"THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER"
Be Hopeful! (5:10-14)
In an epistle written to Christians undergoing severe persecution, Peter chooses to close on a positive note - 1 Pe 5:10-14 “And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you. To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen. By Silvanus, our faithful brother, as I account him, I have written unto you briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand ye fast therein. She that is in Babylon, elect together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Mark my son. Salute one another with a kiss of love. Peace be unto you all that are in Christ.”
For no matter how terrible the "fiery trials" may become, Christians can always have "hope"! In these last few verses of this epistle, Peter offers a benediction in verse (10) “And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you.” A doxology in verse (11) “To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” A summary in verse (12) “By Silvanus, our faithful brother, as I account him, I have written unto you briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand ye fast therein.” A few words of greeting in verse (13) “She that is in Babylon, elect together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Mark my son.” And a final command to love one another (14a) “Salute one another with a kiss of love." Along with a final prayer for peace (14b) “Peace be unto you all that are in Christ.”
Throughout this "collage" of concluding remarks, we find several reasons why Christians can always "Be Hopeful", even in the midst of terrible trials. For example, we are reminded of the fact that we have God's grace. God is "the God of all grace", verse (10) “And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you.” Indeed, His grace is "manifold" - 1 Pe 4:10 “according as each hath received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God;” Just as His gifts are varied, so He provides whatever we need in any circumstance - He 4:16 “Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need.”
We stand in "the true grace of God", verse (12) “By Silvanus, our faithful brother, as I account him, I have written unto you briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand ye fast therein.” Our salvation is because of His grace - 1 Pe 1:10 “Concerning which salvation the prophets sought and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:” Those who are saved have "tasted that the Lord is gracious" - 1 Pe 2:3. With the knowledge that by remaining faithful to Christ we "stand in the true grace of God", we can take comfort knowing that the "God of all grace" will be with us all the way.
Which leads to another comforting thought. We are going to glory! God has "called us to His eternal glory", verse (10) “And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you.” This is the purpose of our calling, to receive the glory that awaits us. That glory involves the "inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you" - 1 Pe 1:4
The road to glory may involve suffering, but it is no different than what Jesus experienced - Lk 24:26 “Behooved it not the Christ to suffer these things, and to enter into his glory?” And we can look forward to participating in His glory, if we are willing to suffer with Him - 1 Pe 4:13-14 “but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy. If ye are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are ye; because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God resteth upon you.”
Knowing what lies ahead for those who persevere can help us remain steadfast in the faith. So can knowing that our suffering is temporary. It is only for "a while", verse (10). Earlier, Peter had said "a little while" - 1 Pe 1:6. By their very nature, physical sufferings cannot last forever.
Note the contrast between suffering and glory. Suffering is for "a while", glory is "eternal". Is not the "glory" worth the "suffering"? The apostle Paul thought so - 2 Co 4:16-18 “Wherefore we faint not; but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
But not only can we remain hopeful knowing that suffering is temporary to be replaced by glory that is eternal, in the meantime we can take consolation in knowing that with suffering comes blessings, verse (10) “And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you.”
God will "perfect". The word used by Peter means "to equip, to adjust, to fit together". God "perfects" His people using several tools. One is the Word of God - 2 Ti 3:16-17 “Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.” Gifts were given to the church toward the same end - Ep 4:11-16 “And he gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ: till we all attain unto the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a fullgrown man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: that we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error; but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, even Christ; from whom all the body fitly framed and knit together through that which every joint supplieth, according to the working in due measure of each several part, maketh the increase of the body unto the building up of itself in love.” And suffering is certainly another tool - Ro 5:3-4 “And not only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh stedfastness; and stedfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope:”; Ja 1:2-4 “Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations; Knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience. And let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing.”
God will "establish". This means "to fix firmly, to set fast". Christians need to be steadfast in the faith - 1 Pe 5:9 “whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.”; 2 Pe 3:17 “Ye therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware lest, being carried away with the error of the wicked, ye fall from your own stedfastness.”. Through persecution often comes steadfastness, for the one who has endured suffering for the cause of Christ is not likely to led away from the truth.
God will "strengthen"! Make one stronger. Which is a normal consequence of enduring trial. God will "settle"! That is, "to lay a foundation". The Lord would have us to be solid, like that house built on a rock as Jesus described in Mt 7:24-27.
Peter is confident that for those who remain faithful in suffering, God will bless them in the four ways listed in verse 10. We too can have confidence, knowing that we have God's grace, we are going to glory, our suffering is only temporary and with suffering comes blessing. It is with such confidence that Peter closes with a collection of greetings, from:
1) "Silvanus" - Silas, a traveling companion of Paul.
2) "She who is in Babylon, elect together with you" - likely a congregation either in literal Babylon, located in modern day Iraq, or in figurative Babylon, which could be a reference to either Rome or Jerusalem.
3) "Mark my son" - John Mark, nephew of Barnabas, and author of the gospel of Mark.
4) An exhortation to love: "Greet one another with a kiss of love"
5) And a prayer for peace: "Peace to all who are in Christ Jesus"
May the example of Peter's confidence and hope, as well as his actual teaching found throughout this epistle, serve to help us remain full of hope during our sojourn as pilgrims of God!
"To Him be the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." -- 1 Pe 5:11
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Peter's Exhortation To The Young (5:5-9)
"THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER"
Peter's Exhortation To The Young (5:5-9)
In this fifth and final chapter, we find Peter concluding with a series of exhortations.... In our last lesson, we saw that he first directed his remarks toward "elders" - 1 Pe 5:1-4. Now, in 1 Pe 5:5-9, the exhortation is geared toward "younger people", though much of it certainly applies to all Christians.
The gist of his remarks reflect themes mentioned previously in his epistle, but Peter was one who understood the value of repetition and reminding - 2 Pe 1:12-15 “Wherefore I shall be ready always to put you in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and are established in the truth which is with you. And I think it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;”
The first exhortation, therefore, is one we have seen stressed throughout 1st Peter. Submit Yourselves, verse (5) “Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.”
Peter had already enjoined submission onto all Christians. Christians in general where to submit to government authorities - 1 Pe 2:13-14. Christian slaves, to their masters - 1 Pe 2:18. Christian wives, to their husbands - 1 Pe 3:1.
Now he enjoins submission upon younger Christians, to their elders - 1 Pe 5:5a ““Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder.” This may be a reference to those "elders" described in verses 1-4. Or it may refer to all older Christians. He also enjoins submission upon Christians in general, to one another - 1 Pe 5:5b “Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another:”; Ep 5:21 “ subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ.”
In defining submission, the word in Greek is hupotasso {hoop-ot-as'-so}. Various shades of meaning include:
a. to arrange under, to subordinate
b. to subject, put in subjection
c. to subject one's self, obey
d. to submit to one's control
e. to yield to one's admonition or advice
f. to obey, to be subject
It was also a Greek military term meaning "to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader". In non-military use, it is "a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden". The quality of submission goes a long way towards preserving unity and peace in churches, especially when all are submissive to one another.
Yet true submission comes only if we heed Peter's next exhortation. "Be clothed with humility", verses (5-7) “Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you.”
"Humility" as defined by the word Peter uses is tapeinophrosune {tap-i-nof-ros-oo'-nay}. It means to have a humble opinion of one's self; lowliness of mind. It is an important quality of that which makes up "the mind of Christ" - Ph 2:2-5 “make full my joy, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself; not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others. Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:”
The need for humility is not only to preserve peace and unity in our relationships with one another, but also to preserve a proper relationship with God.... "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble". A quotation based upon Pr 3:34“ Surely he scoffeth at the scoffers; But he giveth grace unto the lowly.”, and quoted also by James in Ja 4:6 “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore the scripture saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.” A person with a humble spirit is highly esteemed by God - Isa 57:15 “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.”; 66:1-2 “Thus saith Jehovah, Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: what manner of house will ye build unto me? and what place shall be my rest? For all these things hath my hand made, and so all these things came to be, saith Jehovah: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and that trembleth at my word.”
Now with an understanding of God's high estimation of a humble and contrite spirit we turn back to our text where Peter's charge is to "humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God" - 1 Pe 5:6. That is, to submit to His providential workings in our lives, even if it means enduring persecution, as was the case in Peter's day! "cast all your care upon Him"1 Pe 5:7. Don't fret or worry about things over which you have no control. Let your Heavenly Father worry about such things. Even as Jesus taught in Mt 6:31-34 “ - Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”
Note that there is a reward for humble service. God will give grace (show unmerited favor) to the humble - 1 Pe 5:5b “for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.” He will exalt the humble in due time - 1 Pe 5:6 “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time;” When the time is right, then, God will exalt His people who place their faith and trust in Him, by humbly submitting to His Will and to one another.
In the meantime, lest Satan cheat us of our reward, Peter enjoins us to watch out for the Devil, verses (8-9) “Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.”
We have an "adversary"... He is called the "devil". The Greek word is diabolos {dee-ab'-ol-os}, meaning "one prone to slander, slanderous, accusing falsely". Peter's describes him as a "roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour". What bearing does this verse have on the doctrine of "once saved, always saved"? If such a doctrine is true...
1) Why does Peter bother to warn Christians who cannot be "devoured"?
2) Why does Satan bother to seek out those whom he cannot "devour"?
3) Indeed, why ANY warnings (and they are legion) to Christians? - He 3:12-15 “Take heed, brethren, lest haply there shall be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God: but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called To-day; lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin: for we are become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end: while it is said, To-day if ye shall hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.” Because there IS a very real danger of apostasy, we have such warnings!
To defeat the "adversary" we need to be serious ("be sober"), and watchful ("be vigilant") - 1 Pe 5:8a “ Be sober, be watchful:”; (Note: While under the influence of alcohol one is neither of these, but is vunerable to the devil’s attacks) Lk 21:34-36 “But take heed to yourselves, lest haply your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, (See Barnes NT Notes) and cares of this life, and that day come on you suddenly as a snare: for so shall it come upon all them that dwell on the face of all the earth. But watch ye at every season, making supplication, that ye may prevail to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.”
We need to resist the devil - 1 Pe 5:9a “whom withstand (resist) stedfast in your faith,”; Ja 4:7 "Be subject therefore unto God; but resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” We need to remain steadfast in the faith - 1 Pe 5:9a “whom withstand stedfast in your faith,” ; Co 1:21-23 “And you, being in time past alienated and enemies in your mind in your evil works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and unreproveable before him: if so be that ye continue in the faith, grounded and stedfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel which ye heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven; whereof I Paul was made a minister.”
It helps to realize that we are not alone in our struggle - 1 Pe 5:9b “knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.”; 1 Co 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it.”
Why God allows such a struggle will be more apparent when we consider Peter's "benediction" in verse 10, but we will save that for the next and final lesson in this series. While Peter's exhortations in verses 5-9 certainly apply to all Christians, they have special value to those who are "younger". They are often the most tested by our adversary, the devil. They have not had the time or experience to learn the value of such virtues as "submission", "humility", and "watchfulness". But for those who are willing to listen, both young and old, heeding the exhortations of Peter can ensure that we will receive the grace we need to withstand and overcome the devil and in due time be exalted by God Himself!
Peter's Exhortation To The Young (5:5-9)
In this fifth and final chapter, we find Peter concluding with a series of exhortations.... In our last lesson, we saw that he first directed his remarks toward "elders" - 1 Pe 5:1-4. Now, in 1 Pe 5:5-9, the exhortation is geared toward "younger people", though much of it certainly applies to all Christians.
The gist of his remarks reflect themes mentioned previously in his epistle, but Peter was one who understood the value of repetition and reminding - 2 Pe 1:12-15 “Wherefore I shall be ready always to put you in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and are established in the truth which is with you. And I think it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;”
The first exhortation, therefore, is one we have seen stressed throughout 1st Peter. Submit Yourselves, verse (5) “Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.”
Peter had already enjoined submission onto all Christians. Christians in general where to submit to government authorities - 1 Pe 2:13-14. Christian slaves, to their masters - 1 Pe 2:18. Christian wives, to their husbands - 1 Pe 3:1.
Now he enjoins submission upon younger Christians, to their elders - 1 Pe 5:5a ““Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder.” This may be a reference to those "elders" described in verses 1-4. Or it may refer to all older Christians. He also enjoins submission upon Christians in general, to one another - 1 Pe 5:5b “Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another:”; Ep 5:21 “ subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ.”
In defining submission, the word in Greek is hupotasso {hoop-ot-as'-so}. Various shades of meaning include:
a. to arrange under, to subordinate
b. to subject, put in subjection
c. to subject one's self, obey
d. to submit to one's control
e. to yield to one's admonition or advice
f. to obey, to be subject
It was also a Greek military term meaning "to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader". In non-military use, it is "a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden". The quality of submission goes a long way towards preserving unity and peace in churches, especially when all are submissive to one another.
Yet true submission comes only if we heed Peter's next exhortation. "Be clothed with humility", verses (5-7) “Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you.”
"Humility" as defined by the word Peter uses is tapeinophrosune {tap-i-nof-ros-oo'-nay}. It means to have a humble opinion of one's self; lowliness of mind. It is an important quality of that which makes up "the mind of Christ" - Ph 2:2-5 “make full my joy, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself; not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others. Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:”
The need for humility is not only to preserve peace and unity in our relationships with one another, but also to preserve a proper relationship with God.... "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble". A quotation based upon Pr 3:34“ Surely he scoffeth at the scoffers; But he giveth grace unto the lowly.”, and quoted also by James in Ja 4:6 “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore the scripture saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.” A person with a humble spirit is highly esteemed by God - Isa 57:15 “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.”; 66:1-2 “Thus saith Jehovah, Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: what manner of house will ye build unto me? and what place shall be my rest? For all these things hath my hand made, and so all these things came to be, saith Jehovah: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and that trembleth at my word.”
Now with an understanding of God's high estimation of a humble and contrite spirit we turn back to our text where Peter's charge is to "humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God" - 1 Pe 5:6. That is, to submit to His providential workings in our lives, even if it means enduring persecution, as was the case in Peter's day! "cast all your care upon Him"1 Pe 5:7. Don't fret or worry about things over which you have no control. Let your Heavenly Father worry about such things. Even as Jesus taught in Mt 6:31-34 “ - Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”
Note that there is a reward for humble service. God will give grace (show unmerited favor) to the humble - 1 Pe 5:5b “for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.” He will exalt the humble in due time - 1 Pe 5:6 “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time;” When the time is right, then, God will exalt His people who place their faith and trust in Him, by humbly submitting to His Will and to one another.
In the meantime, lest Satan cheat us of our reward, Peter enjoins us to watch out for the Devil, verses (8-9) “Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.”
We have an "adversary"... He is called the "devil". The Greek word is diabolos {dee-ab'-ol-os}, meaning "one prone to slander, slanderous, accusing falsely". Peter's describes him as a "roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour". What bearing does this verse have on the doctrine of "once saved, always saved"? If such a doctrine is true...
1) Why does Peter bother to warn Christians who cannot be "devoured"?
2) Why does Satan bother to seek out those whom he cannot "devour"?
3) Indeed, why ANY warnings (and they are legion) to Christians? - He 3:12-15 “Take heed, brethren, lest haply there shall be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God: but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called To-day; lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin: for we are become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end: while it is said, To-day if ye shall hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.” Because there IS a very real danger of apostasy, we have such warnings!
To defeat the "adversary" we need to be serious ("be sober"), and watchful ("be vigilant") - 1 Pe 5:8a “ Be sober, be watchful:”; (Note: While under the influence of alcohol one is neither of these, but is vunerable to the devil’s attacks) Lk 21:34-36 “But take heed to yourselves, lest haply your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, (See Barnes NT Notes) and cares of this life, and that day come on you suddenly as a snare: for so shall it come upon all them that dwell on the face of all the earth. But watch ye at every season, making supplication, that ye may prevail to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.”
We need to resist the devil - 1 Pe 5:9a “whom withstand (resist) stedfast in your faith,”; Ja 4:7 "Be subject therefore unto God; but resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” We need to remain steadfast in the faith - 1 Pe 5:9a “whom withstand stedfast in your faith,” ; Co 1:21-23 “And you, being in time past alienated and enemies in your mind in your evil works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and unreproveable before him: if so be that ye continue in the faith, grounded and stedfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel which ye heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven; whereof I Paul was made a minister.”
It helps to realize that we are not alone in our struggle - 1 Pe 5:9b “knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.”; 1 Co 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it.”
Why God allows such a struggle will be more apparent when we consider Peter's "benediction" in verse 10, but we will save that for the next and final lesson in this series. While Peter's exhortations in verses 5-9 certainly apply to all Christians, they have special value to those who are "younger". They are often the most tested by our adversary, the devil. They have not had the time or experience to learn the value of such virtues as "submission", "humility", and "watchfulness". But for those who are willing to listen, both young and old, heeding the exhortations of Peter can ensure that we will receive the grace we need to withstand and overcome the devil and in due time be exalted by God Himself!
Peter's Exhortation To The Young (5:5-9)
"THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER"
Peter's Exhortation To The Young (5:5-9)
In this fifth and final chapter, we find Peter concluding with a series of exhortations.... In our last lesson, we saw that he first directed his remarks toward "elders" - 1 Pe 5:1-4. Now, in 1 Pe 5:5-9, the exhortation is geared toward "younger people", though much of it certainly applies to all Christians.
The gist of his remarks reflect themes mentioned previously in his epistle, but Peter was one who understood the value of repetition and reminding - 2 Pe 1:12-15 “Wherefore I shall be ready always to put you in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and are established in the truth which is with you. And I think it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;”
The first exhortation, therefore, is one we have seen stressed throughout 1st Peter. Submit Yourselves, verse (5) “Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.”
Peter had already enjoined submission onto all Christians. Christians in general where to submit to government authorities - 1 Pe 2:13-14. Christian slaves, to their masters - 1 Pe 2:18. Christian wives, to their husbands - 1 Pe 3:1.
Now he enjoins submission upon younger Christians, to their elders - 1 Pe 5:5a ““Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder.” This may be a reference to those "elders" described in verses 1-4. Or it may refer to all older Christians. He also enjoins submission upon Christians in general, to one another - 1 Pe 5:5b “Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another:”; Ep 5:21 “ subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ.”
In defining submission, the word in Greek is hupotasso {hoop-ot-as'-so}. Various shades of meaning include:
a. to arrange under, to subordinate
b. to subject, put in subjection
c. to subject one's self, obey
d. to submit to one's control
e. to yield to one's admonition or advice
f. to obey, to be subject
It was also a Greek military term meaning "to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader". In non-military use, it is "a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden". The quality of submission goes a long way towards preserving unity and peace in churches, especially when all are submissive to one another.
Yet true submission comes only if we heed Peter's next exhortation. "Be clothed with humility", verses (5-7) “Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you.”
"Humility" as defined by the word Peter uses is tapeinophrosune {tap-i-nof-ros-oo'-nay}. It means to have a humble opinion of one's self; lowliness of mind. It is an important quality of that which makes up "the mind of Christ" - Ph 2:2-5 “make full my joy, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself; not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others. Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:”
The need for humility is not only to preserve peace and unity in our relationships with one another, but also to preserve a proper relationship with God.... "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble". A quotation based upon Pr 3:34“ Surely he scoffeth at the scoffers; But he giveth grace unto the lowly.”, and quoted also by James in Ja 4:6 “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore the scripture saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.” A person with a humble spirit is highly esteemed by God - Isa 57:15 “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.”; 66:1-2 “Thus saith Jehovah, Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: what manner of house will ye build unto me? and what place shall be my rest? For all these things hath my hand made, and so all these things came to be, saith Jehovah: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and that trembleth at my word.”
Now with an understanding of God's high estimation of a humble and contrite spirit we turn back to our text where Peter's charge is to "humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God" - 1 Pe 5:6. That is, to submit to His providential workings in our lives, even if it means enduring persecution, as was the case in Peter's day! "cast all your care upon Him"1 Pe 5:7. Don't fret or worry about things over which you have no control. Let your Heavenly Father worry about such things. Even as Jesus taught in Mt 6:31-34 “ - Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”
Note that there is a reward for humble service. God will give grace (show unmerited favor) to the humble - 1 Pe 5:5b “for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.” He will exalt the humble in due time - 1 Pe 5:6 “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time;” When the time is right, then, God will exalt His people who place their faith and trust in Him, by humbly submitting to His Will and to one another.
In the meantime, lest Satan cheat us of our reward, Peter enjoins us to watch out for the Devil, verses (8-9) “Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.”
We have an "adversary"... He is called the "devil". The Greek word is diabolos {dee-ab'-ol-os}, meaning "one prone to slander, slanderous, accusing falsely". Peter's describes him as a "roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour". What bearing does this verse have on the doctrine of "once saved, always saved"? If such a doctrine is true...
1) Why does Peter bother to warn Christians who cannot be "devoured"?
2) Why does Satan bother to seek out those whom he cannot "devour"?
3) Indeed, why ANY warnings (and they are legion) to Christians? - He 3:12-15 “Take heed, brethren, lest haply there shall be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God: but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called To-day; lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin: for we are become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end: while it is said, To-day if ye shall hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.” Because there IS a very real danger of apostasy, we have such warnings!
To defeat the "adversary" we need to be serious ("be sober"), and watchful ("be vigilant") - 1 Pe 5:8a “ Be sober, be watchful:”; (Note: While under the influence of alcohol one is neither of these, but is vunerable to the devil’s attacks) Lk 21:34-36 “But take heed to yourselves, lest haply your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, (See Barnes NT Notes) and cares of this life, and that day come on you suddenly as a snare: for so shall it come upon all them that dwell on the face of all the earth. But watch ye at every season, making supplication, that ye may prevail to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.”
We need to resist the devil - 1 Pe 5:9a “whom withstand (resist) stedfast in your faith,”; Ja 4:7 "Be subject therefore unto God; but resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” We need to remain steadfast in the faith - 1 Pe 5:9a “whom withstand stedfast in your faith,” ; Co 1:21-23 “And you, being in time past alienated and enemies in your mind in your evil works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and unreproveable before him: if so be that ye continue in the faith, grounded and stedfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel which ye heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven; whereof I Paul was made a minister.”
It helps to realize that we are not alone in our struggle - 1 Pe 5:9b “knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.”; 1 Co 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it.”
Why God allows such a struggle will be more apparent when we consider Peter's "benediction" in verse 10, but we will save that for the next and final lesson in this series. While Peter's exhortations in verses 5-9 certainly apply to all Christians, they have special value to those who are "younger". They are often the most tested by our adversary, the devil. They have not had the time or experience to learn the value of such virtues as "submission", "humility", and "watchfulness". But for those who are willing to listen, both young and old, heeding the exhortations of Peter can ensure that we will receive the grace we need to withstand and overcome the devil and in due time be exalted by God Himself!
Peter's Exhortation To The Young (5:5-9)
In this fifth and final chapter, we find Peter concluding with a series of exhortations.... In our last lesson, we saw that he first directed his remarks toward "elders" - 1 Pe 5:1-4. Now, in 1 Pe 5:5-9, the exhortation is geared toward "younger people", though much of it certainly applies to all Christians.
The gist of his remarks reflect themes mentioned previously in his epistle, but Peter was one who understood the value of repetition and reminding - 2 Pe 1:12-15 “Wherefore I shall be ready always to put you in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and are established in the truth which is with you. And I think it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;”
The first exhortation, therefore, is one we have seen stressed throughout 1st Peter. Submit Yourselves, verse (5) “Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.”
Peter had already enjoined submission onto all Christians. Christians in general where to submit to government authorities - 1 Pe 2:13-14. Christian slaves, to their masters - 1 Pe 2:18. Christian wives, to their husbands - 1 Pe 3:1.
Now he enjoins submission upon younger Christians, to their elders - 1 Pe 5:5a ““Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder.” This may be a reference to those "elders" described in verses 1-4. Or it may refer to all older Christians. He also enjoins submission upon Christians in general, to one another - 1 Pe 5:5b “Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another:”; Ep 5:21 “ subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ.”
In defining submission, the word in Greek is hupotasso {hoop-ot-as'-so}. Various shades of meaning include:
a. to arrange under, to subordinate
b. to subject, put in subjection
c. to subject one's self, obey
d. to submit to one's control
e. to yield to one's admonition or advice
f. to obey, to be subject
It was also a Greek military term meaning "to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader". In non-military use, it is "a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden". The quality of submission goes a long way towards preserving unity and peace in churches, especially when all are submissive to one another.
Yet true submission comes only if we heed Peter's next exhortation. "Be clothed with humility", verses (5-7) “Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you.”
"Humility" as defined by the word Peter uses is tapeinophrosune {tap-i-nof-ros-oo'-nay}. It means to have a humble opinion of one's self; lowliness of mind. It is an important quality of that which makes up "the mind of Christ" - Ph 2:2-5 “make full my joy, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself; not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others. Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:”
The need for humility is not only to preserve peace and unity in our relationships with one another, but also to preserve a proper relationship with God.... "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble". A quotation based upon Pr 3:34“ Surely he scoffeth at the scoffers; But he giveth grace unto the lowly.”, and quoted also by James in Ja 4:6 “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore the scripture saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.” A person with a humble spirit is highly esteemed by God - Isa 57:15 “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.”; 66:1-2 “Thus saith Jehovah, Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: what manner of house will ye build unto me? and what place shall be my rest? For all these things hath my hand made, and so all these things came to be, saith Jehovah: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and that trembleth at my word.”
Now with an understanding of God's high estimation of a humble and contrite spirit we turn back to our text where Peter's charge is to "humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God" - 1 Pe 5:6. That is, to submit to His providential workings in our lives, even if it means enduring persecution, as was the case in Peter's day! "cast all your care upon Him"1 Pe 5:7. Don't fret or worry about things over which you have no control. Let your Heavenly Father worry about such things. Even as Jesus taught in Mt 6:31-34 “ - Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”
Note that there is a reward for humble service. God will give grace (show unmerited favor) to the humble - 1 Pe 5:5b “for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.” He will exalt the humble in due time - 1 Pe 5:6 “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time;” When the time is right, then, God will exalt His people who place their faith and trust in Him, by humbly submitting to His Will and to one another.
In the meantime, lest Satan cheat us of our reward, Peter enjoins us to watch out for the Devil, verses (8-9) “Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.”
We have an "adversary"... He is called the "devil". The Greek word is diabolos {dee-ab'-ol-os}, meaning "one prone to slander, slanderous, accusing falsely". Peter's describes him as a "roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour". What bearing does this verse have on the doctrine of "once saved, always saved"? If such a doctrine is true...
1) Why does Peter bother to warn Christians who cannot be "devoured"?
2) Why does Satan bother to seek out those whom he cannot "devour"?
3) Indeed, why ANY warnings (and they are legion) to Christians? - He 3:12-15 “Take heed, brethren, lest haply there shall be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God: but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called To-day; lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin: for we are become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end: while it is said, To-day if ye shall hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.” Because there IS a very real danger of apostasy, we have such warnings!
To defeat the "adversary" we need to be serious ("be sober"), and watchful ("be vigilant") - 1 Pe 5:8a “ Be sober, be watchful:”; (Note: While under the influence of alcohol one is neither of these, but is vunerable to the devil’s attacks) Lk 21:34-36 “But take heed to yourselves, lest haply your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, (See Barnes NT Notes) and cares of this life, and that day come on you suddenly as a snare: for so shall it come upon all them that dwell on the face of all the earth. But watch ye at every season, making supplication, that ye may prevail to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.”
We need to resist the devil - 1 Pe 5:9a “whom withstand (resist) stedfast in your faith,”; Ja 4:7 "Be subject therefore unto God; but resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” We need to remain steadfast in the faith - 1 Pe 5:9a “whom withstand stedfast in your faith,” ; Co 1:21-23 “And you, being in time past alienated and enemies in your mind in your evil works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and unreproveable before him: if so be that ye continue in the faith, grounded and stedfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel which ye heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven; whereof I Paul was made a minister.”
It helps to realize that we are not alone in our struggle - 1 Pe 5:9b “knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.”; 1 Co 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it.”
Why God allows such a struggle will be more apparent when we consider Peter's "benediction" in verse 10, but we will save that for the next and final lesson in this series. While Peter's exhortations in verses 5-9 certainly apply to all Christians, they have special value to those who are "younger". They are often the most tested by our adversary, the devil. They have not had the time or experience to learn the value of such virtues as "submission", "humility", and "watchfulness". But for those who are willing to listen, both young and old, heeding the exhortations of Peter can ensure that we will receive the grace we need to withstand and overcome the devil and in due time be exalted by God Himself!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Peter's Exhortation to Elders (5:1-4)
"THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER"
Peter's Exhortation To Elders (5:1-4)
At all times, but especially during persecution, the people of God need good leadership. In His Divine wisdom, the Lord saw fit to organize His church in such a way that the condition He witnessed during His earthly ministry ("like sheep having no shepherd" - Mt 9:36) should not last for long. His plan calls for local congregations to be overseen by qualified men, known as "elders", and whose responsibilities were to "shepherd the flock of God". In our text (1 Pe 5:1-4), we read of such men, and Peter's exhortation to them. In this lesson, we shall:
1) Briefly summarize what is said about elders in the Lord's church throughout the Scriptures.
2) Consider the exhortation given by Peter to the elders in 1 Pe 5:1-4 “The elders among you I
exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, who am also a
partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Tend the flock of God which is among you,
exercising the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to the will of God; nor yet
for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but
making yourselves ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall be manifested,
ye shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away.”
We begin, therefore, with a brief summary concerning elders. In the New Testament church local congregations as soon as possible were organized under the leadership of elders - Ac 14:23 “And when they had appointed for them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed.” In every example we have, there was a "plurality" of elders in each church, never just one elder, Ac 20:17 “And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called to him the elders of the church.”; 21:17-18 “And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.” Note the plurality.
The work of elders can be seen by the use of terms that are used interchangeably in the Scriptures. Such terms as "elder, pastor, bishop, shepherd, and overseer". That they refer to the same position is evident by their use in:
1) Ac 20:17 “And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called to him the elders of the church.”, 28 “Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit hath made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he purchased with his own blood.” -- where elders are called "overseers" (bishops), and charged to "shepherd" (pastor) the church, depending on which version or translation one uses.
2) Ti 1:5-7 “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that were wanting, and appoint elders in every city, as I gave thee charge; if any man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having children that believe, who are not accused of riot or unruly. For the bishop must be blameless, as God’s steward; not self-willed, not soon angry, no brawler, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre;” -- where "elder" and "bishop" (overseer) are used together.
3) 1 Pe 5:1-2 “The elders among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, who am also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Tend the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to the will of God; nor yet for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;” -- where "elders" are told to "shepherd" (pastor) the flock of God, serving as "overseers" (bishops). As "older men", therefore, they are to watch over (bishop, overseer) the flock, and to tend (shepherd, pastor) the sheep.
With such an awesome responsibility to watch over and tend the flock of God, one can understand that it takes men with who are truly qualified. Two lists of qualifications for elders are found in 1 Ti 3:1-7 “Faithful is the saying, If a man seeketh the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. The bishop therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, orderly, given to hospitality, apt to teach; no brawler, no striker; but gentle, not contentious, no lover of money; one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (but if a man knoweth not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) not a novice, lest being puffed up he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have good testimony from them that are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”; Ti 1:5-9 “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that were wanting, and appoint elders in every city, as I gave thee charge; if any man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having children that believe, who are not accused of riot or unruly.For the bishop must be blameless, as God’s steward; not self-willed, not soon angry, no brawler, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre;but given to hospitality, a lover of good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled; holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict the gainsayers.”
Our responsibility to elders is to recognize and respect them - 1 Th 5:12-13 “But we beseech you, brethren, to know them that labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them exceeding highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.”; 1 Ti 5:17-20 “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his hire. Against an elder receive not an accusation, except at the mouth of two or three witnesses. Them that sin reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear.”
Our responsibility is to obey and be submissive when they lead scripturally - He 13:17 “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit to them: for they watch in behalf of your souls, as they that shall give account; that they may do this with joy, and not with grief: for this were unprofitable for you.”; 1 Pe 5:5 “Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.” Think of elders, then, as your "spiritual advisors", as "shepherds"; who are to be mature, experienced Christian men charged by God to "watch out for your souls"!
With this brief summary fresh in our minds, let's now consider Peter's exhortation to elders and the basis for this exhortation. As coming from one who is a fellow elder Peter could have "commanded" them, using his apostolic authority. But practicing what he will preach in verse 3 “neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but”, Peter chose to "exhort" them as a "fellow elder". As coming from one who is a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker of the glory that will be revealed. He has certainly been an eyewitness of Christ's suffering. But he has also been a personal partaker of the suffering of Christ as described earlier in 1 Pe 4:13 “but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy.”; Ac 5:40-41 “And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles unto them, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name.” And as so will be a partaker of the same glory referred to later in verse 4 “And when the chief Shepherd shall be manifested, ye shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away.”
Note exhortation itself. "Shepherd the flock of God". To tend (pastor) to the people of God; for this reason, elders must be:
1) "able to teach" - 1 Ti 3:2
2) "able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict" - Ti 1:9
As Paul told the elders of the church in Ephesus, this involves "taking heed" to themselves as well - Ac 20:28-30
"which is among you". Their responsibility is for the sheep in the congregation where they serve. Even as Paul told the Ephesian elders: "the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers" - Ac 20:28. The concept of one or more elders (bishops, pastors) over a plurality of churches is foreign to the New Testament.
"serving as overseers". Here the work of elders is summarized: to oversee the flock of God. But notice that Peter calls such oversight as "serving". In keeping with what is said later, the role of elder is one of a servant, not a lord.
"not by constraint but willingly". A man cannot be appointed to serve against his will. Indeed, there is nothing wrong with "desiring the position" - 1 Ti 3:1. But the moment he loses the desire to serve willingly, he should step down, for he will not be able to serve as he ought.
"not for dishonest gain but eagerly". An elder may be financially supported for his work - 1 Ti 5:17-18. But the motive for service is not to be money, but an eagerness to save souls!
"nor as being lords over those entrusted to you". As implied before, the oversight is a position of service, not to be abused by assuming a dictatorial role. A sobering thought is that elders are "entrusted" with the souls under their care, and they will be called to give an account! - He 13:17.
"but being examples to the flock". Just as sheep are best led, and not driven, so it is with the people of God. Qualified elders will have less problem getting people to follow them and submitting to their care. When elders do not provide examples of spirituality, the flock is more likely to rebel against their leadership.
What would be the motivation for elders to heed this exhortation? First, perhaps a subtle reminder that "elders" are also under authority.... There is one who is "the Chief Shepherd" (Jesus) who will one day appear, one to whom they will have to give an account - He 13:17. But more positively, a promise of recognition for faithful service.... "you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away". Like the "inheritance" reserved in heaven that "does not fade away" - 1 Pe 1:4
Those who serve well as elders are certainly worthy of "the crown of glory" that awaits them. Hopefully, as we better understand the exhortation given by Peter, we will appreciate the work they do in the kingdom of God.... We will "esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake" (1 Th 5:13). We will "obey", and "be submissive", so they can watch out for our souls "with joy and not with grief" (He 13:17). In our next lesson, we shall consider Peter's exhortations to those who are younger (1 Pe 5:5-9)...
Peter's Exhortation To Elders (5:1-4)
At all times, but especially during persecution, the people of God need good leadership. In His Divine wisdom, the Lord saw fit to organize His church in such a way that the condition He witnessed during His earthly ministry ("like sheep having no shepherd" - Mt 9:36) should not last for long. His plan calls for local congregations to be overseen by qualified men, known as "elders", and whose responsibilities were to "shepherd the flock of God". In our text (1 Pe 5:1-4), we read of such men, and Peter's exhortation to them. In this lesson, we shall:
1) Briefly summarize what is said about elders in the Lord's church throughout the Scriptures.
2) Consider the exhortation given by Peter to the elders in 1 Pe 5:1-4 “The elders among you I
exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, who am also a
partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Tend the flock of God which is among you,
exercising the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to the will of God; nor yet
for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but
making yourselves ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall be manifested,
ye shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away.”
We begin, therefore, with a brief summary concerning elders. In the New Testament church local congregations as soon as possible were organized under the leadership of elders - Ac 14:23 “And when they had appointed for them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed.” In every example we have, there was a "plurality" of elders in each church, never just one elder, Ac 20:17 “And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called to him the elders of the church.”; 21:17-18 “And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.” Note the plurality.
The work of elders can be seen by the use of terms that are used interchangeably in the Scriptures. Such terms as "elder, pastor, bishop, shepherd, and overseer". That they refer to the same position is evident by their use in:
1) Ac 20:17 “And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called to him the elders of the church.”, 28 “Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit hath made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he purchased with his own blood.” -- where elders are called "overseers" (bishops), and charged to "shepherd" (pastor) the church, depending on which version or translation one uses.
2) Ti 1:5-7 “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that were wanting, and appoint elders in every city, as I gave thee charge; if any man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having children that believe, who are not accused of riot or unruly. For the bishop must be blameless, as God’s steward; not self-willed, not soon angry, no brawler, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre;” -- where "elder" and "bishop" (overseer) are used together.
3) 1 Pe 5:1-2 “The elders among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, who am also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Tend the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to the will of God; nor yet for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;” -- where "elders" are told to "shepherd" (pastor) the flock of God, serving as "overseers" (bishops). As "older men", therefore, they are to watch over (bishop, overseer) the flock, and to tend (shepherd, pastor) the sheep.
With such an awesome responsibility to watch over and tend the flock of God, one can understand that it takes men with who are truly qualified. Two lists of qualifications for elders are found in 1 Ti 3:1-7 “Faithful is the saying, If a man seeketh the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. The bishop therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, orderly, given to hospitality, apt to teach; no brawler, no striker; but gentle, not contentious, no lover of money; one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (but if a man knoweth not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) not a novice, lest being puffed up he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have good testimony from them that are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”; Ti 1:5-9 “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that were wanting, and appoint elders in every city, as I gave thee charge; if any man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having children that believe, who are not accused of riot or unruly.For the bishop must be blameless, as God’s steward; not self-willed, not soon angry, no brawler, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre;but given to hospitality, a lover of good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled; holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict the gainsayers.”
Our responsibility to elders is to recognize and respect them - 1 Th 5:12-13 “But we beseech you, brethren, to know them that labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them exceeding highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.”; 1 Ti 5:17-20 “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his hire. Against an elder receive not an accusation, except at the mouth of two or three witnesses. Them that sin reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear.”
Our responsibility is to obey and be submissive when they lead scripturally - He 13:17 “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit to them: for they watch in behalf of your souls, as they that shall give account; that they may do this with joy, and not with grief: for this were unprofitable for you.”; 1 Pe 5:5 “Likewise, ye younger, be subject unto the elder. Yea, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to serve one another: for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.” Think of elders, then, as your "spiritual advisors", as "shepherds"; who are to be mature, experienced Christian men charged by God to "watch out for your souls"!
With this brief summary fresh in our minds, let's now consider Peter's exhortation to elders and the basis for this exhortation. As coming from one who is a fellow elder Peter could have "commanded" them, using his apostolic authority. But practicing what he will preach in verse 3 “neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but”, Peter chose to "exhort" them as a "fellow elder". As coming from one who is a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker of the glory that will be revealed. He has certainly been an eyewitness of Christ's suffering. But he has also been a personal partaker of the suffering of Christ as described earlier in 1 Pe 4:13 “but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy.”; Ac 5:40-41 “And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles unto them, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name.” And as so will be a partaker of the same glory referred to later in verse 4 “And when the chief Shepherd shall be manifested, ye shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away.”
Note exhortation itself. "Shepherd the flock of God". To tend (pastor) to the people of God; for this reason, elders must be:
1) "able to teach" - 1 Ti 3:2
2) "able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict" - Ti 1:9
As Paul told the elders of the church in Ephesus, this involves "taking heed" to themselves as well - Ac 20:28-30
"which is among you". Their responsibility is for the sheep in the congregation where they serve. Even as Paul told the Ephesian elders: "the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers" - Ac 20:28. The concept of one or more elders (bishops, pastors) over a plurality of churches is foreign to the New Testament.
"serving as overseers". Here the work of elders is summarized: to oversee the flock of God. But notice that Peter calls such oversight as "serving". In keeping with what is said later, the role of elder is one of a servant, not a lord.
"not by constraint but willingly". A man cannot be appointed to serve against his will. Indeed, there is nothing wrong with "desiring the position" - 1 Ti 3:1. But the moment he loses the desire to serve willingly, he should step down, for he will not be able to serve as he ought.
"not for dishonest gain but eagerly". An elder may be financially supported for his work - 1 Ti 5:17-18. But the motive for service is not to be money, but an eagerness to save souls!
"nor as being lords over those entrusted to you". As implied before, the oversight is a position of service, not to be abused by assuming a dictatorial role. A sobering thought is that elders are "entrusted" with the souls under their care, and they will be called to give an account! - He 13:17.
"but being examples to the flock". Just as sheep are best led, and not driven, so it is with the people of God. Qualified elders will have less problem getting people to follow them and submitting to their care. When elders do not provide examples of spirituality, the flock is more likely to rebel against their leadership.
What would be the motivation for elders to heed this exhortation? First, perhaps a subtle reminder that "elders" are also under authority.... There is one who is "the Chief Shepherd" (Jesus) who will one day appear, one to whom they will have to give an account - He 13:17. But more positively, a promise of recognition for faithful service.... "you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away". Like the "inheritance" reserved in heaven that "does not fade away" - 1 Pe 1:4
Those who serve well as elders are certainly worthy of "the crown of glory" that awaits them. Hopefully, as we better understand the exhortation given by Peter, we will appreciate the work they do in the kingdom of God.... We will "esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake" (1 Th 5:13). We will "obey", and "be submissive", so they can watch out for our souls "with joy and not with grief" (He 13:17). In our next lesson, we shall consider Peter's exhortations to those who are younger (1 Pe 5:5-9)...
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Persevering Through Persecution (4:12-19) - Part 2
Persevering Through Persecution (4:12-19) - Part 2
We have every reason, then, to rejoice in times of persecution. But for us to make the most of such situations, we need not only to "rejoice", but also to "reflect". One might use the time to examine their life, verses (15-18) “For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil-doer, or as a meddler in other men’s matters: but if a man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this name. For the time is come for judgment to begin at the house of God: and if it begin first at us, what shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous is scarcely saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear?”
If we must suffer, make it worthwhile. Make sure it is not for reasons listed by Peter.... Such as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or for doing what often brings unnecessary suffering to the church: "as a busybody in other people's matters". Make sure it is because we are Christians in which we have an opportunity to glorify God. In which we can demonstrate the grace He gives us to endure it.
Consider the consequences of not remaining faithful. God allows persecution of the righteous because it serves as one way to judge "the house of God" (in other words, God's family, the church) - 1 Pe 4:17 “For the time is come for judgment to begin at the house of God: and if it begin first at us, what shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of God?” As Paul wrote, it is "evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer" - 2 Th 1:4-5. If God is willing to so "judge" His own faithful children, what about those who are disobedient? As Peter asks:
"What will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?"
"Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?"
Paul provides the answer, in 2 Th 1:6-10... “if so be that it is righteous thing with God to recompense affliction to them that afflict you, and to you that are afflicted rest with us, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power in flaming fire, rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus: who shall suffer punishment, even eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be marvelled at in all them that believed (because our testimony unto you was believed) in that day.” Those God will "repay with tribulation". Jesus will come "in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ". Yes, they "shall be punished with everlasting destruction". In view of the coming Judgment of God, of which the persecution of the saved is only a precursor, use times of persecution to reflect and make sure of our standing before God.
Finally, you can be successful in "Persevering Through Persecution" if you will commit yourself to God (19) “Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God commit their souls in well-doing unto a faithful Creator.”
"How" can we commit ourselves to God while being persecuted? By doing good, no matter the circumstances. Whatever evil is done to you, respond by doing good - Lk 6:27-28 “But I say unto you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you, bless them that curse you, pray for them that despitefully use you.” Remember the example of Jesus (Lk 23:34) and Stephen (Ac 7:59-60). Don't let persecution be an excuse for misconduct.
"Why commit ourselves to God? Because God is a "faithful Creator". As "Creator", He has the power to do what is right in the end. As "faithful" (trustworthy), He can be trusted to do what is right in the end.
Certainly we should hope and pray that we never have to endure the sort of persecution experienced by the early Christians. But if we do, will we be prepared? We can be, if we take to heart the words of the apostle Peter as found in his epistle!
As for being prepared, have you yet "obeyed" the gospel? Some may think it odd that the gospel is to be "obeyed", and not just "believed"; but both Peter and Paul warn of the end of those "who do not obey the gospel" (1 Pe 4:19 “Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God commit their souls in well-doing unto a faithful Creator.”; 2 Th 1:8 “rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus:”).
How does one obey the gospel? - cf. Mk 16:15-16 “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned.”
We have every reason, then, to rejoice in times of persecution. But for us to make the most of such situations, we need not only to "rejoice", but also to "reflect". One might use the time to examine their life, verses (15-18) “For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil-doer, or as a meddler in other men’s matters: but if a man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this name. For the time is come for judgment to begin at the house of God: and if it begin first at us, what shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous is scarcely saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear?”
If we must suffer, make it worthwhile. Make sure it is not for reasons listed by Peter.... Such as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or for doing what often brings unnecessary suffering to the church: "as a busybody in other people's matters". Make sure it is because we are Christians in which we have an opportunity to glorify God. In which we can demonstrate the grace He gives us to endure it.
Consider the consequences of not remaining faithful. God allows persecution of the righteous because it serves as one way to judge "the house of God" (in other words, God's family, the church) - 1 Pe 4:17 “For the time is come for judgment to begin at the house of God: and if it begin first at us, what shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of God?” As Paul wrote, it is "evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer" - 2 Th 1:4-5. If God is willing to so "judge" His own faithful children, what about those who are disobedient? As Peter asks:
"What will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?"
"Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?"
Paul provides the answer, in 2 Th 1:6-10... “if so be that it is righteous thing with God to recompense affliction to them that afflict you, and to you that are afflicted rest with us, at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with the angels of his power in flaming fire, rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus: who shall suffer punishment, even eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be marvelled at in all them that believed (because our testimony unto you was believed) in that day.” Those God will "repay with tribulation". Jesus will come "in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ". Yes, they "shall be punished with everlasting destruction". In view of the coming Judgment of God, of which the persecution of the saved is only a precursor, use times of persecution to reflect and make sure of our standing before God.
Finally, you can be successful in "Persevering Through Persecution" if you will commit yourself to God (19) “Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God commit their souls in well-doing unto a faithful Creator.”
"How" can we commit ourselves to God while being persecuted? By doing good, no matter the circumstances. Whatever evil is done to you, respond by doing good - Lk 6:27-28 “But I say unto you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you, bless them that curse you, pray for them that despitefully use you.” Remember the example of Jesus (Lk 23:34) and Stephen (Ac 7:59-60). Don't let persecution be an excuse for misconduct.
"Why commit ourselves to God? Because God is a "faithful Creator". As "Creator", He has the power to do what is right in the end. As "faithful" (trustworthy), He can be trusted to do what is right in the end.
Certainly we should hope and pray that we never have to endure the sort of persecution experienced by the early Christians. But if we do, will we be prepared? We can be, if we take to heart the words of the apostle Peter as found in his epistle!
As for being prepared, have you yet "obeyed" the gospel? Some may think it odd that the gospel is to be "obeyed", and not just "believed"; but both Peter and Paul warn of the end of those "who do not obey the gospel" (1 Pe 4:19 “Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God commit their souls in well-doing unto a faithful Creator.”; 2 Th 1:8 “rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus:”).
How does one obey the gospel? - cf. Mk 16:15-16 “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned.”
Sunday, July 04, 2010
Persevering Through Persucution (4:12-19)
"THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER"
Persevering Through Persecution (4:12-19)
We have observed in our study of 1st Peter that the original recipients of this epistle were undergoing "various trials" - 1 Pe 1:6 “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold trials,”. In an earlier lesson, "Preparing For Persecution" (1 Pe 3:13-18), we saw where Peter gave instructions on how they (and we) should prepare themselves for hard times. Now in 4:12-19, Peter continues to discuss persecution, but with a slightly different slant. The slant is that he now mentions things that relate to "Persevering Through Persecution", not just preparing for it.
While we might not ever endure "physical" persecution, it is unlikely that we will escape occasional "verbal" or "social" persecution. Therefore, what Peter has to say can be of great benefit to help us persevere in such circumstances. For example, we should expect persecution, verse (12) “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you:”
Persecution is not unusual. A point Peter stresses twice in this verse; "do not think it strange" and "as though some strange thing happened to you". It is something other Christians were experiencing at that time as well - 1 Pe 5:9 “whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.” Jesus warned His disciples of hard times to come - Jn 15:18-21 “If the world hateth you, ye know that it hath hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, A servant is not greater than his lord. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.” Why does God allow such things to happen? Read on...
"Fiery trials" serve to try one's faith. Just as gold is tested by fire, so our faith is tested by persecution - 1 Pe 1:6-7 “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ:”. This is why God allows the devil to bring such persecution (remember Job?). But just as God blessed Job after his trials, so He will bless us! - 1 Pe 5:10 “And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you.” As someone has said, "First comes the cross, then comes the crown." So don't be surprised if you find yourself facing ridicule, ostracizing, even physical persecution for the cause of Christ. (Ac 14:22 “confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God.”; 2 Ti 3:12 “Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”).
Should it come, what then? Rejoice in persecution, verses (13-14) “but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy. If ye are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are ye; because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God resteth upon you.”
The call to rejoice is nothing new. Jesus taught it in His sermon on the mount - Mt 5:11-12 “Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you.” Paul found reason to "glory in tribulations" - Ro 5:3-5 “And not only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh stedfastness; and stedfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope: and hope putteth not to shame; because the love of God hath been shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Spirit which was given unto us.” And James taught that trials ought to be an occasion for joy - Ja 1:2-4 “Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations; Knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience. And let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing.”
Why rejoice in persecution? As explained by Jesus... "for great is your reward in heaven". "for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you". As explained by Paul.... "tribulations produces perseverance". Which in turn produces "character, and character, hope". As explained by James.... "the testing of your faith produces patience". And patience can help one be "perfect and complete, lacking nothing".
Peter offers three reasons to rejoice in persecution. It means glory in the future.... "when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy". This will occur at His second coming - 2 Th 1:10-12 “when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be marvelled at in all them that believed (because our testimony unto you was believed) in that day. To which end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfil every desire of goodness and every work of faith, with power; that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”. It means blessing in the present.... "blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you". A reference to the Holy Spirit, and possibly alluding to that blessing described by Jesus in Lk 12:11-12 “And when they bring you before the synagogues, and the rulers, and the authorities, be not anxious how or what ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: for the Holy Spirit shall teach you in that very hour what ye ought to say.”; 21:12-15 “But before all these things, they shall lay their hands on you, and shall persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for my name’s sake. It shall turn out unto you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate beforehand how to answer: for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to withstand or to gainsay.” This was exemplified in the case of Stephen - Ac 7:54-60 “Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God. But they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and rushed upon him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon the Lord, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”
Such a blessing might have limited application to the special circumstances of the first century, but God's grace will still provide whatever we need to endure trials - 1 Co 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it.” It means Christ is glorified.... "on your part He is glorified", when we endure persecution through the strength Jesus gives us, we make manifest the "life" (power) of Jesus - 2 Co 4:7-11 “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves; we are pressed on every side, yet not straitened; perplexed, yet not unto despair; pursued, yet not forsaken; smitten down, yet not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.” And so by our conduct we can bring glory to Christ (God) - 1 Pe 2:12 “having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation”
We will continue this lesson in a second part noting that we have every reason, then, to rejoice in times of persecution even in this day and age.
Persevering Through Persecution (4:12-19)
We have observed in our study of 1st Peter that the original recipients of this epistle were undergoing "various trials" - 1 Pe 1:6 “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold trials,”. In an earlier lesson, "Preparing For Persecution" (1 Pe 3:13-18), we saw where Peter gave instructions on how they (and we) should prepare themselves for hard times. Now in 4:12-19, Peter continues to discuss persecution, but with a slightly different slant. The slant is that he now mentions things that relate to "Persevering Through Persecution", not just preparing for it.
While we might not ever endure "physical" persecution, it is unlikely that we will escape occasional "verbal" or "social" persecution. Therefore, what Peter has to say can be of great benefit to help us persevere in such circumstances. For example, we should expect persecution, verse (12) “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial among you, which cometh upon you to prove you, as though a strange thing happened unto you:”
Persecution is not unusual. A point Peter stresses twice in this verse; "do not think it strange" and "as though some strange thing happened to you". It is something other Christians were experiencing at that time as well - 1 Pe 5:9 “whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.” Jesus warned His disciples of hard times to come - Jn 15:18-21 “If the world hateth you, ye know that it hath hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, A servant is not greater than his lord. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.” Why does God allow such things to happen? Read on...
"Fiery trials" serve to try one's faith. Just as gold is tested by fire, so our faith is tested by persecution - 1 Pe 1:6-7 “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ:”. This is why God allows the devil to bring such persecution (remember Job?). But just as God blessed Job after his trials, so He will bless us! - 1 Pe 5:10 “And the God of all grace, who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ, after that ye have suffered a little while, shall himself perfect, establish, strengthen you.” As someone has said, "First comes the cross, then comes the crown." So don't be surprised if you find yourself facing ridicule, ostracizing, even physical persecution for the cause of Christ. (Ac 14:22 “confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God.”; 2 Ti 3:12 “Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”).
Should it come, what then? Rejoice in persecution, verses (13-14) “but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy. If ye are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are ye; because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God resteth upon you.”
The call to rejoice is nothing new. Jesus taught it in His sermon on the mount - Mt 5:11-12 “Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you.” Paul found reason to "glory in tribulations" - Ro 5:3-5 “And not only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh stedfastness; and stedfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope: and hope putteth not to shame; because the love of God hath been shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Spirit which was given unto us.” And James taught that trials ought to be an occasion for joy - Ja 1:2-4 “Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations; Knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience. And let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing.”
Why rejoice in persecution? As explained by Jesus... "for great is your reward in heaven". "for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you". As explained by Paul.... "tribulations produces perseverance". Which in turn produces "character, and character, hope". As explained by James.... "the testing of your faith produces patience". And patience can help one be "perfect and complete, lacking nothing".
Peter offers three reasons to rejoice in persecution. It means glory in the future.... "when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy". This will occur at His second coming - 2 Th 1:10-12 “when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be marvelled at in all them that believed (because our testimony unto you was believed) in that day. To which end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfil every desire of goodness and every work of faith, with power; that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”. It means blessing in the present.... "blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you". A reference to the Holy Spirit, and possibly alluding to that blessing described by Jesus in Lk 12:11-12 “And when they bring you before the synagogues, and the rulers, and the authorities, be not anxious how or what ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: for the Holy Spirit shall teach you in that very hour what ye ought to say.”; 21:12-15 “But before all these things, they shall lay their hands on you, and shall persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for my name’s sake. It shall turn out unto you for a testimony. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate beforehand how to answer: for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to withstand or to gainsay.” This was exemplified in the case of Stephen - Ac 7:54-60 “Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of God. But they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and rushed upon him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon the Lord, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”
Such a blessing might have limited application to the special circumstances of the first century, but God's grace will still provide whatever we need to endure trials - 1 Co 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it.” It means Christ is glorified.... "on your part He is glorified", when we endure persecution through the strength Jesus gives us, we make manifest the "life" (power) of Jesus - 2 Co 4:7-11 “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves; we are pressed on every side, yet not straitened; perplexed, yet not unto despair; pursued, yet not forsaken; smitten down, yet not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.” And so by our conduct we can bring glory to Christ (God) - 1 Pe 2:12 “having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation”
We will continue this lesson in a second part noting that we have every reason, then, to rejoice in times of persecution even in this day and age.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Living In The End Times (4:7-11)
"THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER"
Living In The End Times (4:7-11)
In 1 Pe 4:2, Peter wrote concerning the Christian that, "...he should no longer live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God." As an impetus to live out one's time in the flesh for the will of God, one should remember that we are living in the "end times" - 1 Pe 4:7a ("But the end of all things is at hand;"). It might be that Peter actually had reference in this text to the destruction of Jerusalem. Which was the end of the temple, the Levitical priesthood, and of the Jewish economy. As MacKnight points out in his commentary: "This epistle being written A.D.67, about a year after the war with the Romans began, which ended in the destruction of Jerusalem and of the Jewish state, Peter, who had heard his Master's prophecy concerning these events, and concerning the signs of their approach, had good reason to say, that they had approached."
But whether Peter has in mind the destruction of Jerusalem, or the Lord's second coming, we can still say "the end of all things is at hand"... For even if the Lord Himself does not return for another two thousand years, the time is not long when we who are alive today will be "in the flesh" no more. With every passing day, "our salvation is nearer than when we first believed", and the "end" draws ever closer. How then should we live out the rest of our time, living as we do in the "end times"?
Verses 7-11 provides guidance to "Living In The End Times" and we notice right away that it should involve prayer that is serious and alert, verse (7), “But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore of sound mind, and be sober unto prayer:”
Peter stresses seriousness throughout his epistle. The word here is sophroneo {so-fron-eh'-o}, which means to be in one's right mind; to exercise self control:
1) to put a moderate estimate upon one's self, think of one's self soberly
2) to curb one's passions
Words closely related to this are found in 1 Pe 1:13 “Wherefore girding up the loins of your mind, be sober and set your hope perfectly on the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;”; 5:8 “Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour,” (note the word "sober").
This quality is needed especially in our prayers. Otherwise we cannot pray as we ought - Ep 6:18 “with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints,”. That is, with praying that is "watchful" - Lk 21:34-36 “But take heed to yourselves, lest haply your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you suddenly as a snare: for so shall it come upon all them that dwell on the face of all the earth. But watch ye at every season, making supplication, that ye may prevail to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man”. Serious, watchful praying is necessary, therefore, or we might not be ready for that which will come.
As we continue in our text, we see that "Living In The End Times" also calls for a love that is fervent & forgiving, verse (8) “above all things being fervent in your love among yourselves; for love covereth a multitude of sins:”
This is the second time Peter commands "fervent love". The first time was in 1 Pe 1:22 “Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently:”. We defined "fervent" as "constant" or "earnest". Here Peter tells us to make such "fervent love" the number one priority ("above all things have fervent love..."). This is reminiscent of Paul's words in Co 3:14 “and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness.” And perhaps a reflection of Jesus' words in Mt 22:36-40 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law? And he said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second like unto it is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments the whole law hangeth, and the prophets.”
The need for such "fervent love" is seen in its power to forgive. "for love will cover a multitude of sins". This appears to be a reference to Pro 10:12 ("love covers all sins"). To "cover sin" does not mean to ignore it, but as used by James it suggests "fervent love" does what is necessary to restore and forgive the sinner - Ja 5:19-20 “My brethren, if any among you err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he who converteth a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins.”
As the "time of the end" draws near, and the Day of Judgment looms closer, how important it is that we have the kind of love for one another which will encourage us all to get rid of sin in our lives! As a further expression of "fervent love for one another", "Living In The End Times" will also involve hospitality that is gracious, verse (9) “using hospitality one to another without murmuring:”
This is an unusual use of the word "hopitality. For the word is philoxenos {fil-ox'-en-os}. It literally means "love of strangers""of the household of faith", our own brethren! - Ga 6:10 “ and is normally used in reference to kindness to those we don't know. But here Peter applies it to our love towards brethren. But if we are to show kindness to those we don't know, how much more towards those who are So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.”
There is always a need for hospitality, as our love for one another is a sign of true discipleship - Jn 13:34-35 “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered, Whither I go, thou canst not follow now; but thou shalt follow afterwards.” But there may be a special need as "the end draws near". Several passages suggest that persecution of the saints will increase before Christ returns (so as I understand Re 20:7-9 “And when the thousand years are finished, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, and shall come forth to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to the war: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they went up over the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down out of heaven, and devoured them.” ). In any period of persecution, when some Christians lose all they have, other Christians need to be ready to provide for their needs - Mt 25:34-40 “ Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry, and ye gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in; naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, and fed thee? or athirst, and gave thee drink? And when saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? And when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, even these least, ye did it unto me.”
For hospitality to be true and sincere, it must be "without grumbling". If one shows kindness with a begrudging spirit, can it be said they truly have a love of strangers (or brethren)? Only by placing a higher premium on our brethren than we do on our possessions can we show hospitality without grumbling.
Finally, in keeping with our Lord's charge to "Do business till I come" (Lk 19:13), "Living In The End Times" requires that we offer service that glorifies God, verses (10-11) “according as each hath received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God; if any man speaketh, speaking as it were oracles of God; if any man ministereth, ministering as of the strength which God supplieth: that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, whose is the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
Each person can perform a valuable service by the grace of God, which is "manifold" (multi-faceted), where there are various ways one can serve God. And each of us are to be "good stewards" (accountable servants) of whatever gifts or abilities we may have. Even as Paul wrote to the brethren at Rome in Ro 12:3-8 “For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but so to think as to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to each man a measure of faith. For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members have not the same office: so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and severally members one of another. And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; or ministry, let us give ourselves to our ministry; or he that teacheth, to his teaching; or he that exhorteth, to his exhorting: he that giveth, let him do it with liberality; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.”
With two examples, Peter illustrates the kind of service that glorifies God. Those that speak should speak "as the oracles of God". Understanding that they are speaking for God, they should speak only that which God Himself has revealed, with "sound speech that cannot be condemned" - Ti 2:7-8 “in all things showing thyself an ensample of good works; in thy doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of us.” Those that minister (serve) do so with the ability or strength supplied by God Himself! Certainly not with slothfulness - Ro 12:11 “in diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;”
"Living In The End Times", then, is living with the recognition that to God (and Jesus Christ) "belong the glory and dominion forever and ever". With that recognition, we will be careful to develop:
1) Prayer that is serious and alert
2) Love that is fervent and forgiving
3) Hospitality that is gracious
4) Service that glorifies God
How are you living now that "the end of all things is at hand"? Are you glorifying God through Jesus Christ
Living In The End Times (4:7-11)
In 1 Pe 4:2, Peter wrote concerning the Christian that, "...he should no longer live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God." As an impetus to live out one's time in the flesh for the will of God, one should remember that we are living in the "end times" - 1 Pe 4:7a ("But the end of all things is at hand;"). It might be that Peter actually had reference in this text to the destruction of Jerusalem. Which was the end of the temple, the Levitical priesthood, and of the Jewish economy. As MacKnight points out in his commentary: "This epistle being written A.D.67, about a year after the war with the Romans began, which ended in the destruction of Jerusalem and of the Jewish state, Peter, who had heard his Master's prophecy concerning these events, and concerning the signs of their approach, had good reason to say, that they had approached."
But whether Peter has in mind the destruction of Jerusalem, or the Lord's second coming, we can still say "the end of all things is at hand"... For even if the Lord Himself does not return for another two thousand years, the time is not long when we who are alive today will be "in the flesh" no more. With every passing day, "our salvation is nearer than when we first believed", and the "end" draws ever closer. How then should we live out the rest of our time, living as we do in the "end times"?
Verses 7-11 provides guidance to "Living In The End Times" and we notice right away that it should involve prayer that is serious and alert, verse (7), “But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore of sound mind, and be sober unto prayer:”
Peter stresses seriousness throughout his epistle. The word here is sophroneo {so-fron-eh'-o}, which means to be in one's right mind; to exercise self control:
1) to put a moderate estimate upon one's self, think of one's self soberly
2) to curb one's passions
Words closely related to this are found in 1 Pe 1:13 “Wherefore girding up the loins of your mind, be sober and set your hope perfectly on the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;”; 5:8 “Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour,” (note the word "sober").
This quality is needed especially in our prayers. Otherwise we cannot pray as we ought - Ep 6:18 “with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints,”. That is, with praying that is "watchful" - Lk 21:34-36 “But take heed to yourselves, lest haply your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you suddenly as a snare: for so shall it come upon all them that dwell on the face of all the earth. But watch ye at every season, making supplication, that ye may prevail to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man”. Serious, watchful praying is necessary, therefore, or we might not be ready for that which will come.
As we continue in our text, we see that "Living In The End Times" also calls for a love that is fervent & forgiving, verse (8) “above all things being fervent in your love among yourselves; for love covereth a multitude of sins:”
This is the second time Peter commands "fervent love". The first time was in 1 Pe 1:22 “Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently:”. We defined "fervent" as "constant" or "earnest". Here Peter tells us to make such "fervent love" the number one priority ("above all things have fervent love..."). This is reminiscent of Paul's words in Co 3:14 “and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness.” And perhaps a reflection of Jesus' words in Mt 22:36-40 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law? And he said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second like unto it is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments the whole law hangeth, and the prophets.”
The need for such "fervent love" is seen in its power to forgive. "for love will cover a multitude of sins". This appears to be a reference to Pro 10:12 ("love covers all sins"). To "cover sin" does not mean to ignore it, but as used by James it suggests "fervent love" does what is necessary to restore and forgive the sinner - Ja 5:19-20 “My brethren, if any among you err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he who converteth a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins.”
As the "time of the end" draws near, and the Day of Judgment looms closer, how important it is that we have the kind of love for one another which will encourage us all to get rid of sin in our lives! As a further expression of "fervent love for one another", "Living In The End Times" will also involve hospitality that is gracious, verse (9) “using hospitality one to another without murmuring:”
This is an unusual use of the word "hopitality. For the word is philoxenos {fil-ox'-en-os}. It literally means "love of strangers""of the household of faith", our own brethren! - Ga 6:10 “ and is normally used in reference to kindness to those we don't know. But here Peter applies it to our love towards brethren. But if we are to show kindness to those we don't know, how much more towards those who are So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.”
There is always a need for hospitality, as our love for one another is a sign of true discipleship - Jn 13:34-35 “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered, Whither I go, thou canst not follow now; but thou shalt follow afterwards.” But there may be a special need as "the end draws near". Several passages suggest that persecution of the saints will increase before Christ returns (so as I understand Re 20:7-9 “And when the thousand years are finished, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, and shall come forth to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to the war: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they went up over the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down out of heaven, and devoured them.” ). In any period of persecution, when some Christians lose all they have, other Christians need to be ready to provide for their needs - Mt 25:34-40 “ Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry, and ye gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in; naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, and fed thee? or athirst, and gave thee drink? And when saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? And when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, even these least, ye did it unto me.”
For hospitality to be true and sincere, it must be "without grumbling". If one shows kindness with a begrudging spirit, can it be said they truly have a love of strangers (or brethren)? Only by placing a higher premium on our brethren than we do on our possessions can we show hospitality without grumbling.
Finally, in keeping with our Lord's charge to "Do business till I come" (Lk 19:13), "Living In The End Times" requires that we offer service that glorifies God, verses (10-11) “according as each hath received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God; if any man speaketh, speaking as it were oracles of God; if any man ministereth, ministering as of the strength which God supplieth: that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, whose is the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
Each person can perform a valuable service by the grace of God, which is "manifold" (multi-faceted), where there are various ways one can serve God. And each of us are to be "good stewards" (accountable servants) of whatever gifts or abilities we may have. Even as Paul wrote to the brethren at Rome in Ro 12:3-8 “For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but so to think as to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to each man a measure of faith. For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members have not the same office: so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and severally members one of another. And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; or ministry, let us give ourselves to our ministry; or he that teacheth, to his teaching; or he that exhorteth, to his exhorting: he that giveth, let him do it with liberality; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.”
With two examples, Peter illustrates the kind of service that glorifies God. Those that speak should speak "as the oracles of God". Understanding that they are speaking for God, they should speak only that which God Himself has revealed, with "sound speech that cannot be condemned" - Ti 2:7-8 “in all things showing thyself an ensample of good works; in thy doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of us.” Those that minister (serve) do so with the ability or strength supplied by God Himself! Certainly not with slothfulness - Ro 12:11 “in diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;”
"Living In The End Times", then, is living with the recognition that to God (and Jesus Christ) "belong the glory and dominion forever and ever". With that recognition, we will be careful to develop:
1) Prayer that is serious and alert
2) Love that is fervent and forgiving
3) Hospitality that is gracious
4) Service that glorifies God
How are you living now that "the end of all things is at hand"? Are you glorifying God through Jesus Christ
Sunday, June 20, 2010
The Militant Christian
"THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PETER"
The Militant Christian (1 Peter 4:1-6)
It is quite common today to pick up the newspaper and read about the violent actions of those referred to as "militant fundamentalists". Sometimes the phrase has reference to extremists of the Islamic faith, engaged in what they call "Jihad" (holy war, or struggle). But there also times when it is applied to professing Christians, who resort to physical violence in support of their cause (for example, the radical pro-life movement).
As true followers of the "Prince of Peace" we must remember that the Kingdom is spiritual, and therefore not expanded through carnal means - Jn 18:36 “Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.” We should keep in mind the words of our Savior: "...for all who take sword will perish by the sword." - Mt 26:52. But this is not to say we do not have a true struggle, nor weapons with which to fight... We are engaged in a spiritual struggle, both without and within - Ep 6:12 “For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”; 1 Pe 2:12 “having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.”
We have in our arsenal weapons that are "mighty in God" - 2 Co 10:3-5 “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds), casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;”. Indeed, as we enter the fourth chapter of 1st Peter, we see that Christians are to "arm" themselves in their service to the Lord - 1 Pe 4:1 “Forasmuch then as Christ suffered in the flesh, arm ye yourselves also with the same mind; for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;”. So in one sense, there is such a thing as "The Militant Christian"; but it is important that we properly understand in what sense we are to be militant in our service to the Lord
Using 1 Pe 4:1-6 as our text, I would first point out that "The Militant Christian" is to be armed with the mind of Christ, verse (1) “Forasmuch then as Christ suffered in the flesh, arm ye yourselves also with the same mind; for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;”
A mind willing to suffer is the attitude Peter wants us to have, which was the attitude of Christ Himself - 1 Pe 2:21-23 “who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:”; 3:18“ Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;”
There are two reasons we should be willing to suffer, "since Christ suffered for us". He died for us, that we might live for righteousness - 1 Pe 2:24 “who his own self bare our sins in his body upon the tree, that we, having died unto sins, might live unto righteousness; by whose stripes ye were healed.” Is it asking too much that we might be willing to endure hardship for His sake?Note also, "he who suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin". One who endures hardship for Christ is not likely to allow sin to have dominance in his or her life. "One who has embraced the mind of Christ, and whose life is so influenced by him that he suffers persecution is not in danger of succumbing to the weaker temptations of the flesh. To such an individual these allurements lose their appeal. Martyrs, in the hour of persecution and death, do not toy with temptation or surrender to the seductions of the world!" - Guy N. Woods.
Armed with the mind of Christ, which includes a willingness to suffer for doing good, "The Militant Christian" is also to be militant in his struggle against sin, see verses (2-3). “that ye no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past may suffice to have wrought the desire of the Gentiles, and to have walked in lasciviousness, lusts, winebibbings, revellings, carousings, and abominable idolatries:”
Here is where the major battle is to be fought. A battle between one's soul and fleshly lusts - 1 Pe 2:12 “having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” Unless we first win the battle for our own soul, we are not likely to be of much help in winning the souls of others! Therefore we need to remove the plank out of our own eye first - Mt 7:3-5 “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me cast out the mote out of thine eye; and lo, the beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” Only by first being "spiritual" ourselves are we prepared to help others - Ga 6:1 “Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Many immature Christians begin fighting a "spiritual warfare" with others too soon, and lose the "spiritual warfare" within themselves in the process!
In our motivation for this struggle against sin we have wasted enough of our lifetime doing what is called "the will of the Gentiles", which is briefly summarized in verse 3. What Paul calls the "works of the flesh" in Ga 5:19-21 “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practise such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Now it is time to live out the rest of our life for "the will of God", briefly summarized in verses 7-11 (which will be considered more carefully in the next lesson).
As we think of ourselves "standing strong for the faith" and "fighting the good fight", let's not forget that the battle begins within ourselves. Unless the Christian is first militant in "crucifying the flesh" and "putting to death the deeds of the body", he or she is not likely to have the "spiritual fortitude" necessary to prevent killing one's self in the "battle for truth"2 Ti 2:24-26 “ (note And the Lord’s servant must not strive, but be gentle towards all, apt to teach, forbearing, in meekness correcting them that oppose themselves; if peradventure God may give them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth, and they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him unto his will.”).
When "The Militant Christian" is living out the rest of his or her life for the will of God, we need to be prepared for the fact that we will likely be maligned, verse (4) “wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them into the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:”
Our former companions will think us "strange", because we no longer join with them in their sin. Unable to persuade us from our new course, they may resort to "speaking evil of you". Some young Christians are troubled by this "peer pressure", but when maligned we have reason to rejoice - Mt 5:11-12 “Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you.”; 1 Pe 4:13-14 “but insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory also ye may rejoice with exceeding joy. If ye are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are ye; because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God resteth upon you.” Our response is to be one of love and honorable conduct - Mt 5:44“ but I say unto you, love your enemies, and pray for them that persecute you;”; 1 Pe 2:12“ having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” Who knows? Perhaps our conduct will lead one day to their glorifying God!
Yes, "The Militant Christian" is likely to be thought of by others as a "fanatic", but I believe that deep down even those who malign us the most have respect for our convictions when held with the proper spirit on our part.
Finally, taking a clue from the comments of Peter in verses 5-6, let me suggest that "The Militant Christian" is one who is willing to let God be the judge, (5-6) “who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the living and the dead. For unto this end was the gospel preached even to the dead, that they might be judged indeed according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.”
Verse 6 is another one of "Peter's perplexing passages".. Especially the phrase "the gospel was also preached to those who are dead". Some think Peter is referring back to his comments in 1 Pe 3:18-20... If so, then the "spirits in prison" would be human spirits, not angelic spirits (as I suggested in my earlier lesson). If so, then the preaching of the gospel was:
1) Not an offer of salvation (i.e., a second chance).
2) But a proclamation of what Christ has done, explaining how Christ has redeemed the O.T. faithful, and why others remain condemned.
3) Note that they were still "judged according to men in the flesh" (how they lived in the flesh), though they now "live according to God in the spirit".
Others believe Peter is simply referring to the preaching of the gospel... To people when they were alive, but who are now among the dead.
Either way, as "militant Christians, wee must remember who is the Judge... God is the judge of those who are "outside" - 1 Co 5:12-13 “For what have I to do with judging them that are without? Do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Put away the wicked man from among yourselves.” They will have to "give an account to Him who is ready to judge..." - 1 Pe 4:5. We must therefore be willing to let God be the judge... In other words, leave vengeance to God - Ro 12:19 “Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord.” God will apply the "justice" when necessary, we are called upon to offer His "mercy" until then, through the preaching of the gospel and through living lives of kindness and mercy - Ro 12:20-21 “But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
There is a place, then, for "militancy" in the life of the Christian! But it is to be found in the way we "arm" ourselves with the mind of Christ... "Fighting" the spiritual warfare that wages within. "Militant" in our efforts to live the godly life, do going and showing mercy. Are you "fighting the good fight of faith"? Are you even in the Lord's army...?
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