Humility in Service (1Peter 5:1-7) 1Peter 5:12)

 And now, a word to you elders in the churches.  I, too, am an elder, and a witness to the sufferings of Christ.  And I, too, will share his glory and his honor when he returns.  As a fellow elder, this is my appeal to you: Care for the flock of God entrusted to you.  Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly---not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.  Don't lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by example.  And when the head Shepherd comes, your reward will be a never-ending share in his glory and honor. 

You younger men, accept the authority of the elders. And all of you serve each other in humility, for

                              "God sets himself against the proud

                                 but he shows favor to the humble."

So humble yourselves, under the mighty power of God, and in his good time he will honor you.  Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.

(Now he warns about the attacks of the enemy and he concludes his letter as follow)

I have written this short letter to you with the help of Silas, whom I consider a faithful brother.  My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that the grace of God is with you no matter what happens.

Although I am not an elder yet, I am only learning through Peter’s word what being an elder would look like.

First of all, I had to find the central thought in this chapter which is in verse 5. This verse seems to be the mortar that hold this whole chapter together so beautifully.

"God sets himself against the proud 

But he shows favor to the humble."

In this chapter, he addresses, the leaders or the elders in these churches.

He tells them to work at what they are doing 'willingly', that word again, that we have seen in chapter 4:1 (willing to suffer)

Willingness is a hard word to swallow, but we have to in service.  Our service to God has to be done willingly.  It changes our whole attitude.  Who are we serving?

We, then can serve willingly and not grudgingly and not do it for self-service.  We will, then, have an eager attitude.  We will no longer lord it over the sheep in pride, but serve God alone.  Look at the reward for doing so---an never-ending share in God's glory.  That should really motivate us to keep pride and self service at bay, does it not?

Also, what I want to say is that if we humble ourselves and resist the devil, it causes him to flee (James 4:7).

He concludes his book by letting them know the purpose of it all, it was to encourage them and let them know that the same grace or favor that is given to the humble in verse 5 will be with them, no matter what happens.

I hope you have enjoyed this devotional study of this letter as much as I have.  I am truly encouraged by the response from people all over the world and I am seeking God for what is coming next.  Please pray with me that this ministry will reach the ends of the world for the glory of God only.

Have a great day and God bless you all!