ETB 1 Peter 5:1-11

Session #10 - p.91 - Be Humble

Humility is one of those traits that brings out the dichotomy of world views. Many in society would say that “to have” humility is a bad thing and shows weakness. But at the same time, they want “others” to have humility toward them.

The book’s opening paragraph has a statement: Some people think of humility as a low view of themselves. But humility is an honest view. [ETB:PSG Win'25]

I would amend that last statement slightly with: Humility is an honest view of oneself based on the truths of Scripture.

Scriptural humility is the opposite of pride or arrogance.

Ask: What are examples of pride you see in society? What are some examples of humility you see in people around you?

Humility isn’t just a virtue; it’s a cornerstone of effective biblical leadership. Picture a tree—strong, resilient, yet firmly rooted in the soil. It stands tall, yet its roots run deep. Similarly, humility grounds leaders, reminding them of their humanity amidst their authority. [LifeWay Adults (2025). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide, Winter 2024-'25]

Understand the Context

Elders play a crucial role in showing the church how to navigate the Christian life in a world that can be pretty unfriendly—if not downright hostile—to believers. Judgment starts within the church itself (1 Pet. 4:17), so we need leaders like elders and pastors to set an example and guide the people toward a life of holiness.

When a church faces persecution, it can cause stress and anxiety in the congregation. That’s when pastors step up to the plate. They work to provide support and care for their weary flock, but they also encourage them to persevere through their suffering in a way that honors their faith. [ETB:ALG Win'25]

But trials and persecutions do not always come through the church, most often they affect home life. Pastors and elders cannot be in every home when these trials come along so as leaders of the home, we must apply these same pastoral principles in our homes until such time as we can seek out additional spiritual guidance from those who have been trained or walked through similar situations.

The biblical conceptions of humility flew in the face of Greek and Roman culture. Jesus flipped the ideas of greatness and servitude (Luke 9:48)in a way that countered Greco-Roman ideas of power. Peter encouraged the same humility as Jesus displayed when people oppressed Him. That humility would enable them to glorify God. [ETB:ALG Win'25]

Explore the Text

1 Peter 5:1–4 ESV

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.

exhort the elders

The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Abridged in One Volume πρέσβυς, πρεσβύτερος, συμπρεσβύτερος, πρεσβυτέριον

In the Jewish and Christian sphere it is often hard to distinguish between the designation of age and the title of office.

This fact makes it difficult to tell exactly who Peter is trying to encourage. That may have been the point so that as many people could be encouraged as possible.

I think this is one of those cases where age, authority, and possibly spiritual maturity are either all used interchangeably or at least are inferred. It is difficult to use only one meaning throughout today’s text and have it apply well in each case.

a fellow elder

Peter is claiming his equality with the other older and more mature members of the church in Asia. At the beginning of the letter he used his title apostle, now he is just another church member struggling through the world and trying to minister to those around him.

a witness of the sufferings of Christ

It is difficult to tell from just this text if Peter is talking still about the suffering of the saints on behalf of Christ or the literal sufferings of Christ before ascension. In this letter he had made references to both and attributed the saint’s sufferings to Christ’s. Undoubtedly Peter has been a witness of both, and it may be that the intent of the phrase.

shepherd the flock of God that is among

There are definitely correlations between Peter using this phrasing are him remembering Jesus personal call on his life on the beach after the resurrection. But the wording leaves room for a much wider audience than just apostles and pastors.

NLT -the flock that God has entrusted to you

NIV - God’s flock that is under your care

GNB - the flock that God gave you and to take care of

As fathers, grand-fathers, and maybe even great-grandfathers, our “flock” that God gave us is not only related through Christ’s blood but our own as well. All the principles given to elders, bishops, overseers, and deacons can be applied to personal families as well as congregational ones.

Peter tells us and the leaders of the day some ways to identify these character traits that may be detrimental to our congregations and homes.

oversight

It is interesting that this word and the one that was in last week’s verse about “meddling” are very similar. Last week’s was the sinful counterpart to this week’s godly pursuit of care. Both are concerned with and investigating the affairs of others, but the benefactor in each is different. Peter clarifies what a “meddler” does by giving examples in the next few verses that contrast to godly oversight.

Ask: Why is humility an important quality for a church leader? What effects might a humble pastor have upon a congregation?

Have you ever seen the effects of a prideful pastor upon a congregation?

not under compulsion

Although this compulsion is placed upon the elder by his own incorrect perceptions of need, it could also apply to the elder compelling those under his care. This would be much like the old saying goes, “You’ve gone from preaching to meddling.”

but being examples to the flock

This is probably one of the best ways to prevent misuse of authority, be an example of the person or leader that you want to grow within those in your care. Show them how it is supposed to be done, just like Christ did for us, and the Holy Spirit inspired to be written down.

1 Timothy 4:12 “12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

unfading crown of glory

Obedience to Christ will have eternal rewards, but there are some that we will have the privilege to give back to Him. It is difficult to tell from just this text if the “crown” Peter is mentioning is a literal head piece, in contrast to the leafy perishable crowns of winning athletes of the day, or if it is a symbolic reference back to that “imperishable inheritance” that he mentioned at the beginning of the letter. Either way, this would something we could strive for that would be an “appropriate” gain for our efforts.

Peter not only spoke to those in leadership but also to the rest of the congregation, possibly acknowledging that one day they would become the leaders of the next generation.

1 Peter 5:5–7 ESV

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, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

you who are younger, be subject to the elders

Another difficult reference to be definitely about. Regardless of whether it is about, age, spiritual maturity, or congregational authority it is best to keep the mindset of “there is always someone higher up.” Peter is also admonishing us to remember there is “someone following” too.

Peter’s next directive works for either place you find yourself in.

Clothe yourselves… with humility toward one another

The imagery of humility being like a garment reminds of the daily need to take it up and “re-dress” ourselves with it each day, making sure that we are properly prepared for the day’s temptations to be selfish and prideful.

The Greek word most often translated “humility” is tapeinos. The basic meaning is to be lowly like a slave, or of no account.¹ How the Greeks viewed the word and the social status it portrayed is made clear by the fact that they never used tapeinos in a positive way.

First-century Greco-Roman culture prized honor, with the society in which one lived determining what was considered honorable. Greco-Roman society held humility in disdain, in large part because it represented self-abasement, which was the opposite of honor.

The prophet Micah reminded his readers that the Lord had already shown them what He required, “to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Mic. 6:8). The prophet reminded them that humility before God was always the expected virtue.

Jesus frequently expressed humility (Matt. 21:5-6). He encouraged His disciples to be humble (John 8:50) and to serve one another rather than lording authority like the Gentiles (Matt. 20:25-28). Likewise, Paul encouraged the believers to exercise humility and pointed to Jesus as the ultimate example (Phil. 2:6-11). [Item 14, Explore the Bible Adult Leader Pack, Spring 2025]

How would you differentiate between a “humble attitude” and “low esteem?”

C.S. Lewis has an interesting insight and way of explaining appropriate humility in his book “The Screwtape Letters.” If you have a copy, go and read Chapter 14 again. If you have never read this book, I highly recommend it. It is wonderful piece of literature that can be as challenging and insightful as you allow God to use it or just a fun read if you don’t dwell on it much.

under the mighty hand of God

First Peter tells us to humble ourselves toward each other, but really this second part is needed first for that to happen. Humility towards God allows Him to guide our humility toward our fellow image-bearers.

We are to humble ourselves before Him, before He humbles us.

at the proper time

“Proper time” in our English translations is a single word - kairos - in the Greek.

The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament 2540. καιρός kairós

There is really no Eng. equivalent to the word kairós

I think the main point for me is that the timing is under God’s control. If we are properly submitting to God with a humble attitude, the “time” will come as a surprise to us.

Peter continues to describe the character and attitudes of someone who is “walking humbly with our God” in the next few verses.

casting all your anxieties

Anxieties, cares, or worries depending on the translation you are reading.

The ESV Study Bible Chapter 5

Worry is a form of pride because it involves taking concerns upon oneself instead of entrusting them to God

If God did not care for us, could we confidently place all this before Him?

If we truly “throw away” our worries to God, are they ours to take back again?

Knowing that He cares for us and that He wants to release us from these stresses allows us to continue to humbly submit to the timing that He ordains to finally remove these from us.

Once we cast them upon Him, we must wait on His sovereign timing, or that “proper time,” for the resolution.

The next few verses sound similar to what you may tell someone before they go on guard duty.

1 Peter 5:8–11 ESV

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.

sober-minded

I do not think it is coincidental that this comes after releasing our cares to God.

We looked at this word earlier in our study of Peter and like then, it is a reference to having full control of your mind. Uninfluenced by alcohol for certain, but also other things that may cloud the mind.

Can we get so wrapped up in our “terrible situation” or “why is this happening” attitudes that our judgment is impaired?

Peter also reminds us as elders, or family leaders at least, that when we are not in full control it may have ramifications for those under our care.

prowls around like a roaring lion

We have all probably watched some of the animal shows that used to be on TV or video online.

Which animals do the lions usually attack? The head of the herd?

We all have moments of weakness, and that is when the Enemy strikes. But I think this is also one example of how to “shepherd” those placed under our care. They may not see the danger they are in and need our alertness to prevent their spiritual detriment.

We need to be watchful for them. Sometimes they just need a little nudge to prevent the attack. Other times it will take serious intervention and conversation about the patterns they are exhibiting and how it is opening a door for sin in their lives.

As long as we keep a humble attitude and genuinely desire their spiritual growth, we can intercede in the lives as a “shepherd” instead of a “meddler.”

Resist him, firm in your faith

Resistance is active engagement against a foe. One cannot passively resist the devil and hope to experience victory in the Christian life. The resistance Peter encouraged equated to a firmness in one’s faith. Belief that God and God alone saves and sustains us is the active resistance required to stay in that same faith. As we acknowledge the power of God in our lives, we can do a better job of identifying and rejecting the enemy’s attempts to disrupt our faith and witness. [ETB:ALG Win'25]

Standing firm in our faith, which is in God, not our own abilities or spiritual maturity.

I think we all know what happens when you try and take prey or food away from any animal, they will turn on you. If we protect those under our care and remove them from his clutches, he will come after us. We must be ready. Submitted to God, fully alert, not surprised, and aware of his tactics.

Ask: What are some practical things believers can do to recognize Satan’s schemes? How do we resist his advances?

the same kinds of suffering

The sufferings we experience for being faithful to God are nothing new. The sufferings of those under our watch or whom we come along side are also not new. Peter reminds us that there is a whole world of other believers out there that are facing similar trials.

How does this knowledge help us?

While Satan may try to leave us feeling isolated, our brotherhood through Jesus remains powerful. [ETB:ALG Win'25]

The “world” in Peter’s day was much smaller than the one we know of today. Does that add anything to the encouragement for us?

after you have suffered a little while

Peter ties the end of his letter back to the beginning with a reminder of the limited time that we will have to suffer or endure while we stay on this earth.

1 Peter 1:6 “6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,”

We may not get to see the exaltation, recompense or restoration while we are still on earth, but we may see a portion of it.

Restore - back to and beyond where we were before the trial.

Galatians 6:1 “1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”

Confirm - Show us the proof that we are a part of His people.

1 Thessalonians 3:13 “13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.”

Strengthen - Fighting the enemy and protecting others from him is draining.

Philippians 4:13 “13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Establish - this is a deepening of the foundation that we already have based our faith and trust in Him on.

Psalm 138:7 “7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.”

Apply the Text

There was a lot of material on humility in my software library. I attached a few of my favorites to the end of this lesson for my reference if I needed them but I am going to close our session with words from Spurgeon.

The Spurgeon Study Bible: Notes Chapter 5

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God.” Pride is so natural to fallen human beings that it springs up in the heart like weeds in a watered garden. We may hunt down this fox and think we have destroyed it, but our exultation is pride. None have more pride than those who dream that they have none. Pride is a sin with a thousand lives and a thousand shapes. By perpetual change it escapes capture.

Therefore, let us humble ourselves under the hand of God as creatures under the hand of the Creator, as chastened children under a father’s rod. Many people have been humbled, and yet they have not become humble. There is a great difference between the two things. If God withdraws his grace and allows a Christian to fall into sin, that fall humbles him in the sight of people, and yet he may not be humble. He may never have a true sense of how evil his action has been. He may still persevere in his pride and be far from humility. The most hopeful way of avoiding this humbling affliction is to humble ourselves. Let us be humble that we may not be humbled.

Pray: Thank You God for Your promises and guidance through Peter in facing the challenges of being Christians within enemy territory.  Lead, guide, & protect those around us under our care. Teach us to have more humility to toward each other and toward You. Train us to be clear-minded and alert toward the enemy’s tactics. Allow us to resist all temptations by Your indwelling power. Help us to wait on Your promise to restore, confirm, strengthen and establish.

The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised A. The Transformation of Vocabulary

Tapeinophrosýnē occurs in a bad sense in

The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary Humility

Humility in the spiritual sense is an inwrought grace of the soul that allows one to think of himself no more highly than he ought to think (

Baker Encyclopedia of Psychology and Counseling Humility

Two central passages unfold a simple definition of this important Christian grace. The first,