As we move into today, we look at the people who Peter is addressing in this letter. And then and now, people are evaluating how we are going to be grounded in Jesus but still be involved in culture. Peter will speak directly to the elders, and will begin to address some of the questions and begin to outline a process to their ministry. Not giving them a set rules or assignments, but tools to figure out where they excel and then encouraging them to act on those strengths.
The use of elder can mean “old men” or more appropriately here as “those in leadership”. Peter reminds them that he is both a leader and also a witness of Jesus’ life and suffering. Why would this be important? He saw and spoke to Jesus, but on the night of Jesus’ betrayal Peter denied Jesus three times. That Peter wasn’t seeing then the impact of Jesus. And he wants the elders reading this letter to realize that they are to trust in the truth in Jesus even when the end might be unclear.
He is trying to remind people both in leadership and those under leadership that this is how we are to hold our leadership in account. To leadership, you are to realize that the people around you are not yours. But you are a shepherd taking care of God’s people. That you are to lead them to good pastures and water. Leaders aren’t to do this because they must or it is just “something that has to be done”. But do it with a eager willingness to serve, and not something just to get dishonest gain.
Leaders are not to lord over or only instruct, but they are to be examples for the flock. Not to give orders, but to actively demonstrate and work with people.
This all points to the chief shepherd, Jesus. Where we are given a crown that will not fade away. The people of the day were familiar with crown writhes that were given to winners of athletic competitions. But those crowns did not last. Jesus crowns with a writhe that does not decay.
Peter now shifts to the younger people in the church. The word submission here is not a negative word, but an encouraging word to connect with the older Christians around them. Don’t isolate yourself, but value those relationships with wiser Christians.
For all Christians, we are to clothe ourselves with humility. It is directed toward one another, because that is how we will relate to God. If we cannot relate well with one another, how can we relate well with God. Because God sets himself against the proud. Humility doesn’t mean that we won’t agree or that we all like the same thing, but means that we are going to relate and work together for each others needs and desires. If we are not willing to clothe ourselves in humility, God will close us off from his grace.
Peter then direct to trust in God. To put ourselves in His hand so that He can lift us up. To cast (to throw off) our anxiety and worry on Him.
Look at this picture. There are those who lead us, that not only direct but work and live with those in his care. The live as an example, and can even have shepherds themselves. That humility will be our mindset so that we can find God’s true purpose above our own. All the while, we will look at next week how that if we move away from this, Satan is waiting to pounce.
Ask the right questions about where you are. Why am I doing this? Am I an example? Am I connecting to others humbly? Is there any pride taking me away from good relationship with God and others?
5:1 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. 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. 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.
12 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. 13 She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. 14 Greet one another with the kiss of love.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ. (ESV)
5:1 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: (ESV)
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; (ESV)
3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. (ESV)
4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. (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.” (ESV)
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, (ESV)
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. (ESV)