IX. Final Exhortations and Conclusion (1 Peter 5:1-14)
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IX. Final Exhortations and Conclusion (5:1-14)
5:1-4 As a fellow elder himself, Peter has an exhortation for the elders of the church, the church’s leadership (5:1). They are part of God’s chain of command. For God’s blessings to flow through the church, the elders must faithfully exercise authority, and the congregation must faithfully follow. Elders are to shepherd God’s flock (5:2). They must remember that they are “under-shepherds,” caring for a flock that isn’t theirs—a flock the Lord “purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). Therefore, they are to do their work not out of compulsion . . . not out of greed for money . . . not lording it over the people (5:2-3). A shepherd’s job is to preserve and protect the sheep.
I once saw a magazine advertisement for a mail-in ordination certificate. You could become a reverend by mail without even answering questions about doctrine, conduct, or character. The problem is that doctrine, conduct, and character are everything! It is only when pastors and elders serve as examples to the flock that they will be rewarded by the chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ (5:3-4; see John 10:7-11; Heb 13:20).
5:5-7 For the people of God to be in proper alignment, church congregations must be subject to the elders when they are exercising godly, biblical authority. This takes humility. But remember: God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (5:5). If you want God to oppose you, press on with your stiff neck. But if you want the mighty hand of God to exalt you, you must humble yourself before him (5:6). Cast all your cares on him. Why? Because the Creator and ruler of the universe cares about you (5:7).
5:8-11 Peter closes with a warning: be alert and resist the devil. When you transferred out of Satan’s realm and into Christ’s kingdom, you became a target. The devil prowls like a roaring lion looking for food. He wants to keep you from advancing God’s kingdom on earth, and don’t think you can fly under his radar. He wants to destroy you. So be firm in the faith. Remember that you can conquer Satan, but only through your faith in and obedience to Jesus Christ (5:8-9). Through Christ, the God of all grace . . . will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you (5:10). All dominion belongs to him (5:11). You need no other security policy.
5:12-14 Peter concludes by commending Silvanus, who delivered the letter (5:12), and sending greetings of love and peace from his co-workers (5:13-14).