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excerpts from:
FEATURE
A DAILY BIBLE STUDY GUIDE
Selected © FEATURE Devotionals From Past Issues
1 Peter Chapter 5
Pastor MH Reynolds, Jr.
PROPER PRIORITIES
W HEN WE place God's will and
our ministry to others before our own personal priorities, blessing comes to all. To do
this, humility is essential. This applies to all believers, including pastors, even though
it runs contrary to the prevailing, psychologically oriented philosophy of self-assertion
and self-esteem. In verse three, pastors are instructed not to be "lords" over
God's heritage but to be examples. It is admittedly difficult to strike a proper balance
between the exercise of God-given spiritual authority and the spirit of humbleness, but
this is exactly what pastors must do if they are to set a proper example. Any pastor knows
it is much easier to preach humility than to practice it, but enabling grace is promised.
In a day when many young people increasingly make proud,
unscriptural demands upon society and the church, godly youth will have a humble attitude
toward mature believers who seek to be of help to them, whether that be godly parents in
the home or pastors and seasoned believers in the church. The language of verse five is
especially strong as "all of you" (young and old alike) are instructed to be
"clothed with humility." Why? Because God resists the proud and gives grace to
the humble. Do you want more of God's grace in your life? Then be willing to humble
yourself under His mighty hand. This pleases God and brings blessing to all the other
members of God's flock. Believers also have the promise of God's special care when they
seek to please Him and others before themselves (v.7). MHR
FEED THE SHEEP
A LTHOUGH VERSES 1-4 of our
text apply specifically to pastors (elders), it will be helpful for all believers to
understand a pastor's responsibilities in ministering to the flock (vv. 3, 4). The sheep
do not always want the food that is good for them, nor do they always want to go in the
way that is best for them. But a faithful pastor must give the sheep what God says is good
for their spiritual welfare even if doing so displeases the sheep. All pastors need to be
exhorted to minister in a way that reflects the fact that they serve the Lord, not their
own desires (vv. 1, 2).
Many churches today are filled with wayward sheep whose
spiritual appetites are at a very low ebb. The problem is that instead of hungering and
thirsting after the pure Word of God, they have developed an appetite for the spiritual
junk food available on every hand. It is common today for those who name the Name of
Christ to stuff themselves with unscriptural, worldly food that they receive from
compromising radio and television programs, seminars, tapes, magazines and books. But
faithful pastors must continue feeding the flock with the perfect Word of God no matter
how many wayward sheep jump the fence and go back to the flesh pots of Egypt. Always
remember, it is the inspired Scriptures that provide all the spiritual sustenance needed
to bring the believer to maturity and equip him "unto all good works" (see 2
Tim. 3:16,17). It is not easy to be a faithful pastor when so many things draw the sheep
aside, but such faithfulness shall he rewarded (v.4). MHR
OUR GREATEST ADVERSARY
E VERY CHILD of God is
commanded to "Be sober, be vigilant...." Why? Because every believer has a
dangerous opponent-"your adversary the devil" (v.8). He is an extremely powerful
enemy who is constantly on the job, "seeking whom he may devour." In this text
he is described as a "roaring lion"-one who will intimidate us in every possible
way. He is also described as an "angel of light" (2 Cor. 11:14)-one who will
deceive us in every way possible. Therefore, it is important to know how to be victorious
over this formidable foe. He must be withstood in the power and in the promises of God.
But many today are not sober and vigilant, nor are they resisting Satan steadfastly in the
faith as God commands (v.9). To be sober and vigilant means simply to be spiritually awake
and on guard against the wiles of the devil, but too many believers are asleep and they
have been deceived into believing that to be watchful and on guard is unloving and
judgmental. When it comes to actually resisting the devil by openly exposing and opposing
his many schemes as they are promoted by apostate and compromising religious leaders of
our day, too many believers reject any such course of action, having been lulled to sleep
by a growing spirit of unscriptural pacifism. It is not unloving nor unkind for believers
to be on guard and to strenuously resist every false way. It is exactly the opposite. Such
action is commanded by God. Uninformed believers are easy prey for the devil's deceptions
and assaults. Resist and stand fast in the Faith. MHR
STABLISHED, STRENGTHENED,
SETTLED
I T IS wonderful to be
reminded that the God of all grace who has called us unto U~ future eternal glory (v.10)
has also provided all that we need to calm our souls and settle our hearts in the raging
storms of life. God does not want His children to be blown about by every wind of doctrine
(Eph. 4:14), and we will not be if we walk in Him (Col. 2:6, 7). He does not want us to be
filled with fear, and we will not be if we are filled with His love (1 Jn. 4:18). A
stablished, strengthened, settled believer is a tremendous asset to any family, church or
country, but this type of believer is in short supply today because too many are feeding
on wind (Hos. 12:1) instead of enjoying the spiritual feast God has for us in His
infallible Word.
God has many purposes in permitting suffering. Paul
learned an extremely important lesson when God did not remove the thorn from his flesh
which troubled him. Paul even eventually thanked God for this physical problem (2
Cor.
12:7-10). Our text, while not dealing with the subject of suffering as a major theme, does
refer to the sufferings of Christ (1 Pet. 5:1) and the suffering of believers during that
period of time between the new birth and the future glory (v.10). Believers are clearly
taught in 2 Timothy 2:12 that our suffering for Christ must precede our reigning with Him.
If you feel there is no reason for your suffering and you need God's Word to comfort and
encourage your heart, read 1 Peter 4:12-19. Keep His glory in view (v.11), and your
suffering will seem lighter. (2 Cor. 4:16-18). MHR
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