An exhortation to the church
Peter, at the end of his first letter, leaves the churches in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia with one final exhortation. After encouraging them to live holy and pure lives, admist the suffering they were to endure for being a Christian, Peter left one final warm word to the churches and this word was for the church elders as much as the young congregation members. Let’s explore what final exhortations Peter left with the churches in 1 Peter 5 to help them flourish.
The church needs leadership (v1-5)
To the elders among you… Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care… because you are willing, as God wants you to be… (1 Peter 5:1-2)
If judgment were to begin with God’s people, then the elders of the church are on the front line. Described here as shepherds, caring for God’s flock alongside the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ, the elders of the church are to rule over or to guide God’s flock that has been entrusted in their care. But the weight of leadership in the church is not light. As Peter outlines, the responsibilities for a leader include to be a sheperd (v2a), to oversee (v2b-3) and to lead people in the right direction (v3). Despite the weight of responsibility, there is an immense reward in leadership in the form of our “crown of glory that will never fade away, (1 Peter 5:4). For those under God’s leadership, we know from verse 5 that “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." So, pastors and church members should be equally responsible in leading and forming the church. And the key to doing so? Humility,
The church needs humility (v5-7)
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6)
Humility means to stop thinking so much of ourselves and thinking more of others. This is the key to ensure the church flourishes. Church elders and congregation members alike are to humble ourselves (not point the finger at others) under the hand of God (NOT under the hand of our pastor/s and/or leaders). It is only God’s mighty. It is only by knowing God’s true nature, mighty and reverant God, that we could begin to humble ourselves.
The church needs sober resistance (v8-11)
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him… (1 Peter 5:8)
Peter uses a frightening image to warn the church. He describes the devil as a roaring and opportunistic lion, hungry and on the prowl. We see this play out in society, the church and the life of every day believers, but Peter was specifically encouraging the believers in light of the suffering they were facing which would surely tempt them to abandon the faith. Not much has changed when it comes to the devil. The Father of Lies still looks to ensnare us in our sin but Peter reminds us to be alert and sober minded, using those traits to resist him and stand firm in our faith. While we may not experience the same persecution the early church did, there will be times where our faith is challenged and tested. So be on high alert at all times, and know that if we must suffer for a little while, God “himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast,” (1 Peter 5:10).
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Peter’s words which exhorted the church then and exhort the church now. We pray for every church leader across the world; that they would be leading out of their willingness and eagerness to serve. We pray for the believers across the world; that they would feel equally responsibility to help the body of Christ flourish. Above all, we ask that you would take every opportunity to humble us, so that we could be a church that flourishes according to your will.
In Jesus’ mighty name we pray,
Amen