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1 Peter 5:10 – Temporary Suffering

Posted on March 8, 2017 by Will

Now the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, will perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

Truth to Learn

God will use our suffering to make us complete in Him.

Behind the Words

The word translated “all” is pas, which as we saw in verse seven means “all” or “the whole.”

“Perfect” is from the Greek katartidzō, meaning “to complete or repair thoroughly.”

The word translated “establish” is stēridzō, which means “to set securely” or “to turn resolutely in a certain direction.”

The word “strengthen” is from the Greek sthenoō, which means “to give bodily vigor or strength to.”

And the word, “settle” is from the Greek themelioō, which means “to place firmly on a foundation.”

Meaning Explained

Now Peter gives us a few more words of encouragement lest we think that we are fighting this battle alone. He tells us that even in the midst of our suffering, the God of all grace will do something for us. He is not simply a gracious God (the God of grace) but the God of all grace. The implication is that there is no grace which does not come from God.

Peter goes on to tell us that not only does He bestow favor on us that we don’t deserve, but he also invites us to approach His eternal glory. Approaching this glory is only possible for us because of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. This is the glory that James, John, and Peter got a glimpse of at the transfiguration:

And after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. (Matthew 17:1,2)

God has invited us (called us) to come and see His glory! According to Peter, this same God will complete, securely set, strengthen, and firmly place us after we have suffered a little.”

God will not stop His work until He has absolutely completed what He wants to accomplish in us. God will establish our position in Christ, firmly and securely. God will make us spiritually strong. Our position in Christ will be built “on Christ” as we are used by God to build his church of which Christ is the chief cornerstone.

All of this will be done to us when? Peter says, after you have suffered a while. The word translated “a while” is oligon, which literally means “puny in degree or duration.” That is to say, our suffering here under God’s divine providence will be insignificant when compared with what is promised us in eternity.

Application

Though the suffering that you may be undergoing right now seems to be almost more than you can stand, God will use the suffering to bring you to a more Christ-like condition, and He will use it to bring glory to Himself. And … when we reach heaven, we will look back on the suffering and say, “Now, that wasn’t so bad after all!”

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Peter 5:9 – Brotherhood of Suffering

Posted on March 7, 2017 by Will

Resist him firmly in the faith, knowing that your brotherhood in the world are undergoing the same sufferings.

Truth to Learn

You are not alone in your suffering for Christ.

Behind the Words

“Resist” is translated from the Greek word anthistēmi, which is a compound word made up of anti, meaning “against” and histēmi, meaning “to stand.” Hence, it literally means “to stand against.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command. It is also expressed as a plural verb, indicating that it is to church members collectively, not individually.

The word “firmly” is from stereos, meaning “firm” or “solid.” Figuratively, it means “strong” or “immovable.” It also carries the idea of compactness. This is an adverb, modifying the verb anthistēmi. Since the verb is expressed in the plural, this implies that Christians are to “close ranks,” put on a solid front of resistance, and stand firm against the Devil.

The expression “are undergoing” is from epiteleō, which is a compound of epi, used as an intensifier and teleō, meaning “to complete.” It is expressed as a present infinitive, implying that the suffering is continually being accomplished throughout the body of Christ.

“Sufferings” is translated from the Greek word pathēma, which means “suffering.” The –ma ending means that this is referring to that which is suffered. In other words, it refers to the feelings you experience as you suffer.

Meaning Explained

Beyond simply being alert and vigilant regarding our opponent the Devil, as we saw in yesterday’s verse, we are to work together with other Christians to resist him firmly.

Joining this part of today’s verse with the previous three, we see that we are to … allow ourselves to be humbled under God’s mighty hand, without worrying, being alert and vigilant regarding our enemy, and when we do encounter our enemy we are to stand firmly against him in the faith. And what happens when we do this?

Therefore be submitted to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

When we try to stand against the Devil in our own strength, we are certain to fail, but if we stand in the belief that God is with us, and we are humbled under His mighty hand, Satan doesn’t want anything to do with us because he knows that he is certain to fail. Peter then finishes off this verse with a word of encouragement,

knowing that your brotherhood in the world are undergoing the same sufferings.

We always seem to be able to withstand hardships a little easier if we know that we are not being singled out for the pain. Not only does God know what we’re going through (in fact it may be part of His plan), but we are not alone. There are other Christians who are undergoing the same suffering we are now.

Application

Are you feeling the pain and anguish of faithful suffering right now? As a Christian, you know that God is aware of your pain and there are other Christians who are feeling the same pain and anguish as you. Why not take a minute to pray for them!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Peter 5:8 – Stay Alert!

Posted on March 6, 2017 by Will

Be sober, be on your guard; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Truth to Learn

Stay on the alert and don’t be intimidated by our accuser.

Behind the Words

“Sober” is translated from the Greek word nēphō, which means “to abstain from wine” or “to be sober.” Metaphorically it means “sober minded.” In other words, thinking clearly and not allowing your mind to be clouded by any distractions. It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

The words “on your guard” are translated from, grēgoreuō, which means “to keep awake” or “to be watchful.” This word is also expressed in the imperative mood, indicating that it is not merely a suggestion, but a command.

Meaning Explained

Peter has told us how to behave when we are suffering under affliction which has been brought on by the providence of God. We are to allow ourselves to be humbled and we are to toss all of our worrying onto Him. Lest we think that enduring suffering is a passive event, however, Peter now tells us what action we are to be taking. We are to be sober minded and vigilant even while we are being humbled.

That is, we are to keep our minds clear from distractions; we are to remain sharply focused on God and to be ever watchful. The implication is that we are to be constantly on the alert for some impending danger. Why? Because, “your adversary, the devil walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” The word translated adversary means “opponent,” particularly an opponent in a legal battle. The word “devil” is the Greek word diabolos, which literally means “accuser.” But why did Peter use legal jargon referring to Satan? Because we are in a legal battle with him! He is constantly accusing us of being unrighteous.

for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (Revelation 12:10b)

And our accuser is walking about like a roaring lion. This verse does not say that the devil is a roaring lion; it says he is like a roaring lion. Have you ever watched a courtroom scene where the prosecuting attorney is roaring at the defendant trying his (or her) best to intimidate the defendant? This is precisely what Satan is doing in front of the great Judge of all creation right now. Fortunately for us, we have the best defense attorney in all of creation. In 1 John 2:1 it says:

And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

So, as we are humbled by God and we toss our cares upon Him, we need to be alert and watchful. We are to keep ourselves from succumbing to temptation because there is one who is watching for us to stumble so that he can accuse us before the Father. But, when that does happen, our advocate presents His own blood as evidence of our righteousness.

Application

Do you feel like you are under attack or that there is an adversary making threatening noises against you and what you believe? If so, be humbled, quit worrying, think clearly, and be ever watchful, resting in the arms of our loving Savior.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Peter 5:7 – No Worries, Mate

Posted on March 3, 2017 by Will

casting all your care upon Him, because He cares for you.

Truth to Learn

God is interested in our well being, so why are we worrying?

Behind the Words

The word “casting” is translated from the Greek word epirrhiptō, which is a compound of epi, meaning “on or upon” and rhiptō, which means “to fling or toss” (not a hard throw like a “hurl” but a gentle toss). So this word means to “toss something on” like you would toss a small stick on a campfire. This word is expressed as an aorist participle, indicating an action done once and for all.

“All” is translated from a form of pas, which means “all.” However, this word does not mean all as in “all of them,” but all as in “the whole.” It’s a subtle but distinct difference meaning that we are to cast all of our ability to worry on Him.

The word translated “care” is the Greek word merimna, which means “concern or worry.” It is derived from meris, meaning “something divided” or “a piece.” The implication is that it refers to anything that divides our attention from God.

The words “cares for” are translated from the Greek verb melei, which means “to be of interest to” or “to take care of.” This word is expressed in the present tense, active voice, and indicative mood implying current continuous action.

Now, if we tie this all together with the previous verse, we get:

Therefore, be humbled under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you in time, tossing all your worrying onto Him, because He is taking care of you.

Meaning Explained

We are often quick to ask God for help with the things that worry us. But like so many other areas of our lives, we want Him to take care of them while we continue to hold on firmly. I like the idea of “tossing” all of our worrying on Him because it requires a release on our part. If we simply hand it to Him, we can still hold on and “help God” with it. Tossing it requires that we let go.

“But what if He doesn’t do anything about it?” you may ask. That’s where faith comes in. If we truly believe that nothing is impossible with God and that He loves us with an agape-type love and is truly concerned for our well being, then He will do what is ultimately best for us and what brings the most glory to Himself. That may mean that we have to suffer regarding those very things we have been worrying about. This is the very notion of suffering for righteousness’ sake that Peter has been talking about throughout this entire letter. But let it be God’s choice, not ours.

The bottom line is that we must allow ourselves to be used by God in the manner that He decides is best. That takes faith … That means allowing ourselves to be humbled … That means a complete commitment to God and to what He decides.

Application/Challenge

I know a person who worries so much that she gets worried when she realizes that she doesn’t currently have anything to worry about. That’s not living by faith. That’s not allowing oneself to be humbled before God. Let me challenge you to go through an entire week accepting whatever God puts in your path, humbly accepting it from Him and giving Him the Glory.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Peter 5:6 – Humbled Exaltation

Posted on March 2, 2017 by Will

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

Truth to Learn

Embrace humility and resist pride and let God lift you up.

Behind the Words

The word translated “humble yourselves” is tapeinoō. It refers to the act of being “brought low” or being “humiliated.” It is different from the word for “under rank” or “submit” (the Greek word hupotassō) that was used in the previous verses. The word for “humble yourselves” is expressed here in the passive voice meaning action that is done to you, rather than the middle voice meaning action that you do to yourself. So the proper translation is “be humbled.” It is also expressed in the imperative mood, meaning that we are commanded to be humbled.

The word translated “He may exalt” is hupsoō, which means “to be elevated” or “to be lifted up.” It is expressed here in the fairly rare telic subjunctive mood, which is used to express purpose. That is to say that God’s purpose in humbling you is so that He might exalt you.

“Mighty” is from the Greek word krataios, which is a derivative of kratos, meaning “power, dominion, or strength.” Hence, krataios refers to God’s powerful or strong hand.

Meaning Explained

This verse is a little tricky, so let’s look carefully at it in order to get the full meaning. This verse says that we are to allow ourselves to be humbled, to be brought down a notch or two. It refers more to a state of mind than to a state of being. Humbleness, as used in today’s verse, is something that we feel rather than something that we do. This is contrary to what our sin nature and the world system wants of us. The Apostle John tells us that the makeup of this world system is:

… the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world. (1John 2:16)

The pride of life is just the opposite of humbleness. Peter has been talking about suffering for righteousness’ sake and has even said that at times this is brought on by the providence of God. When God brings suffering to you, be humbled! Don’t be defiant and shake your fist at God, declaring, “This isn’t fair!” Be humbled!

The next phrase tells us why, “… that He may exalt you in due time …” In other words, God’s purpose in humbling you right now in your suffering is so that He might exalt you in His time.

This is a real key verse, along with the next verse, in responding properly to situations in which we are caused to suffer. God does not do these things capriciously or without a purpose. If we allow God to be in control and allow ourselves to be humbled by God, in time He will lift us up and ultimately He will glorify himself!

Application

Are you just looking out for good ol’ number one right now, or are you allowing yourself to be humbled? God resists the proud, but He gives grace to the humble. Do not resist humility, embrace it! In His time He will lift you up, and He will receive the glory!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Peter 5:5 – Humble Submission

Posted on March 1, 2017 by Will

Likewise you younger ones, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you being submissive to one another, and clothe yourselves with humility, because "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

Truth to Learn

Submission is the key to life within the Body of Christ.

Behind the Words

The word translated “younger ones” is neōteros, which is a form of neos, meaning “new in relation to time.” This could be referring either to more youthful members of the church or those who are younger in Christian maturity.

The word translated “submit yourselves” is hupotassō, a word we have looked at before. This word means “to under-rank oneself.” It is the same word used of wives and employees who are to submit themselves to their husbands and bosses.

The expression “clothe” (some translations have “put on”) is a translation of the Greek word egkomboomai, which means to put on clothing. It is particularly used of an apron which is a symbol of servitude. This particular Greek word is written in the imperative mood, indicating a command, and in the middle voice, which means that it is an action which we are to do to ourselves. We are not to do it to others or have others do it to us.

Meaning Explained

Any verse that starts off with a connective word or phrase (therefore, wherefore, in the same manner, likewise, similarly, etc.) requires the reader to pay special attention to the preceding verses to glean the full meaning. This verse starts off with “Likewise” (some translations have this as “In a similar way”), so we need to see what this verse is tied to. Peter has just been talking to the pastors (elders), instructing them how to treat the flock under their care. They are to take on the task willing, eagerly, not as dictators, but as examples. This is a picture of humble leadership.

Now Peter turns his attention to younger ones in the congregation. Peter tells them that, in the same manner as the pastor is to exercise his office (with humility and submission to the Chief Shepherd), they are to submit themselves to the elders of the church.

Peter is telling the congregation that it is their responsibility to voluntarily submit to the authority of the pastor, having just told the pastors how to treat those under their care. This is further corroborated by the following expression, “being submissive to one another.” This is a beautiful picture of the Church of Christ willingly submitting to one another as situations dictate, recognizing that we are all subjects of the God of all creation.

Why are we to submit to each other in the church and to clothe ourselves with humility? Peter tells us, ‘”because God resists the proud (ones) but gives grace to the humble (ones).” Do you want to receive the fullness of the grace of God? Peter tells us that submission is the key!

Application

Whether you are a church leader or a church member, it is your responsibility under God to be submitted to others in the Body of Christ. Members are to be submissive to the elders and the elders are to be examples by submitting to the Chief Shepherd.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Peter 5:4 – Unfading Victor’s Crown

Posted on February 28, 2017 by Will

and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Truth to Learn

There is an unfading reward awaiting those who faithfully lead.

Behind the Words

The expression “Chief Shepherd” is translated from the Greek word archipoimēn, which is made up of archi, indicating high rank and poimēn, meaning “a shepherd.” Hence, this word refers to “the high ranking shepherd.”

“Crown” is translated from stephanos, from the verb stephō, meaning “to put around” or “to encircle.” This is the word used of the victory crown given to the winner of athletic games. It was typically woven of leaves and, as a result, would eventually fade away.

The expression “unfading” is from amarantos, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” and a form of marainō, meaning “to extinguish, to pass away, or to fade away.”

Meaning Explained

With today’s verse Peter finishes up his exhortation to pastors. God recognizes that being a leader in a church is a very difficult position. The pastor has responsibility for the spiritual care of those whom God has appointed to him, but he has no lordship over them. He is not the boss and only has the oversight of those in his care while they remain in his flock. He is to lead by example and teach with authority. It is easy to see why many pastors fall into one of two traps, either becoming autocratic and bossy, or succumbing to the pressures of the vocal minority and submitting to their will instead of the will of the Chief Shepherd.

It is a fine line that a pastor has to walk, one that requires dedication, perseverance, and constant communion with and submission to the Author and Finisher of our faith.

God recognizes the difficulty of this position and offers this verse of encouragement to all of those who shepherd a flock, whether it is large or small. When the Chief Shepherd appears, those who have labored in the pastoral position will receive a reward in the form of a crown, an unfading crown of glory.

Crowns are spoken of throughout the New Testament as rewards for faithful believers, not just pastors. A few of these crowns are spoken of in: 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; and Revelation 2:10.

And what will we do with these crowns? We will cast them at the feet of the Lord of Lords and King of Kings because only He is worthy of the honor.

the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who is sitting on the throne. And they worship Him who lives for ever and ever, and throw their crowns before the throne, saying, Lord, You are worthy to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because You created all things, and through Your will they are and were created. (Revelation 4:10,11)

Application

We should all look forward with anticipation to the day when we will join together in the presence of our Holy God and cast our crowns before Him. Truly, He is worthy!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Peter 5:3 – Example, Not Dictator

Posted on February 27, 2017 by Will

nor as lording it over those allotted to you, but being examples to the flock;

Truth to Learn

The pastor (or elder) of a local congregation is to be an example of Christ, not a dictator over the local church.

Behind the Words

The words “lording it over” are a translation of the Greek word, katakurieuō, which means “to exercise dominion over” or “to rule over.” It is a compound word made up of kata, which means “down upon” and a form of kurieuō, which means “to have dominion or rule over someone else, like a lord or master.”

“Allotted” is a translation of the Greek word klēros, which originally meant “a little piece.” It actually refers to a “die” or a “lot.” This was a little piece of wood or stone with an individual’s mark on it. It comes from the Greek custom whereby a die (or lot) was taken from each person, put into a container, shaken violently, then the first one that was poured out indicated who was chosen by the gods for a particular function. From this custom we get our expression “the die (or lot) is cast.” This word later also came to be applied to “an inheritance” or “something assigned to a person.”

The word “examples” is translated from the Greek word tupos (from which we get our English word “type”), which literally refers to “the scar or impression left by a blow or strike of a die.” Figuratively, it refers to a person who has the form or resemblance of someone else, hence the translation “example.”

Meaning Explained

In today’s verse Peter continues with his thought from the previous verse. The pastor (elder) is to shepherd the flock and oversee it for unselfish reasons and, as he says in today’s verse:

not lording it over those allotted to you, but being examples to the flock.

The elders in the church have not been given the position of “boss” or “master” of the flock. On the contrary, they have been placed there to shepherd the flock, to care for the sheep, to feed them, to pray over them, and to be an example to them of how we are to live as children of the King of Kings.

The significant thing about the presence of the word klēros in today’s verse is that it refers to those (people) who are allotted to a pastor by God’s divine appointment: the congregation of the local church under an elder’s care. As much as we sometimes like to think that the growth of a church is due to our great teaching and preaching, everyone in a congregation is there because God has placed them there.

The message Peter is giving to pastors (elders) is that we are to oversee the local congregation (placed under our care by God) as under-shepherds of the Chief Shepherd. We are not to be rulers or dictators, rather examples of how the flock is to live in relationship to Christ, the Chief Shepherd.

Talk about a tough job description!

Application

Does this describe your pastor? Is he an example of humility and does he demonstrate a close, personal daily walk with God? If so, you are blessed and you should thank God for him! Sometimes, it’s a thankless job.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Peter 5:2 – Shepherd The Flock

Posted on February 24, 2017 by Will

Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not greedy for money but eagerly;

Truth to Learn

A church leader is to behave like a loving shepherd.

Behind the Words

The word translated “exhort” in yesterday’s verse is from the Greek parakalo, which literally means “to call alongside.” It is interpreted as meaning “to council, to give advice, and to comfort.” This is the name given to the Holy Spirit by Christ himself:

But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name …” (John 14:26)

The word “Comforter” in John 14:26 is the same word translated “exhort” in 1 Peter 5:2.

“Shepherd” is from the Greek word poimanate and the word “flock” is from poimnion. Even without knowing Greek it is easy to see that these two words have the same root. The first one means “to take care of a group of animals, to feed them, to protect them, to care for them.” This is what a Shepherd does for his flock. The second word means “a flock or group of animals.”

The words “serving as overseers” are from the single Greek word episkopountes, which literally means “to watch over” or “to oversee.” It is the same word that is translated “bishop” in some places in the Bible. Again, notice that this is not a separate or higher ranking position within the priesthood, rather it is the responsibility of each and every pastor (elder) of every local congregation.

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse gets into the first part of Peter’s exhortation to the elders (or pastors) of the churches to which this letter was written. The advice that Peter is giving these elders is to feed the flock. Although it is not specifically identified here, Peter’s implication is that we who are called to be overseers of God’s flock are to provide spiritual food for the flock.

The way a pastor is to oversee the flock is not by compulsion (Greek anagkastōs, meaning “not out of necessity” or “not because you have to”), but willingly (Greek ekousiōs, meaning “voluntarily”), certainly not just for money (Greek me aischrokerdōs, meaning “not greedy for money”), but readily (Greek prothumōs, meaning “willingly” or “gladly”).

Hence, a church elder should not take on the responsibility of overseeing the local congregation because he is forced to do so. Neither should he take on this responsibility because he believes he will receive personal gain in the form of money or power. In other words, he should not be doing this for selfish reasons. He should, instead, take on this responsibility readily and willingly because he wants to serve God in this way. He should feel that he has been personally called by God to care for the flock, whether it consists of five or five thousand.

Application

Does that describe your pastor? Does he regularly supply you with spiritual food? Does he consider the welfare of the flock under his care as more important than his own desires? If so, you are certainly blessed!

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Peter 5:1 – Peter The Elder

Posted on February 23, 2017 by Will

The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that is about to be revealed:

Truth to Learn

Pastor Peter is about to give instruction to church leaders.

Behind the Words

The word translated “elders” is presbuterous, which literally means “older ones, or those who have a long history of the Christian experience” but is used by Peter and others to refer to those who have oversight responsibilities in the churches.

The words “fellow elder” are translated from the Greek word sumpresbuteros. This is made up of sun, meaning “together with” and presbuteros, which we just looked at, meaning “an elder.” Hence, this word means “an elder along with you.”

“Partaker” is translated from koinōnos, meaning “one who has something in common with others,” or “one who shares.”

Meaning Explained

Peter now changes the emphasis of his message to give some specific instruction for the leaders of the churches to which this letter is being circulated. He does not speak to three distinct orders of overseers such as “bishops, priests, and deacons” as some churches teach. Nor does he proclaim that he has preeminence among them as the leader of all the churches.

Instead, he says of himself that he also is an elder. This is significant in that as an apostle he could have claimed this special position in the church as a reason for admonishing the elders under him. If he felt that he had a superior position in the church universal, he surely would have used that position to strengthen his message to the other church leaders. Instead, he simply describes himself as a fellow elder.

The only two things that he claims as distinctive for himself are: he was a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and he shares in the glory that is going to be revealed. Clearly, he was in the Garden of Gethsemane when Christ was seized, and he was present at His trials. And although there is no direct evidence in the Scripture that Peter was at the crucifixion, we can infer it from:

And all those known to Him stood at a distance; and the women, those accompanying Him from Galilee, were seeing these things. (Luke 23:49)

There is some difference of opinion as to whether “a partaker of the glory that is about to be revealed” refers to the fact that Peter was among the few present at the transfiguration of Christ (Matthew 17:1, 2 and Mark 9:2,3) or that he was going to share in the glory of Christ when He is to be revealed at the second coming. I hold to the second interpretation (though both are true), since Peter refers to the glory that “is about to be revealed.” If he had been referring to the transfiguration, he would likely have said “that was revealed.” Again, note that he is not claiming to have a higher office, but to have been a personal witness of Christ’s suffering and to have a hope of sharing His glory. Clearly, Peter did not see himself as Pope, but as a fellow elder, one who shares a common expectation, and one who had witnessed the sufferings of Christ in person.

Application

Are you a pastor or have you been a Christian for many years? If you answer yes to either of these, then you have a responsibility to others in the body of Christ. Pay close attention to the next few verses, and ask God to speak to you regarding your ministry to others.

In God's service, for His glory,