Stand Firm When Life Roars | 1 Peter 5
INTRODUCTION
Peter so far has been addressing the believers as to how-to live-in light of persecution. In 1 Peter 5, Peter is addressing the leaders of the church and some closing admonitions to church and community life of the believers.
1 Peter 5
Life doesn’t always whisper—it roars. In moments of fear, suffering, or uncertainty, the enemy seeks to shake our faith. But God calls us to stand firm—rooted in His grace, clothed in humility, and anchored in Christ.
1 Peter 5
1To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
(Regarding community life)
5In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”
6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
(To those who are suffering:)
7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
12With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.
13She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14Greet one another with a kiss of love.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
As you know we were on a series from 1 Peter and this is the final sermon in this series.
Context: Simon Peter, one of the disciples of Jesus is the author. Peter carried the good news beyond Jerusalem. Peter was in Rome which he calls Babylon and Silvanus is the one who composed this letter. This was a circular letter sent to multiple churches in the Roman province of Asia minor, modern day Turkey. These mostly non-Jewish Christians were persecuted by their Greek and Roman neighbors. They were suffering because of their faith. Peter wrote this letter to encourage them in the midst of their suffering.
- 1:1-1:2: Greetings
- 1:3 – 2:10: Salvation and response to salvation.
- 2:l – 3:12: Living Godly lives in Society
- 4:13-19: Admonitions concerning response to suffering
- 5:1-4: Peter’s Admonitions to leaders in the church.
- 5:5-11: Admonitions to the church community.
- 5:12-14 – Closing Salutation.
CHURCH LEADERS ARE TO PROVIDE PASTORAL CARE AND LEADERSHIP TO THE FLOCK; 5:1-4
The leadership of the church is particularly important for the direction in which the church moves.
Different ways to address leaders
Elders (Acts 20:17); Overseers (Acts 20:28); Shepherds: (1 Pet. 5:2); Deacons (Phil. 1:1)
Elders:
1 Peter 5:1 The leaders of the church are called elders.
Acts 20:17 From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church.
Overseers:
Acts 20:28
Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.
Shepherds:
1 Peter 5:2 They are to shepherd or pastor the flock.
Elders, deacons overseers, Pastors are the same office.
Elders —elders maybe reflect the dignity of the office. The title for the office.
Overseers—the function. What do elders do? They oversee the church, right?
Pastor—that’s another function word, right? They pastor the church. They shepherd the church. They lead the church, and care for the church, and nourish the church.
What are the church leaders to do?
1 Peter 5:1-5
1To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
So we have some admonition for the leaders:
a. Lead Willingly, Not Reluctantly
Pastors are to Desire to Shepherds of God’s flock; 2a.
The church is conceived of as a flock. As sheep. You have the elders. You have the overseers. You have the pastors. And the pastors are to shepherd—shepherd God’s flock and they are to oversee them. But—do not oversee them out of compulsion, but willingly—as God would have you.
Paul says, if anyone desires to be an overseer, he desires a good work. Be willing to do it. Pastors must not shepherd out of force. You have a desire to serve.
b. Serve Eagerly, Not Greedily.
Don’t do it out of Greed for Money; but eagerly; 2b-c.
One is not to go into the pastorate for financial reasons. Pastors need to be paid a sufficient wage. Not to be inordinately rich, but to care. Part of the congregation’s responsibility is to care for their pastors and to pay them sufficiently so that the pastors are doing well. But on the other hand, Peter says that Pastors can’t be in the work to enrich themselves. That should not be the motive. There should be an eagerness to serve.
c. Guide Gently, Not Proudly
Pastors are not to Lord it Over Those Who are Entrusted to Them.
As pastors, we have to lead, we have to make decisions, right? But at the end of the day, we’re not dictators in the church. Pastors are leaders, do not lord over others.
One example of where Paul did not lord it over others:
1 Corinthians 16:12
Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.
Paul didn’t lord it over Apollos, right? Paul said to Apollos, “I think you should go.” Apollos said, “I don’t think so,” and Paul said, “I respect that. I honor that. I trust God’s leading you.” That’s a good example of someone who’s a leader but respecting the integrity of someone else’s life, right? So, I think that’s what Peter has in mind there.
d. Model What You Preach
Pastors are to be Examples to the Flock.
Jesus is set up as the example to follow when it comes to suffering. He set the example of suffering and he now asks us to follow him. Likewise, pastors are to set examples. A good leader does not ask you to do something that he or she is not willing to do themselves.
The most important thing as leaders is our character. Right? First Timothy 3—not our gifts but our character. The most important thing is our godliness. Yes, we have to be doctrinally solid, but the most important thing is our exemplary lives. Because you can be doctrinally right and be a pain to people, right? And a difficult person to live with.
e. Leaders will be Rewarded
1 Peter 5:4
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
There’s a Chief Shepherd, right? Pastors are under-shepherds.
Who also will share in the glory to be revealed. Our future will be glorious, beautiful, and lovely. But the specifics aren’t given to us. But it’s going to be revealed to us. Everyone who ministers in the Lord’s vineyard will be specially rewarded.
It’s hard to be a leader. Most of the pastors I’ve talked to are pretty tired and exhausted. It’s difficult to serve in the ministry. But pastors will be rewarded.
Pastors will receive the unfading crown of glory. There’s a reward coming. To be a pastor, elder, overseer is a big responsibility. It requires a lot of time and it is a demanding ministry. If one does not have the time, one should not aspire to be a pastor.
How can you be a help for your pastors?
- Pray for your leaders.
- What your leaders need is affirmation. Be encouraging, not demanding. Suggestions are welcome, but the ministry needs people who will shoulder responsibilities.
- Respect their humanity.
- Support them.
Next, Peter talks to all Christians:
HOW DO YOU GET ALONG AS A CONGREGATION?
1. Grow in Submission
1 Peter 5:5-7
5In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”
6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Peter has been talking about submission in this epistle and it has covered almost all areas.
1 Peter 2:13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority..
1 Peter 2:18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.
1 Peter 3:1 Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husband so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives.
1 Peter 5:5a In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders.
a. Submit to God-Appointed Leaders
Hebrews 3:7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
Hebrews 13:17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.
b. Honor Age with Respect
Young People Submit to Older Members in the Congregation.
Younger people in the congregation are tremendously gifted, they have the energy but sometimes there is a tendency for some youngsters to resist. Peter reminds, “The younger, be subject to the elders.” Remember, you’re under authority.
Youngsters are to follow the leadership of the elders of the church. There is a difference in maturity level and decision-making capabilities of a younger person versus an older person, and the wisdom that comes with age and life experiences. Peter is recognizing that and exhorts the young people to subject to the older people in the congregation.
2. Wear Humility as Your Identity
Grow in Humility.
1 Peter 5:5b
clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”
Slaves put on apron over their regular clothes to prepare them to serve service. So the idea of humility is a metaphor for clothing, put it on. Put on humility.
a. Be Humble Before God
Micah 6:8 And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with you God.
Humble yourselves in your suffering, right? In your hard time, humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God. Do you know where that phrase “mighty hand of God” is used? Over and over, when God redeemed His people from Egypt—He redeemed His people with His mighty hand.
So put yourself under that mighty, redeeming, saving hand of God. Humble yourself. Put yourself under God who frees and lifts His people up. He’s got a mighty hand that’s watching out for you.
b. Be Humble to My Leaders
Be humble yourself under a leader who loves you and is going to care for you, shepherd you, who teach you, and pray for you.
We Must Humble to One Another.
Humility does not come naturally. Put on humility as you desire to serve within the church, as you serve within the community. God has gifted us. We are to use our gifts; we are to serve in the church but be humble in your service and in due time God will exalt us. Condition for exaltation is our being humble.
Pride—pride rips a church apart, right?
What does humility mean? Humility means low mindedness.
Practicing humility is to admit when you are wrong.
Listening to someone who is correcting you.
Proverbs 6:16-17 16There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17haughty eye…
Proverbs 8:13 To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.
Isaiah 57:15 For this is what the high and exalted One says—he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.
Isaiah 66:2 These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.
Humility is the oil that keeps the congregation together.
Stay Low to be Lifted High
HOW DO DEAL WITH SUFFERING?
1. Stay Alert, Sober, and Self-Controlled
1 Peter 5:8-9
8Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
When I am going through suffering, when I am trusting God in my affliction, I need to be alert, I need to be self-controlled. I need to be aware of what is happening around me. Because I have an enemy that would love to see me fall.
Peter’s readers were in danger of being destroyed. We have a great and fearsome opponent—it’s the adversary, the devil. So, be sensible. Be sober-minded. So, we need to be alert. We need to be ready. We need to be on our toes. We’re to be alert because we have a great opponent, and he’s prowling around.
The Devil is roaring. How’s he roaring? Through the suffering, right? God is sovereign, but the devil’s active. And he’s roaring. And what does a roaring lion do? He terrifies people.
The devil uses people. The Romans & Greeks were against them. The devil uses people to roar at us.
The devil uses our suffering to roar at us. The devil comes at at low times. Maybe you’re depressed or down about something, but the devil comes, and he roars, doesn’t he? And he’s looking to eat us up, to devour us, to destroy our faith in these hard times. And that’s what he wants to do. He wants to swallow us up, Peter says.
So, he says you need to be vigilant. You need to be alert. You need to be ready for that.
And how do we do that? We need to resist him. Right? We need to resist the devil. And how do we do that? With faith. Right? Firm in your faith.
Ephesians 6:16
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
How does faith come? Romans 10:17 Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
1 Peter 5:9b
……you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
You’re not alone. The same kinds of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world. Many times the devil makes us think that we are alone in our sufferings. Other believers are enjoying their life. No, other believers are suffering too. They’re going through hard times. There’s a fellowship of suffering.
Finally, how do deal with suffering?
2. I Must Cast My Cares on Jesus, He Really Cares
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
As you are going through life, you may experience a situation that is extremely painful, we are to strive to be humble in such situations by casting our cares on him.
See both 1 Peter 5:6-7
6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (Ps. 55;22)
We have a main verb: “humble”—that’s a command, right? It’s an imperative verb: humble. And then we have a participle (descriptive verb): “casting.”
So how do you humble yourself? By casting your cares on Him.
So, worry is a form of pride. Right? Because when we cast our cares on Him, we humble ourselves. But if we’re not casting our worries on Him, we are not humbling ourselves. Instead, we are proud. We say, “Lord, I don’t want to wait for your timing. I want my reply now my way.”
But faith says, “I will cast my anxiety and wait upon God. God is going to take care of me.”
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
GOD CARES ABOUT YOU. Isn’t that wonderful? That’s beautiful? Isn’t that encouraging? He cares. You know, sometimes we tell our worries to others, but they may not care, right? Sometimes others may care for us, but they cannot help us.
God both cares for us and will help us. He has the mighty hand. God is powerful.
Don’t be proud. Be humble. So, cast your worries on Him. Cast all your cares on Him.
3. Suffering is Not Permanent. God Will Restore Us.
1 Peter 5:10-11
10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while (The suffering lasts this life, it is until His coming), will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Peter says God will restore you. He’ll establish you. He’ll strengthen you and support you.
When we’re suffering, what do we do?
Resist the devil.
Jesus cares for us and will restore us.
So, we pray to Jesus.
Therefore “Stand firm in Jesus.”
LIFE APPLICATION
1. Serve Willingly – Not Just Fill a Role.
Ministry is not an obligation but a joyful calling. Leaders are to serve with willingness and eagerness, not under pressure or for personal gain.
Reflection: Am I serving in my role—whether as a leader or member—with a willing heart, or has it become a burden?
2. Lead Humbly – Let Grace be Your Goal
Walk in Humility Before God and People.
Reflection: In what area of my life do I need to humble myself to restore relationships or receive God’s help?
3. Submit Joyfully to God’s Timing.
Reflection: Am I willing to wait for God’s promotion or answer, or am I forcing my own way?
4. Cast Anxieties on Jesus.
Reflection: What is one burden I need to release to God today instead of holding onto in fear?
When life Roars, I will not Fear…because God Cares
Let’s pray.
Father, we do thank You so much for Your Word. Thank You for all the encouragement and strength we have received in First Peter. What a great reminder of Your grace, Lord. And thank You for that grace. And Lord, we pray each one of us would stand firm in that grace—that we would persevere to the end by Your grace and for Your glory.
In Christ’s name, Amen.