need to worry about. Cock-a-doodle-doo. Peter was sifted

Failed at Every Point / Verse 10 – God of All Grace / Peter Used - TEACHABLE

Peter failed at every point, but he says to us in verse 10, the God of ALL GRACE. Peter was mightily used by God, even after all his failings, why, because he was teachable. He took all these failings and sufferings and used them to become perfect, establish, strengthen, and settled

Grace – Definition / Peter Understands Grace / 9 Verse Biography / Our Promise

God of all grace; Grace, God's Riches At Christ's Expense. Grace, the theological definition, Unmerited, unearned favor on the infinitely ill deserving. Peter says the God of all grace, because Peter understands grace. We can read these 9 verses here in chapter 5 and see a biography of God's grace in Peters life, and God's grace that is promised to us, no matter how we have blown it in the past.

Personal Experiences / Learned – Now Teaches / Feeding the Flock of God

Peter really is teaching in this chapter on all his personal experiences of failings, but how he has learned from them, and now can teach others on them. He is feeding the flock of God, he is doing what Jesus called him to do, feed my sheep.

Parents & Kids / Failed Miserably / Hypocrite / IT is Through God’s Grace

Parents we can feel we can't speak and teach our kids on subjects we have failed miserably on, that is wrong thinking. Same in the work place or everyday life, we feel everyone knows how I blew it in that area, they will call me a hypocrite; wrong, wrong, wrong, if you have learned from those failings, moved on from them, are not living in them and repeating them, it is through God's grace, like Peter, that we can tell people, let me tell you what works and what doesn't work. I've learned the hard way so hopefully you won't.

Want to Break Heart of God / Be Unteachable / Peter Says I Went to Victorious Life

Do you want to break God's heart, then leave here today unchanged, leave here today unteachable. It is so sad to watch Christians fail in the same area over and over again. Peter says look at my life, look at my failings, but see also how I got up and went on the Victorious Christian living, and how I lead others to that same victory.

Teachable - Useable

If you are teachable, then you will be useable. The God of All Grace……………….., that is the realization of the Christian Victory. We are free to live, to enjoy fellowship with Him and each other regardless of the circumstances, or our failures. By the God of All Grace we are clean, pure, white as snow and as I realize that in this world that can make us so dirty, I realize how great this Christian Victory is. He is an Awesome God, and this wonderful epistle, this letter of love to those who are going through it, tells us how much so.

(1 Peter 5:11 NKJV) To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

(1 Peter 5:12 NKJV) By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand.

Silvanus – Silas

By Silvanus (Silas), our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly...” Silas was Paul’s spiritual sidekick on his 2nd and 3rd missionary journeys. Apparently, at this time Silas was with Peter, and he possibly penned this letter as Peter dictated it to him.

Do you Have Peace

Verse 12, are you in Christ Jesus? And do you have peace today?

(1 Peter 5:13 NKJV) She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son.

Where and Who

It’s possible Peter wrote from the actual city of Babylon. Yet there’s no record or tradition of him ever getting that far east. A better interpretation is that this is spiritual “Babylon,” capitol of idolatry, or “Rome.”

And here the church at Rome sends it’s greetings.

“And so does Mark my son.” Peter had the same kind of relationship with Mark, Paul did with Timothy. Mark was Peter’s young protégé, his son in the faith. In fact, the early church fathers, Ireneaus and Eusebius, tell us that Mark’s Gospel was in reality the reflections of Peter recorded by his disciple, Mark.

(1 Peter 5:14 NKJV) Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Ends with Peace / People Scattered – Suffering – Persecution / Peace in Big Picture

He ends with peace to all of you who are in Christ Jesus. He ends with peace to people who are scattered and going through suffering and persecution, and more intense persecution is coming, yet he says peace. You will have peace when you see the big picture. One day all the struggles and suffering of this world will be transformed into His Glory, not replaced but transformed into glory as we become perfect, establish, strengthen, and settled.

Prayer

The Word of God is Living and Powerful, and is ready, and will do a mighty work in our lives.

Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV) 12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

In Every Study

· Who Is God? (How Great is He?)

· What Does He Think of Me? (How Wonderful Are His Thoughts Towards Me?)

· What Does He Want Me to Do?

· What Can I Boldly Request of Him?

· What Do I Need to Be on Guard of When I Leave Here Today?

Boldly come to the throne of grace, ask God to reveal Himself in a mighty way to you, and to do I might work in you, and through you.

Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV) 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need