1 Peter 5:1-14
Notes
Transcript
Scripture Intro:
Scripture Intro:
The last chapter of Peter’s letter.
1 Peter 1:1 tells us...
Written “To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion”...
Exiles in this world
Driven from their homes
The last 3 verses of 1 Peter,
greetings from others who know Christ and send greetings.
One phrase in particular (quite odd)...
“She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings”
The ancient city of Babylon, was in ruins (for centuries).
it was mostly abandoned at the time Peter wrote.
To most commentators...
it seems clear that Peter is using the name symbolically...
to refer to Rome.
This is also done in the book of Revelation and in Jewish literature.
The case for Babylon being symbolic becomes even stronger in light of 1 Peter 1:1.
Babylon was the empire to which the people of God were carried away in captivity,
In the time of the prophets (Jeremiah, Daniel)
Peter writes to the new Diaspora (1:1),
the ‘captivity’ of the people of God living under the empire of Rome,
the new Babylon.
So how does he end this letter to these “elect exiles”?
Scripture Reading (“Please stand…”)
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:
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; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
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.”
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.
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
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.
To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.
She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son.
Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Pray...
Intro:
Intro:
Consider the life of President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. He faced immense pressure and numerous failures, yet maintained a humble disposition. He often acknowledged his mistakes and sought counsel from his rivals, famously inviting them into his cabinet. This humility earned him respect and loyalty, ultimately helping to heal a fractured nation. Lincoln's willingness to embrace humility in leadership taught us that acknowledging our limits can disarm tension and unite people for a common cause.
In ancient Rome, Emperor Augustus demonstrated the strength of humility by adopting a modest title, 'First Citizen', instead of embracing the grandeur of 'King.' He aimed to present himself as a servant to the people, prioritizing the welfare of the state over personal glory. His humility won the support of the citizens and brought about a long period of peace known as the Pax Romana. This historical example shows that even in power, putting others first can lead to enduring stability and prosperity.
The life of Socrates provides a powerful lesson in humility. He famously claimed, "I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing." His humility and willingness to question everything encouraged others to think deeply and seek truth. Instead of positioning himself as a superior thinker, Socrates engaged in dialogues that highlighted the importance of humility in the pursuit of wisdom. His legacy teaches us that acknowledging our limitations is the first step toward genuine understanding and growth.
The philosopher Socrates, known for his humble approach to teaching and learning, often employed the Socratic method—asking questions to stimulate critical thinking among his students. He believed that wisdom began with recognizing one's own ignorance. Socrates famously asserted that true knowledge comes from understanding the limits of our knowledge, which fostered an environment of learning rather than dogma. His legacy teaches us that humility in our quest for knowledge can lead to profound insights and growth for ourselves and those around us.
Humble Leadership
Humble Leadership
(v. 1-4)
“fellow elder” - these elders that he writes to are on the same footing as Peter.
Peter:
“witness of the sufferings of Christ”
“partaker in the glory that is” coming (at the return of Christ)
The things that Peter saw...
he passed on to these elders.
Point people to Christ (the suffering Savior)...
and the glory that will be revealed.
Edmund Clowney:
“They are not fellow-apostles, chosen, like Peter, to be eye-witnesses of Christ’s resurrection. They are, nevertheless, fellow-elders, called by the Lord to exercise oversight in his church. They have received the witness of the apostles, and with them they confess Jesus Christ.” (Edmund Clowney)
What are the elders called to do?
“shepherd the flock”
Just like Peter (Simon Peter) in John.
He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”
Followed by Jesus telling him to “Feed my sheep”.
Be a shepherd to the flock of God.
So the same charge is given to these elders...
Shepherd the flock.
the following participle (“-ing” word) - verbal adjective.
describes how they are to shepherd.
“exercising oversight”
But it is the things they are “NOT” to do that give the heart of this passage.
“not under compulsion” (but willingly)
“not for shameful gain” (but eagerly)
“not domineering” (but being examples to the flock)
Humble Leadership
Servant leadership
Not domineering
Not out of obligation
“Chief Shepherd”
“exercising oversight” makes sense in light of Jesus as a shepherd.
John 10, study what is true about Jesus as a shepherd
and what he does as a shepherd.
For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
App. Yes, this is written to elders.
But this is also true of any leader.
Deacon, Teacher, Discipleship leaders, Parent...
Shepherd the flock of God.
Humble Lives
Humble Lives
(v. 5-7)
Imperatives in v. 5-7:
Be Subject
Clothe Yourselves with humility
Humble Yourselves
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.”
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
Notice 3 times:
Humility, Humble, Humble
From the root word - “low”
Lower Yourself
Think of yourself less.
Away from being preoccupied with self.
“Clothe yourselves”
One commentator:
‘tie on humility’ in our relations to one another. The verb suggests the tying on of a servant’s apron
Very close parallels with James 4:6-10.
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
“Under”
Not simply lower yourself.
Lower yourself UNDER the mighty hand of God.
1 Peter 5:6 (ESV)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
His strength makes humility a joy, not a burden
Entrust yourself to him.
And he will lift you up.
Lower Yourself —> Under God’s Hand —> He will exalt you —> At the proper time.
Why?
casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Not oppresive...
but care and love.
Humble Vigilance
Humble Vigilance
(v. 8-11)
Suffering due to circumstances is one thing...
Sickness, Natural disasters, Oppressive governments
But an active enemy is quite another.
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Imperatives:
Be Sober-minded
Be watchful
Resist
Humble Resistance...
our adversary the devil is stronger and more cunning than you are.
We can’t forget this.
Humility… in ourselves, we are unfit to face the enemy
that prowls around like a roaring lion.
Sober-minded
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Be Watchful, Resist
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Interestingly, the discussion of humility is also talked about in context of our enemy.
Both in 1 Peter 5 and James 4...
Humble yourself...
but know that the devil prowls around looking to devour you.
Humility - could feel exposed to the enemy.
But this is vigilant humility.
What does “humble yourself under God hand” look like practically?
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.
Repentance
In v. 8… “your adversary the devil”
In v. 10… “the God of all grace”
This is the beautiful contrast that fuels humility.
Devil - seeks to devour
God - will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you
How?
To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Dominion forever
glory to be revealed
unfading glory
“Stand firm in grace”
1 Peter 5:12 (ESV)
… I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.
Close in Prayer
Close in Prayer
Closing Song:
Closing Song:
“Jesus Lover of My Soul”
“Other refuge have I none...
All my trust on Thee is stayed
All help from Thee I bring
Cover my defenseless head
In the shadow of Thy wing”
Benediction:
Benediction:
From 1 Peter 5:10-11
The God of all grace,
who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ,
will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
