1 Peter 5:1-11 New Living Translation (NLT)
Yesterday we looked at some verses from 1 Peter 4 and we were reminded that once our lives are committed to Jesus there’s a right way to suffer and that’s for Him and not for the sins of this world.
Today we are at the end of Peter’s first letter in chapter 5, and we hear him passionately speak about the Church, which is the Body of Christ, or simply put it’s you, me and the members of our spiritual family. Here, Peter teaches how we need to work together in unity to fight against the work of the great enemy, the devil. We must remember, the enemy comes dressed in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15) so we cannot be deceived. Instead, we must lean on the Word, humble ourselves before God, and work as One Body through Christ Jesus. Each generation seeking to help the next, all generations remembering to honor those before them, and the entire Body sharing in Christ’s kindness as God calls us to share the glory of Jesus Christ!
1 Peter 5:1-11
Advice for Elders and Young Men
1 And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: 2 Care for the flock that God has 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. 3 Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. 4 And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.
5 In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for
“God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble.”
6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.
10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11 All power to him forever! Amen.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for being the perfect Leader. I come humbly before You and ask that You please use me as You see fit for Your Body. My prayer is that You unite me, my brothers, and my sisters in You, and allow us together to spread the Good News. Shield us from the enemy, as he has no place amongst your family. I ask this in Your Name, Jesus. Amen!
Written by: Jen Auer