1Peter 5:5-14. 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/on the alert. 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)
Ralph Waldo Emerson said: ‘A man is what he thinks about all day long.’ How could he possibly be anything else?” Why? An old maxim states: “Thoughts produce acts, acts produce habits, and habits produce character.” The Roman philosopher Marcus Aurelius said, “Our life is what our thoughts make it.” Or as one translation of Prov.23:7 puts it, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7). (Morgan, Robert J.: Nelson's Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations, and Quotes. electronic ed. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2000, S. 558)
How you regard what we have looked at thus far, will determine if you are ready or not for ministry. Spectators, what is the hallmark of our age, crave entertainment. They see things for general entertainment or personal enjoyment. Those going into battle, look for equipment for war and prepare for hostility. Which are you?
As the Apostle Peter closes out his letter to the Church he is now sending us into battle with the resources that God provides. Over the course of 1 Peter he has examined hope, faith, the work of Christ, love, submission, shepherding and suffering. This has been aimed at equipping you to stand firm in the true grace of God. With this, the concluding message of this series, I aim to use Peter’s closing comments to wrap together what we have seen so we may put it into practice.
In the final section of this letter, Peter addresses how godly enables us to get proper perspective enabling us to put our thoughts and mind right in order to act. . If we are humble before God, He will exalt us to achieve His will. In 1 Peter 5:5-14, the Apostle Peter closes out 1 Peter by showing us how to have: 1) Humility in Ourselves (1Peter 5:5-8), 2) Humility before Threats (1Peter 5:8-9), 3) Humility before God (1Peter 5:10-11), and finally 4) Humility towards Others (1Peter 5:12-14).
In order to be Humbled & Exalted, God desires us to first have:
1) Humility in Ourselves (1Peter 5:5-7)
1 Peter 5:5-7 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. (ESV)
As he did earlier in the letter (1 Peter 3:1, 7), Peter uses homoios (likewise) as a transition word. In the prior verses, he renders the word “in the same way.”. In 1 Peter 5:1–4 Peter addressed church leaders; now he turned to the congregation. As shepherds submit to the Chief Shepherd, so the flock submits to their shepherds. The foundational attitude in the life of the saint must be submission, a relatively familiar theme already in this epistle. In 2:13–20 and 3:1–7 Peter commanded believers to be submissive to employers, civil authorities, and within marriage. As Peter had presented the best plan for household relationships, so here he described the best plan for church relationships (Barton, B. B. (1995). 1 Peter, 2 Peter, Jude (p. 134). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Pub.)
Although no one is exempt from Peter’s exhortation that everyone is to be submissive to their elders, he targets specifically those who are younger. Though it is not stated in the context why he singled them out, probably he did so because it is so obvious that they generally tend to be the most aggressive and headstrong members of any group. (cf. Ps. 119:100; Prov. 16:31; 20:29). The call for godly submission is usually of greatest challenge for the younger. Tell me if this quote sounds familiar. “When I was a boy, we were taught to be discreet and respectful of elders, but the present youth are exceedingly impatient of restraint. They (tend to have awful) manners, flout authority and have no respect for their elders”. Lest you think it’s from this weekends newspaper, it’s from a Greek poet named Hesiod, who wrote 800 years before Christ was born. (Living for Christ in a Pagan World. Michael Bentley. Evangelical Press. 1990. p. 165).
In calling the young to be subject to those over them in the Lord, Peter again used the military term hupotasso, “to line up under.” He calls everyone in the church to put aside self-promoting pride and willingly and respectfully place themselves under the leadership of their shepherds (cf. 1 Tim. 5:17; Heb. 13:7). Clearly, given the previous context (vv. 1–4), elders refers to the spiritual leaders, the shepherds and pastors, not merely to older saints. The entire church has the obligation to submit to those God has placed in authority over it: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 [12] We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, [13]and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. (ESV). As seen in the broader context, Christians are to be submissive to all in authority, but especially in the church. The process of spiritual growth flourishes among those who have an attitude of submission. An unsubmissive flock, on the other hand, makes the shepherds’ ministry difficult and forfeits a critical feature in sanctification. In other words, believers should not insist on having their way over others. ( McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (1 Peter) (electronic ed., Vol. 54, p. 102). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.)
Inseparably linked to and underlying a submissive attitude is a mind in given to humility (cf. Ps. 25:9; Dan 10:12; Mic. 6:8; Matt. 5:3–5; Eph. 4:1–2; James 4:10). Because always the truly humble—and only the humble—submit, both of Peter’s commands encompass all believers.
All believers are to Clothe (egkomboomai) themselves, literally means “to tie something on oneself,” such as a work apron worn by servants. Just as first century slaves would used to knot a white scarf or apron over their clothing to distinguish themselves from freemen, so a Christian ought to tie humility to their conduct so that everyone is able to recognize them. The word for humility here is tapeinophrosunen, “lowliness of mind,” or “self-abasement.” It describes the attitude of one who willingly serves, even in the lowliest of tasks (cf. 1 Cor. 4:1–5; 2 Cor. 4:7; Phil. 2:5–7). Perhaps even more so than today, humility was not an admired trait in the first-century pagan world. People saw it as a characteristic of weakness and cowardice, to be tolerated only in the involuntary submission of slaves. Smooth relations in the church can be preserved if the entire congregation adorns itself with humility. When believers recognize that they are creatures and sinners, they are less apt to be offended by others. Humility is the oil that allows relationships in the church to run smoothly and lovingly. (Schreiner, T. R. (2003). 1, 2 Peter, Jude (Vol. 37, p. 238). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)
Please turn to John 13
Just about anywhere you read or hear, advice from relationships to the job say demand your rights, stand up for yourselves. Imagine a testimony where one regards others before yourself.
As Peter wrote this verse, he likely recalled Jesus’ tying a towel on Himself and washing the disciples’ feet, including his own, as recorded in John 13:3–11 and applied by Jesus in verses 12–17, as follows:
John 13:12-17. [12] When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you? [13] You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. [14] If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. [15] For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. [16] Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. [17] If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. (ESV) (cf. Ps. 131:1–2; Matt. 25:37–40; Luke 22:24–27; Rom. 12:3, 10, 16; Phil. 2:3–11)
• A lesson now in Biblical interpretation: Footwashing is described in verse 15 as an example not a literal command. This is an example of humble service. We must carry the principle over to our own culture in and serve in a likewise appropriate manner. They key is verse 17: We know we should serve, the question is if we are actually serving. Are we serving on our terms when it’s convenient to us and we think we will benefit? Or are we looking around for needs, meeting those needs when they are needed for the benefit of the recipient and the glory of God.
In 1 Peter 5:5, to reinforce his exhortation for humility, Peter quoted from Proverbs 3:34, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (cf. James 4:6). The fact that the Lord opposes the proud (cf. Prov. 6:16–17a; 8:13) is the greatest motivation for saints to adopt the attitude of humility. Pride sets one against God and vice versa. On the other hand, God blesses and gives grace to the humble (cf. Job 22:29; Ps. 37:11; Prov. 22:4; 29:23; Matt. 11:29; Luke 10:21; 18:13–14; 1 Cor. 1:28–29; 2 Cor. 4:7–18). The prophet Isaiah stated the principle well, Isaiah 57:15 For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.(Isa. 57:15; cf. 66:2).
Based on the verse from Proverbs that Peter mentioned, this command in verse 6 comes forcefully: therefore humble yourselves in submission, not only to avoid divine opposition and to receive divine grace, but because the authority over all believers in the church is none other than the mighty hand of God, God’s sovereign power at work in and through the elders of the church, as well as in the life experience of His people (cf. Isa. 48:13; Ezek. 20:33–34; Zeph. 1:4; 2:13; Luke 1:49–51). The mighty hand of God works that He may exalt those who are humble at the proper time en kairo is literally “in time” (cf. Acts 19:23; Rom. 9:9) cf. 5:10). God will exalt (hupsoo, “to raise or lift up”) believers out of their trials, tribulations, and sufferings at His wisely determined time. If the foundational attitude for spiritual growth is submission, humility is, then, the footing to which the foundation is anchored. To become proudly rebellious, fight against the Lord’s purposes, or judge His providence as unkind or unfair is to forfeit the sweet grace of His exaltation when the trial has fulfilled its purpose (cf. James 1:2–4). It is the Lord Jesus Himself who promised, Luke 14:11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (ESV). True humility, as opposed to a contrived, self-degrading humiliation, flows from recognizing one’s complete dependence on God and is expressed by the acceptance of one’s role and position in God’s economy. With such humility one is freed from attempts to gain more power or prestige. Instead, humility expresses itself in the willingness to serve others even beyond one’s self-interest. (Jobes, K. H. (2005). 1 Peter (p. 309). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.)
We see in verse 7, as believers endure humbly and submissively, they find their strength in the midst of trials, by means of confident trust in God’s perfect purpose. The psalmist David is surely Peter’s source, since this trust was his, and the apostle must have known his words well: Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. (ESV). David’s anxiety came from attacks by a Judas-like friend (see vv. 12–14), a most difficult trial to bear since it comes from one who is loved and trusted. Peter drew from that text to instruct all believers in all kinds of trouble to follow David’s example and give themselves to the Lord’s care (cf. 2:23; 4:19). Casting (from epiripto) means throwing something on something else or someone else. For example, in Luke 19:35 (it is used of throwing a blanket over an animal. Peter exhorts believers to throw on the Lord all their anxieties, a word that can include all discontentment, discouragement, despair, questioning, pain, suffering, and whatever other trials they encounter (cf. 2 Sam. 22:3; Pss. 9:10; 13:5; 23:4; 36:7; 37:5; 55:22; Prov. 3:5–6; Isa. 26:4; Nah. 1:7; Matt. 6:25–34; 2 Cor. 1:10; Phil. 4:6–7, 19; Heb. 13:6) because we can trust His love, faithfulness, power, and wisdom. When pressures come on the Christian the proper response is not anxiety, for that comes out of a belief that one must take care of oneself and a lack of trust in God. It is rather a trusting commitment to God (prayer expressing this, as Paul states explicitly in Phil. 4:6) in the assurance that God indeed cares and that his caring does not lack the power or the will to do the very best for his own. (Davids, P. H. (1990). The First Epistle of Peter (p. 188). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.)
Quote: Glamour is not Greatness
James R. Sizoo said: “Let it never be forgotten that glamour is not greatness; applause is not fame; prominence is not eminence. The man of the hour is not apt to be the man of the ages. A stone may sparkle, but that does not make it a diamond; people may have money, but that does not make them a success”. It is what the unimportant people do that really counts and determines the course of history. The greatest forces in the universe are never spectacular. Summer showers are more effective than hurricanes, but they get no publicity. The world would soon die but for the fidelity, loyalty, and consecration of those whose names are unhonored and unsung. – (Galaxie Software: 10,000 Sermon Illustrations. Biblical Studies Press, 2002; 2002)
In order to be Humbled & Exalted, God protects us by directing that we have:
2) Humility before Threats (1Peter 5:8-9)
1 Peter 5:8-9.[8] Be sober-minded; be watchful/on the alert. 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. (ESV)
The command in verse 8 calls for another basic element of godly thinking, which Peter mentioned already (1:13 and 4:7). On a physical level, sober (nepho) refers to self-control in relation to intoxication. Here, as in its other New Testament usages, however, it has a more metaphorical connotation (cf. 1 Tim. 2:15 KJV; 3:2, 11; Titus 2:2). It includes ordering and balancing life’s important issues, which requires the discipline of mind and body that avoids the intoxicating allurements of the world (cf. 2:11; Luke 21:34; Rom. 12:1–2; 13:14; Phil. 4:8; Col. 3:2; 1 Thess. 5:6–8; Titus 2:12; James 1:27; 4:4; 1 John 2:15–16). It repents being clear minded: knowing what to do and in mutual agreement as to why we are to do it. For one who sees life as Jesus Christ sees it, there must be an entirely new attitude, an entirely new outlook characterized by sobriety. (MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 2281). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.)
Please turn to Matthew 26
The reason Christians must cultivate the preceding attitudes of submission, humility, trust, and self-control is that they face fierce and relentless spiritual opposition from Satan and his demons. Believers must not become indifferent to that reality (cf. Prov. 15:19; Heb. 6:12) or indulgent of sin (1 Cor. 5:6; Heb. 3:13), lest they become victims of the enemy (2 Cor. 2:11; Eph. 6:11; cf. 1 Thess. 3:5). Instead, the realities of spiritual warfare call for vigilance. Peter urges believers to be watchful/on the alert (gregoresate), an imperative command that means “stay awake.” The spiritual forces that assault Christians, not only directly (cf. Gen. 3:1–7; Mark 1:13; 2 Cor. 12:7; 1 Thess. 2:18) but often very subtly (2 Cor. 11:14), demand that those who love Christ maintain such vigilance. The opposite of this sober watchfulness is a kind of spiritual drowsiness in which one sees and responds to situations no differently than unbelievers, and God’s perspective on each event is seldom if ever considered (Grudem, W. A. (1988). 1 Peter: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 17, p. 202). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.)
The Lord knew of this danger and prayed: His disciples:
Matthew 26:36-41 36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (ESV)
• Last week we looked at the restoration and commission of Peter in John 21, recalling the need expressed here to watch and pray. Here in Matthew 26:41 “Watch” (??????e??) is an imperative for spiritual preparedness; cf 1 Cor 16:13; Col 4:2; 1 Thess 5:6; 1 Peter 5:8). We do this preparation through prayer. We pray because the spirit is willing, … the flesh is still weak. The “flesh” represents human weakness over against the desire of the “inner self” to do the will of God. Initial enthusiasm and professions of loyalty too often succumb to human lethargy or fear of the consequences. Peter’s problem, like our own, is not lack of enthusiasm for Jesus, but lack of the moral stamina to face up to what it will mean in practice (France, R. T. (2007). The Gospel of Matthew. The New International Commentary on the New Testament (1006). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publication Co).
Back in 1 Peter 5:8, Peter identifies Satan as your adversary, the devil, the pronoun your making that designation a very personal one. Satan is not only the adversary of God and His holy angels, but he is the vicious, relentless enemy of all God’s people (cf. Job 1:6–8; 2:1–6; Zech. 3:1). He is the enemy of Safe Haven and every one of the congregation. Adversary (antidikos) was used as a technical term meaning “legal opponent,” as well as any kind of enemy who was seriously and aggressively hostile. The term rendered devil (diabolos) takes this opposition to the level of a “malicious enemy who slanders or attacks.” Three times Jesus called him the ruler of this world (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; cf. Eph. 2:2), which shows the formidable platform from which he launches his malevolent assaults. He is the origin of all suffering. When believers feel alone, weak, helpless, and cut off from other believers, they can become so focused on their troubles that they forget to watch for danger. In those times, believers are especially vulnerable to Satan’s attacks, which come in various forms, often at a person’s weakest spot—temptation, fear, loneliness, worry, depression, and persecution. ( Barton, B. B. (1995). 1 Peter, 2 Peter, Jude (p. 138). Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Pub.)
• Satan aggressively tries to plant doubt in your mind and try to get you to believe that neither you nor this church can do anything substantial for God’s kingdom. He will get you to believe that we are too old or too weak to do anything. If he succeeds he will have prevented us from taking bold action for the cause of Christ. He will have won by convincing us to do nothing.
The devil commands the demonic realm and administrates the human, fallen world system. Personally, and through his surrogates the demons, who like him never sleep nor rest, Satan untiringly, like a predator in the night of his own evil darkness, hunts to kill. He prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (cf. Job 1:6–12; 2:1–7). Peter’s imagery of the roaring lion derives from the Old Testament (Pss. 7:2; 10:9–10; 17:12; 22:13–21; 35:17; 58:6; 104:21; Ezek. 22:25) and pictures the viciousness of this hunter pursuing his prey. Devour has the sense of “to gulp down,” emphasizing the final objective, not to wound but to destroy. Peter would not have had, as most believers today do, the experience of seeing lions in a zoo. But he might have seen the gory spectacle of lions slaughtering victims for the entertainment of the Romans. Certainly, he knew of such events. Satan probes our collective defenses for weakness: He usually starts with leadership: That’s why the beginning of 1 Peter 5 addresses them. Satan knows that if he can immobilize leadership in the church, society or the home, then he has a foothold into doing what he does best. He starts by trying to convince people that he is not a threat. Once this is done he fades into the background for people to even doubt his existence. A survey of the results of demonic influence in the New Testament will indicate certain characteristics which a sober and watchful Christian may suspect to be caused, at least in part, by the devil or demons: bizarre or violently irrational evil behaviour, especially in opposition to the gospel or to Christians (Mark 1:24; 5:2–5; 9:18; Acts 16:16–18; Rev. 2:10); malicious slander and falsehood in speech (John 8:44; 1 John 4:1–3); increasing bondage to self-destructive behaviour (Mark 5:5; 9:20); stubborn advocacy of false doctrine (1 John 4:1–6); the sudden and unexplained onslaughts of emotions (such as fear, hatred, depression, anxiety, violent anger, etc.) which are both contrary to God’s will and inappropriate in one’s situation (note the ‘flaming darts of the evil one’ in Eph. 6:16); and simply the deep spiritual uneasiness which might be called the ‘discernment’ (cf. 1 Cor. 12:10) of spiritual evil. (Grudem, W. A. (1988). 1 Peter: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 17, p. 203). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.)
• The past year and a half have set up believers to become easy prey. Just like an animal that is separated from the heard is easy pickings for the prey, so believers separated from other believers are easy prey for the evil one. The most dangerous position we can be in is isolated. Such a posture encourages us to be blind to pitfalls, and sometimes the slide into the pit is so gradual, we don’t even notice.
In verse 9 we see that to resist evil, we must have: Fortitude (1 Peter 5:9) This is repeated in the parallel passage of James 4:7-8. Peter commands Christians to have a mind that is resolute and to resist Satan by being firm in their faith. Such resistance causes the devil to “flee from you” (James 4:7). Resist means “to take a stand against,” and to be firm (stereos ) is to make that stand solid (the Greek is stereos, from which comes the English stereo, meaning “solid,” or balanced at both ends). That is done by being solidly fixed on the faith (te pistei), which is biblical revelation. It is the whole body of revealed truth contained in Scripture (cf. Gal. 1:23; Eph. 4:5, 13; Phil. 1:27; 1 Tim. 4:1). How do we do this? 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 [3] For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. [4] For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. [5] We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, (ESV). Scripture nowhere commands believers to attack the devil or demons with prayers or formulas, or to “bind the devil.” Since the saints are not apostles of Christ, they have no authority over demons (cf. Matt. 10:1; Luke 9:1; 2 Cor. 12:12). Only Christ Himself, by dispatching a powerful holy angel, can bind Satan (Rev. 20:1–3). At this point the wisest thing to do is heed the advice of: Proverbs 4:14-15 [14]Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. [15] Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on. In practical terms, all the positive resources of the Christian life are to be used—prayer, the word of God, praise, the help of fellow believers, verbal rebuke of the enemy (Luke 10:17–20; Acts 16:18), renewed holiness of life (note ‘righteousness’ in Eph. 6:14); in short ‘the whole armour of God’ (Eph. 6:11) (Grudem, W. A. (1988). 1 Peter: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 17, p. 204). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.).
Peter concludes this section with a word of assurance to his readers as they persevered humbly and submissively, vigilantly and courageously in the midst of many persecutions, sufferings, and trials—they were not alone. He reminded us that the same kinds/experiences of suffering were being experienced/accomplished by their brotherhood/brethren who are throughout/in the world. Believers in other places could empathize with them because every segment of the Christian community has experienced or will experience attack from the Enemy (cf. Heb. 13:3). Satan would have you believe in a time of trial that God has abandoned you. This verse is showing how trials are the exact opposite: Something common. God allows this form of painful testing to accomplish His perfect work in the lives of His elect (cf. 1:6–7; 4:19; 5:10; Matt. 5:10–12; John 15:18–21; 2 Cor. 1:6–7; James 5:11). 1 Cor. 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (ESV). Like soldiers whose morale is strengthened by knowing that the whole army is engaged in the same battle-hardships they are in, these Christians should be strengthened to resist the devil and not to give in to persecution by the knowledge that they are not alone (Davids, P. H. (1990). The First Epistle of Peter (pp. 193–194). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.).
Illustration: Bill Gaither’s Work Crew
Steve Green, who sang six years with Bill and Gloria Gaither, talks about getting to know some of the work crews in the large auditoriums where their concerts were held. The Gaither’s prefer concerts-in-the-round, which means extra work for the “riggers,” who walk the four-inch rafter beams—often a hundred feet above the concrete floor—to hang sound speakers and spotlights. Green said: “The fellows I talked to weren’t bothered by the sight of looking down a hundred feet,” “What they DIDN’T like, they said, were jobs in buildings that had false ceilings—acoustical tile slung just a couple of feet below the rafters. They were still high in the air, and if they slipped, their weight would smash right through the flimsy tile. But their minds seemed to play tricks on them, lulling them into carelessness.” Satan’s business is not so much in scaring us to death as persuading us that the danger of a spiritual fall is minimal. (Galaxie Software: 10,000 Sermon Illustrations. Biblical Studies Press, 2002; 2002)
In order to be Humbled & Exalted, we must have:
3) Humility before God (1Peter 5:10-11)
1 Peter 5:10-11. [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. (ESV)
Hope provides believers with the settling confidence that after the trouble and difficulty of this life, they can count on God glorifying them in heaven. And during this life, they can count on His continued work of sanctifying them through their suffering (cf. Ps. 33:18; Prov. 10:28; Rom. 4:18–21; 5:5; Gal. 5:5; Titus 1:2; 2:13; Heb. 3:6; 6:19;). For them to fully appreciate that future purpose, believers must realize that it may come only after they have suffered for a little while (cf. Rom. 8:18; 2 Cor. 4:17). Christians need not fear suffering, knowing that nothing can separate them from the love of Christ (Rom. 8:31–39). In the light of the eternal (a??????, aionion) glory, which believers have in Christ, a lifetime in this body is but a little while (oligon). (Jobes, K. H. (2005). 1 Peter (p. 316). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.)
Peter calls God the God of all grace, which is reminiscent of Paul’s title the “God of all comfort” (2 Cor. 1:3). God has already promised grace for eternity; and here we see that grace is provided for the present (cf. 4:10; 5:5; Rom. 12:3; 16:20; 1 Cor. 3:10; 15:10; 2 Cor. 1:12; 9:8; 12:9; Eph. 3:7; 4:7; Phil. 1:7; 2 Tim. 2:1; Heb. 4:16; 12:15; 13:9; James 4:6; 2 Peter 3:18), to strengthen believers and make their Christian character what it ought to be. It is the God of grace who has and will provide for the humble, faithful, innocent sufferer. (Richard, E. (2000). Reading 1 Peter, Jude, and 2 Peter: a literary and theological commentary (p. 221). Macon, GA: Smyth & Helwys Publishing.)
Please turn to Philippians 3
The apostle further notes that God has called believers (a reference to His effectual, saving call; cf. 1:15; 2:9, 21; 3:9) to His eternal glory in Christ (1:4–7; 4:13; 5:1, 4). The glory to which saints are called is described by Paul in Philippians 3:11–14,
Philippians 3:11-14 [11] that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. [12] Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. [13] Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, [14]I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (ESV)
• Let’s stop right here: Does your life and mind center on a single goal? Can you look at what you think most about and reflected in everything you do that points towards a single Goal?
Back in 1 Peter 5:10, Peter promises that God will Himself (personally), in the meantime while we are still here—and even when the devil attacks us— will use believers’ suffering to mold us into Christ’s image (cf. 2 Thess. 3:3). Peter concisely describes the promise of the earthly, sanctifying process of spiritual maturation by God with four nearly synonymous words: 1) restore/perfect (to bring to wholeness; cf. Phil. 1:6; Heb. 2:10; 10:1; James 1:4); 2) confirm (to set fast; cf. Pss. 90:17; 119:106; Rom. 15:8; 1 Cor. 1:8); 3) strengthen (to make sturdy; cf. Luke 22:32; 1 Thess. 3:2; 2 Thess. 2:17; 3:3; James 5:8); and 4) establish (to lay as a foundation; cf. Pss. 7:9; 89:2; Isa. 9:7; Rom. 16:25; 1 Thess. 3:13). These terms all connote strength and immovability, which God wants for all believers as they face the spiritual battle (1 Cor. 15:58; 16:13; Eph. 6:10; 2 Tim. 2:1). He sets them firmly on the truth of divine revelation, where they stand in faith and confidence until they realize their eternal glory. Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians is consistent with Peter’s promise here: Ephesians 3:17-19 [17]so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love, [18]may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, [19]and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (ESV). God will empower and ultimately glorify those who remain steadfast in their faith under the weight of their present suffering. (Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (1 Pe 5:10). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.)
Standing firm in the true grace of God, and overwhelmed by the thought of sanctification and glorification, as well as wanting to illustrate a mindset of worship, Peter bursts out in verse 11 with a short doxology rejoicing that God has dominion over all things forever and ever (cf. 4:11). Dominion (kratos) actually signifies strength, and here denotes God’s ability to dominate, to have everything in the universe under His sovereign and unassailable control (cf. Ex. 15:11–12; Job 38:1–41:34; Pss. 8:3; 66:7; 89:13; 102:25; 103:19; 136:12; Isa. 48:13; Jer. 23:24; Matt. 19:26; Rom. 9:21). Since He has all wisdom, power, authority, and sovereignty, He is worthy of all the praise and worship saints can render to Him. The brevity of this doxology is dramatic and powerful for persons who may well have felt overwhelmed by their circumstances and experiences (Waltner, E., & Charles, J. D. (1999). 1-2 Peter, Jude (p. 162). Scottdale, PA: Herald Press.).
Quote:
How then do we have confidence in God through difficulties? On this, Bill R. Austin said: “ If the majesty of God is his royal authority to reign, and if the dominion of God is the providence of His reign, then the power of God is his royal ability to reign”. (Bill R. Austin as recorded in Jones, G. C. (1986). 1000 illustrations for preaching and teaching (p. 142). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)
Finally, in order to be Humbled & Exalted, we must have:
3) Humility towards Others (1Peter 5:12-14)
1 Peter 5:12-14. [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)
This section constitutes final greetings that illustrate several more attitudes of the Christian mind. Although Peter does not specifically command his readers to exhibit them, they are evident in his references to other believers. The loyalty of a fellow servant of Christ was on the apostle’s mind as he mentioned Silvanus, another name for Silas, who traveled with Paul (Acts 15:40; 16:25) and sometimes appears in his letters (2 Cor. 1:19; 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1). Silas was a prophet (Acts 15:32, 40) and Roman citizen (16:37) who for this letter was Peter’s amanuensis, or secretary. He recorded the apostle’s words and later delivered the letter to its intended recipients. Peter calls him a faithful brother, a model of fidelity to the truth and the church, and to Peter himself, as indicated by the personal parenthesis (as I regard him). If he was the amanuensis, it would have been normal for him to have a significant part in writing. Sometimes the amanuensis took shorthand and at other times he used his own words to convey his employer’s message (Blum, E. A. (1981). 1 Peter. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Hebrews through Revelation (Vol. 12, p. 253). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.)
Please turn to Romans 5
Peter has written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring/testifying that this is the true grace of God. This is for all who love the true, saving, sanctifying, and glorifying grace of God. Our command is to Stand firm in it! This reiterates the call of 5:9 to remain firm in the faith (cf. Rom. 5:1–2). The entire Christian life is one of grace—God’s daily bestowal of blessings, strength, help, forgiveness, and fellowship with himself, all of which we need, none of which we ever deserve. All is of grace, every day. From continual trust in that grace and from continual obedience empowered by it Christians must not move: rather, they must stand firm/fast in it—until the day of their death. (Grudem, W. A. (1988). 1 Peter: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 17, p. 208). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.)
Paul explained our standing in this true grace of God in salvation:
Romans 5:1-2 [5:1] Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. [2] Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (ESV)
• Standing in grace, we are in the sphere of constant forgiveness. Expressed as an Acrostic, grace is: God’s Righteousness, At Christ’s Expense. Believers will often fall into sin, but their sin is not more powerful than God’s grace. They are the very sins for which Jesus paid the penalty. If no sin a person commits before salvation is too great for Christ’s atoning death to cover, surely no sin a believer commits after salvation is too great to be covered. If a dying Savior could bring us to God’s grace, surely a living Savior can keep us in His grace. To Timothy, his beloved son in the faith, Paul asserted with the utmost confidence: “I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day” (2 Tim. 1:12).
Back in 1 Peter 5:13, Peter does not command the attitude of love, but by personally illustrating it. His love for the believers in the church at Rome, from where he wrote, is seen in the designation she who is at/in Babylon, which is an oblique reference to that church. Babylon is possibly Peter’s code word or alias for Rome (cf. Rev. 14:8 where John uses Babylon to represent the entire world system controlled by Antichrist; also see 16:19; 17:5; 18:2, 10, 2. Peter did not want his manuscript discovered and the church to be persecuted even more. Therefore, he made no mention of Rome, leaving any curious and hostile authorities ignorant that this letter originated in their imperial capital. The reference to Babylon presumably locates Peter in Rome when he wrote this letter. (Black, A., & Black, M. C. (1998). 1 & 2 Peter (1 Pe 5:13). Joplin, MO: College Press Pub.)
The believers in Rome demonstrated true love and affection by sending their greetings, as did Mark, whom Peter called my son, a designation indicating he was the apostle’s spiritual son (as Timothy was to Paul). This is the John Mark mentioned in Acts 12:12. He was Barnabas’s cousin and accompanied Paul and him to Antioch and Cyprus (12:25; 13:4–5). He later deserted them at Perga (13:13), which caused Paul to refuse to take him along on the apostle’s second missionary journey (15:36–41). Paul later found John Mark to be useful to him (2 Tim. 4:11). Mark was also the author of the gospel that bears his name. Early church tradition, beginning in the early second century with Papias, makes a strong association between Mark’s Gospel and Peter’s preaching (Black, A., & Black, M. C. (1998). 1 & 2 Peter (1 Pe 5:13). Joplin, MO: College Press Pub.).
His final reference in verse 14 to Greet one another with the kiss of love is another obvious indicator of the affection believers should have for each other. The kiss of love—men to men, and women to women—was a customary outward sign of affection among believers in the early church (Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:12; 1 Thess. 5:26; cf. Luke 7:45; 22:47–48). The love between members should be comparable to the love that exists in a healthy family, though the greetings with a kiss were, of course, to be pure and unstained by any kind of sexual lust. The kiss of love probably was practiced during worship, since it would naturally occur when believers met together as a community (Schreiner, T. R. (2003). 1, 2 Peter, Jude (Vol. 37, p. 251). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)
Peter closes his letter with the simple statement, Peace to all of you who are in Christ (cf. Mark 9:50; Luke 2:14; John 14:27; 20:19, 21, 26; Rom. 1:7; 5:1; 1 Cor. 14:33; 2 Cor. 13:11; Eph. 4:3; Phil. 4:7; Col. 3:15; 2 Thess. 3:16; Heb. 13:20; Rev. 1:4). Peace, then, is not the peace of this world, but the blessings of the coming age and its ruler, experienced in his “family” in foretaste in this life (Davids, P. H. (1990). The First Epistle of Peter (p. 206). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.).
