1 Peter 5:1–9

Explore the Bible 
Assistant Professor of Christian Ministries, University of Mobile

LIVING IN HUMILITY

1 Peter 5:1–9

In Roles of Leadership (1–4)
Peter addressed the elders (pastors) because as leaders they would likely face the brunt of persecution first. He wrote to encourage the pastors, identifying himself as a “fellow elder.” The word “elder” suggests a man of dignity, respect and wisdom. 

Peter wrote to encourage his fellow elders as they encountered hard times. Peter began this chapter by describing three ways pastors can find much-needed encouragement. As you serve Jesus it is important for you to receive encouragement from your ministry partners. 

A pastor is not to be the Lone Ranger. Pastors also should receive encouragement from their perception of the sufferings of Jesus. The more pastors talk about Jesus and what He has done for them, the more fired up they become.

 Pastors, like all Christians, need to preach the gospel to themselves regularly. Pastors can find encouragement by rejoicing in their salvation (Luke 10:20). Pastors should rejoice that they have been saved. They should be men of prayer and the Word. They should experience sweet daily fellowship with God.

Expectations of the pastors are described in vv. 2–3. Pastors are to “shepherd the flock of God.” The words “flock of God” remind the pastors that the congregation does not belong to them. It is God’s church and they are given the privilege and responsibility of shepherding it. 

Pastors provide, protect and reproduce the flock of God. Pastors also supervise the flock of God by “exercising oversight.”  Pastors are to lead and direct the members and ministries of the church. Pastors discharge this duty voluntarily, eagerly and humbly.  Pastors are not to enter ministry so they can boss others around but so they can exemplify the character of Jesus to those they serve.

Peter reminded the pastors that they would be rewarded when the chief Shepherd appears. The designation of Jesus as the chief Shepherd reminds the leaders that they are fundamentally servants, not autocrats. As shepherds they serve under the authority of the chief Shepherd, doing His will rather than theirs.

In Relating to Others (5)
Peter instructed those who were younger to submit to the leadership of the pastors. The purpose is not to encourage obedience no matter what leaders might say, for if leaders give counsel that contradicts God’s moral standards or violates the gospel then they should not be followed. Nor is the verse suggesting that leaders are exempt from accountability before the congregation.  

The entire church needs to adorn itself with humility. Humility is the oil that allows relationships in the church to run smoothly and lovingly. Peter grounded his admonition for humility with a citation from Proverbs 3:34. Christians should heed the injunction to be humble because God sets His face against the proud, but He lavishes His grace upon the humble. Those who submit to God’s sovereignty in humility will find that He will lift them up and reward them. 

In Relating to God (6–7)
Since God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble, believers should humble themselves under God’s mighty and sovereign hand in their suffering. Humility also manifests itself in handing over our worries to God. Worry constitutes pride because it denies the care of a sovereign God. The remedy for pride is believing in and resting in God’s care for His children. Christian, note carefully the truth Peter wrote: “because He cares for you.” God cares for you even in the midst of suffering. God loves you with a never-stopping, never-giving-up, unbreaking, always-and-forever love.

In Resisting the Devil (8–9)
Remain vigilant and alert because the devil seeks to destroy the faith of believers. The devil roars like a lion to create fear among God’s people. Resist the devil by remaining firm in the faith. Christians triumph over the devil as they continue to trust God.