Peter's Final Call

The Context

As we come to the close of this wonderful book of 1 Peter, let us remember the context in which it has been written.

1 Peter is written to those who have been scattered abroad throughout the land, and have suffered severe persecution. As we come to the last chapter of this wonderful book, we must remember this. Peter is giving his final address to the people by giving some last minute instructions on what it looks like to be faithful in perilous times. He starts by addressing the Shepherds of the Church. Then he addresses the flock. Finally, he addresses everyone with a final word of warning and praise to God.

Read 1 Peter 5:1-11

The Content

A Call to Shepherd (Vs. 2-4)

To shepherd the flock is to meet every need of the flock.

Though many aspects of shepherding are necessary, the most important one is the feeding.

We must continually feed the sheep.

A Call to Submit (Vs. 5-7)

The flock must submit unto their shepherd as he submits unto God.

The flock must trust and believe its shepherd to provide and protect them during troublesome times.

A Call to Sobriety (Vs. 8-9)

We must think clearly if we are going to overcome the schemes of Satan.

The devil is our enemy and wants nothing more than to destroy us.

He is looking for weak vessels to attack and he finds them by lurking in the shadows.

We must be vigilant in our walk with God. We have got to be aware of our mortal enemy. He absolutely hates us and wants to devour us. He wants to tear down our witness. He wants to destroy our reputation. He wants to destroy our faith in God. He wants to take everything away from us.

The Concluding Commitment

Our Response to this is a commitment of faithfulness.

Are you willing to make that commitment today? Are you willing to put self aside, put God first, and make a commitment of faithfulness? Are you willing to revisit the place of your salvation and revisit the commitment that God made unto you? Are you ready for that? Are you ready for something more, something new, something better? Let’s make a commitment to faithfulness together.