1 Peter 5:1-4

Communion

Communion is an opportunity for us as a church recognize the death of Jesus Christ.

His body was broken and bruised for us.

Bread that we eat represents his body

Cup that we drink represents his blood that was shed for us.

Communion once was celebrated as a meal where the church would come together remember the death of Jesus

This morning we are going to do things a little differently

We will distribute the elements

Hold onto them

Meditate on Christ

We come back and take communion collectively together as the church.

Mark 14:22–25 “And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.””

Veteran’s Day

This morning we want to take a couple of moments to honor those who have served within our military

It is because of their sacrifice that we get the opportunity exercise our freedoms

Specifically this morning the freedom of religion

If you were apart of the United States Military please take a moment and stand

Finishing up the book of 1 Peter.

Before Peter closes out his letter he leaves some final instructions for the church.

It all has to due with humility

He calls the leaders to exercise humility

Then he calls the church to exercise humility

Point 1:

The Elders’ Primary Concern are The People not himself.

1 Peter 5:1–4 “1 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: 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; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”

Peter is not just referring to elderly men within the church.

He is referring to a specific role within the church.

We know this for a couple of reasons

Peter identifies himself as an elder

He exhorts them to shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight

When we often think of elders we think authoritative, decision makers

Although this is true there is a bigger picture that Peter wants us to understand within this passage.

We see this in how he refers to them as shepherds.

VIDEO Example:

A shepherds responsibility when caring for sheep

Keeping the flock together (training)

Protects the sheep

He constantly concerned for the sheep

He has to attempt to rescue sheep that find themselves in trouble

The sheep don’t belong to him

He has to care for the sheep

He can’t abuse them they are not his.

But he is being held accountable for how he cares for the sheep.

Elders in the church lead with humility.

They have to set an example for the church

Their goal is to is to model Christ to the congregation.

Peter transitions from talking about Shepherds to then discussing the sheep (the Church)

Point 2:

Humbling ourselves is allowing God to exalt us.

1 Peter 5:5-6 “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.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,

It’s interesting before we get v6 Peter has a shoutout for younger men. Peter does a shout out for young men

"young" and "old" were fluid terms in the Bible, usually more about life roles and wisdom than precise ages. A "young man" might be someone in his teens or twenties, while an "elder" was generally a mature adult respected for his life experience and wisdom.

Peter calls young me to:

Be willing to follow guidance

A willingness to learn from elders

Support church authority

But then Peter calls the entire church to humble themselves under God

This is also an acknowledgement of elder leadership because God has put in place shepherds to care for the church.

Walking in humility is patiently waiting for God to exalt you.

Joseph - Humble slave to second in command in Egypt

David - Young Shepherd - King of Israel

Esther - Jewish Orphan who became queen and saved her people from genocide

Greatest example was Jesus

Philippians 2:6 ESV

6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,

God lifts us up better than we could ever lift ourselves up

Allowing God to exalt us prevents separation from God due to pride of position or status.

Let our goal be to do excellent things for Christ and let him be the one to elevate you and provide opportunity.

Point 3

Humbling ourselves is handing our worries over to God

1 Peter 5:7 “7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

Handing our worries over to God is acknowledging that he is more powerful the problems that create our worries.

Jesus understands our struggles

Hebrews 4:15 ESV

15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Jesus knows what it’s like to be under the weight of what feels like an impossible decision

Luke 22:42 ESV

42 saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”

Handing our worries over to God is acknowledging that Christ is our only hope for peace

Point: 4

Christian apathy and laziness invite trouble

1 Peter 5:8–11 “8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

Christian apathy and laziness is a lack of passion or motivation to pursue Christ.

If we are not daily pursuing Jesus we run the risk of giving satan a foot hold in our lives.

In the context of suffering this is believing the lie that are suffering is evidence of God’s lack care for us

Which leads to and endless cycle of doubt, weakness to stand firm in the midst of trials, the belief that valuing wordly things are more productive than pursuing Jesus.

Practically

Bringing the Real, Unfiltered You to God: When you’re hurting, it’s natural to feel distant from God or question His care. Pursuing Jesus here means not shying away from these questions but confronting them with Him.

Clinging to the Truth of God’s Word Rather than our feelings: Satan’s foothold often comes through subtle distortions of truth, especially when we’re vulnerable. In suffering, pursue Jesus by intentionally grounding yourself in Scripture, even if your feelings don’t align.Pursuing Christ daily allows for us to endure all things.

Seeking Accountability and Encouragement: In isolation, we’re more prone to discouragement and disbelief. Find a trusted friend, mentor, or group to honestly share struggles with, and ask for prayer and encouragement.

Living Out Faith in Small, Consistent Ways: Pursuing Jesus is often in the small, daily choices.

Redirecting Your Heart When Tempted by Worldly Comforts: Suffering often makes worldly things—like success, comfort, or distractions—seem more appealing as quick fixes.

Shapes our eternal perspective understanding that our suffering although it may endure our entire life in the context of eternity it is only for a little while.