Messages

[1 Peter 5:6-7] Every day conscious placing of ourselves under God’s will, strength and timing through prayer is the means to contentment. Humility is the posture that glorifies Him as an acknowledgement of where true power comes from to work in the hearts and lives of people (including us!) and assurance that it will be the Lord building the house.

[1 Peter 5:5] There are clear biblical examples of God opposing the proud actively and immediately (i.e. Haman, Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Herod, etc.), but some where they continue on in their wickedness seemingly without consequence in this life! God still opposes them, and their judgement is coming. Does this apply also to believers? Yes-the threat of pride is always present even for us, otherwise why would Peter write this to the church? God’s opposition can look like health and wealth to the proud and His grace can look like suffering and afflictions to the humble. The lion's share of the New Testament blessings are not physical in this life, but primarily spiritual and eternal, unseen treasures in the heavenlies, holiness, sanctification, etc. A humble person is one who prays because he needs it, it is His lifeline!

[1 Peter 5:5] Just like fathers are responsible to lead their family with God-given authority, elders are tasked with a similar rule over the church. Be intentionally regarding one another with humility. Selfishness &, empty conceit will choke out humility, but the grace of humility will be a shining light to those who see it.

[1 Peter 5:4] Elders are servants of the chief shepherd, no authority in themselves, and consequently are rewarded by Him for faithful service. When are they rewarded? Not primarily now but at Christ’s return-when He, the Chief Shepherd, appears. Do you love His appearing? Are you looking for this day of His return with eager anticipation and watchfulness, abiding in Him and His word? All believers are rewarded for eternity based on our faithful labor and productivity in our kingdom work, not just elders. Are you striving to earn this reward from your Lord as you follow the example of Jesus to bear much fruit?

[1 Peter 5:1-3] Peter exhorts elders to avoid three wrong ways and instead pursue their right counterparts. Like Jesus and his apostles, Elders should serve the body as eager examples, not lording their authority over the flock of God or working for money first and foremost.

[1 Peter 5:2] Do you appreciate that you have qualified men as shepherds to watch for your souls, or have you bought into the lie that your walk with Jesus is just between you and God? The church is not communism, rather more like family dynamics with fathers as leaders in the home for their good. Elders are to exercise the oversight like God, the one true shepherd.

[1 Peter 5:2] Leaders as shepherds is a theme in the Old Testament prophets. God condemns them when they feed themselves instead of the flock and promises to be their good shepherd, ultimately sending them good shepherds after His own heart who will care for them, feeding the sheep on knowledge and understanding. This word is fulfilled in Jesus and then elders of His church who fulfill Jesus’ command to Peter to feed His sheep. This is how elders show love to Jesus-by fulfilling this command from Jesus to tend His lambs.

[1 Pet 5:1-2] Leaders do not make the church, which is a gathering of spirit-indwelt believers. Elders are not for the church's being but for it's well-being, urgent but not essential. Elder (office) is a shepherd & overseer (role-what they do).

[1 Peter 4:18-19] Entrusting your soul to a faithful and sovereign Creator and Sustainer of all in the midst of suffering is a sure sign of the believer's salvation.

Christian Hope -Human capacity for future orientation -Human faculty of future participation -Present outlook of well-being -Anticipation of future good -Confidence both in present & future