(1 Peter 5:1-11) Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. 10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. 11 To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Reminder:
"praying effectively" involves knowing God's will. When we pray in His will (in His name), He
may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like,
or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!
It is God's will:
- that elders are to shepherd the flock they find themselves in (5:1-2)
- that elders are to willingly exercise oversight among their flock (5:1-2)
- that elders are to eagerly and selflessly guide their flock in God's will only (5:1-2)
- that elders are to remain humble, not lording their position over others (5:3)
- that elders are to be examples to their flock (5:3)
- that younger men are to be subject to their elders (5:5)
- that we are all to be humble towards each other (5:5)
- that we are all to humble ourselves to the mighty hand of God (5:6)
- that we cast all our anxiety on God, trusting that He cares for us (5:7)
- that we remain sober and alert, and stand firm in our faith (5:8-9)
- that we resist the devil (5:8-9)
- that we know other believers are experiencing the same ordeals while remaining steadfast (5:8-9)
Today's prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for strength, faithfulness and the promises of hope - which You give us - which should inspire and encourage us on towards steadfast courage. Help us avoid and resist temptations. Help us to be content and grow in our faith. Help us not to worry or fear, but to completely trust in You.
May we humbly submit to You and the spiritual leaders which You place over us. Guide our spiritual leaders in Your selfless love and wisdom, to understand, to teach, and be humbly obedient to Your will. May we spur each other on, as examples, in all humility, all in Your mighty hand, and all to Your glory, amen.
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