Modern Reformer
Check us out on Facebook or Email us
  • Home
    • Contact
  • My Blog
    • Helping in Turkana
    • Iceland overview
    • Day 1 in Iceland
    • Photos from the Amsterdam Trip
    • Trip of a Lifetime
    • Our Journey
    • This World Stinks
    • The Elements Shall Melt
    • False Prophets- - AMEN!
    • Death of the Church
    • Who was the last prophet sent by God?
    • Write the Vision
    • Fast Food Christians
    • Jesus Wept
    • The Demise of the Protestant
    • Considering Memorial Day
    • Judas
    • The Downfall of a Civilization
    • Divine Business
    • A Futuristic Short Story
  • Questions
    • Prophecy >
      • What is the point of the "Great Tribulation" if all of the Christians will be raptured?
      • How Do We Prepare for the Great Tribulation?
      • Many preachers say Jesus is coming soon, while there are no clear signs of it. Is it a scare tactic to make people do what they want?
      • Is it true that the Bible says that no one goes to heaven until Jesus comes back?
      • What does the Bible say about Jesus' Second Coming?
      • When does the 2nd Resurrection Take Place?
      • How will Jehovah God save Israel when he brings all nations against it ?
      • When the kingdom of God is established, in what manner ( physically or ?? ) will everybody who obeys Jehovah God will become like Adam ( they will no longer be males and females but all males ) ??
      • Spiritually, What are we on the verge of?
      • When did the 70 years desolation spoken by Jeremiah begin?
      • What is meant by Rome being called the Antichrist?
      • In the book of Daniel 11:21-24, is the despicable man that is mentioned here was Antiochus Epiphanes IV?
      • What is the difference between the Babylonia that were mentioned in the Old Testament and the Babylonia that was mentioned in the book of Revelation?
      • What are the comparison of the verses Ps 83:1-8,Ez 38:7-16, Zech 14:2-3,and Rev 20:8-9--are they the same in meaning?
      • Of that Day and that Hour
      • How Will Jesus' Second Coming Happen?
      • Will the End Times Battle Be Fought With Weapons
      • Biblically speaking what will the world be like after Armageddon?
      • End Times and Sodom and Gomorrah?
      • At which trumpet will Michael and his angels boot Satan and his angels from heaven to earth?
      • When does/did Jesus Christ's reign as King of God's Kingdom start?
      • Is the Beast in Revelation the Antichrist?
      • Jesus Would Return as He Left?
      • What do you think Jesus meant that if God had not shortened those days, no flesh would survive?
      • What are You Looking Forward To?
      • Is This the Beginning of the Apocalypse?
      • What does Jesus Mean When He Says This?
      • Evidence of the Signs of the Times?
      • What will the Kingdom Accomplish?
      • How Will the Scoffers Feel when Jesus Comes?
      • What is the Significance of the Word "Presence."
      • Why Does My Mom Say We are in the Last Day?
      • What Exactly do People Think the Apocalypse is?
    • Doctrine >
      • Can a person worthy of Heaven be OK with others going to Hell?
      • Can the theory of "being born a sinner" and the theory of "age of accountability" exist at the same time? How and why?
      • According to the Bible, why is everyone born a sinner?
      • Do those don't hear about Jesus go to hell?
      • How is Christ the Wisdom of God?
      • Why does the Soul of the Dead Sinner need to be Oppressed?
      • What did Jesus mean when He said: The Way, the Truth, the Life?
      • Is the Fire of Hell Literal? Why?
      • Did Jesus Redeem Everyone? Is Everyone Saved?
      • If a baby or infant died ....he'll become an angel?
      • What is Biblical Faith?
      • Do You Believe in Hell?
      • Water Baptism and Spirit Baptism, which is more important?
      • Question on Death, Sleep, Resurrection?
      • What is the soul?
      • The Rapture
      • Is John the Baptist going to heaven?
    • General Questions >
      • How can the Gospel transform individuals and the society today?
      • Why are dogs not allowed in heaven according to the Bible?
      • Question about Islam and Christianity
      • Is a Person Who Hasn't Heard About Christianity a Sinner...?
      • Are Saints in Heaven Free...?
      • Question on John the Baptist
      • Thief on the Cross Question
      • Does the Bible has a mention about the secret societies like...?
      • Is the Garden of Eden still on earth (hidden from mankind ) ?
      • Does the Bible prove all other religions false?
      • Why do Muslims hate Jews ?
      • What do you think of the Interpretation of Gen. 2:17?
      • Did God Hate Esau from the Womb?
      • What is your opinion of the theological terms kingdom of heaven and kingdom of God?
      • ​Please can you explain Colossians 2:14-17, where it's says "do not let anyone judge you"?
      • What do you mean by Regeneration..?
      • Is it literally mean that Turkey is the seat of Satan?
      • I'm a Christian but I don't like to go to church...I pray and read my bible in the house....what the bible teaches about fellowship?
      • Abraham the father of Isaac and Ismael...he was Jew or Hebrew..?
      • I'm a believer. I pray that I might win in lottery,sweepstakes, casino...I won....is this a sin?
      • Please Explain Romans 10:9,10
      • Can We as Christians be Guilty of Choosing Barabbas over Jesus?
      • What is the Purpose of Satan?
      • Why would God do this? And then punish Israel for it?
      • Is the Roman Catholic Church a true church established by Jesus Christ?
      • What is Heaven Like?
      • How long (on average) does it take one to join your religion?
      • Is a judge performing his duties in a courtroom violating Jesus' command, "Do not judge"?
      • How is it that even the demons "knew Him to be the Christ." How did they know?
      • Who is Jesus claiming to be in John 8:24 and what does it mean to "die in your sins"?
      • Does the Bride of Christ have to die first?
      • Can We as Christians be Guilty of Choosing Barabbas over Jesus?
      • What about Holidays?
      • What is a Biblical Family?
      • How do We Treat Family Members Who Say They are Christians but Don't Acts Like It?
      • What is the Second Death?
      • Question on the Parable of the Two Sons
      • Christ came that we would have life abundantly correct?
      • Who is the Son of Perdition?
      • What are your thoughts on Psalm 137:9?
      • What is the difference between the DOOR in Rev 3:8 and the DOOR in Rev 3:20 ?
      • Out of the Seven Churches in Revelation, which would you say is the closet to your church?
      • What is the main message in the book of Amos, what value does it hold for today’s modern society?
      • Gospel of Thomas question:
      • Question on Tithing
      • Are some people never going to be resurrected from the dead?
      • Does God Love Unconditionally?
      • What Percentage of the Bible Do You Have to Know?
      • Do you keep the Sabbath?
      • Why was Man Excluded Because No Wedding Garment?
      • It is the Day of Atonement...Will you offer a prayer & agree in prayer for their salvation?
      • Did Noah Keep Bees in the Ark?
      • As the Pope's 9-letter surname, Bergoglio, has the word GOG bang in the middle of it, I wonder if biblical?
      • Who is Peter talking about in 1 Peter 4:18?
      • What is the purpose of pigs?
      • Please explain how the meek inherit the earth?
      • Do You Know the Names of Jesus' Two Sheepfolds?
      • Is Jesus in His Human Body in Heaven?
  • Meditations of Joy
    • Overcoming Lack of Confidence to Connect and ‘Fit In’ Part 1
    • All Things in the Name of Jesus
    • The Treasured Life
    • Afflicted in Faithfulness
    • Making All Things New
    • Instinctive Trust
    • #721 Extracting the Precious from the Worthless
    • Some Keys to Dealing Faithfully with Criticism and Conflict Part 2
    • Some Keys to Dealing Faithfully with Criticism Part 1
    • Facing Change and the Unknown in Confidence
    • Glorify Thy Name in us, O LORD
    • Remembering Who We Are
    • Deliverance through Overwhelm
    • Finding Stability
    • Resurrection Power At Work
    • Diamonds in the Night (Revisited)
    • Final Faithfulness According to the Will of the Father Part 2
    • Final Faithfulness According to the Will of the Father
    • The Expanse of Jesus Prayer
    • The Reality of the Joy Set Before Him
    • The Determination To Do His Will
    • Choosing the Will of the Father
    • He Sustains the Weary with a Word
    • I am willing
    • Looking Forward: Making Isaiah 40.27-31 my own Part 2
    • Looking Forward: Making Isaiah 40:27-31 my own
    • Looking Back on Lessons in this Past Year Part 5
    • Looking Back on Lessons in this Past Year Part 4
    • Looking Back on Lessons in this Past Year Part 3
    • #698 Looking Back on Lessons in this Past Year Part 1 A Dear Brother wrote out the main things he was learning in the past year. As I read them I realized that that the Lord was teaching me along similar lines. First he shared: 1. “God’s
    • Looking Back on Lessons in this Past Year Part 1
    • Our True Source of Stability in Trying Times Part 2Blog
    • Humble Yourself Under the Mighty Hand of God
    • Our True Source of Stability in Trying Times
    • Thriving in the house of God
    • Living the Divine Dimensions of Their Love
    • Make Room for the Blessing! Part 2
    • Make Room for the Blessing! Part 1
    • Dealing with ‘What If’ Part 1
    • Abiding in Their Love
    • Serving by Night
    • Serving By Night
    • Tenacious Love Part 2
    • Tenacious Love Part 1
    • Reverence for God is an Access to Wisdom and Confidence
    • The Practice of Praise
    • Separate the Precious from the Worthless
    • Therefore I Will Remember You Part 2
    • Therefore I Will Remember You Part 1
    • #676 Only One Thing is Necessary
    • Antidotes for Personal Unrest Amid Unfolding Events of our Day Part 3
    • Antidotes for Personal Unrest Amid Unfolding Events of our Day Part 3
    • Antidotes for Personal Unrest Amid Unfolding Events of our Day Part 2
    • Antidotes for Personal Unrest Amid Unfolding Events of our Day Part 1
    • Pliability and Surrender Part 2 In the Care of the Shepherd
    • Pliability and Surrender Part 1 in the Hands of the Potter
    • The Choice to Rejoice
    • Dealing with Reaction to Criticism Part 3
    • Dealing with Reaction to Criticism Part 2
    • Dealing with Reaction to Criticism Part 1
    • Courage to Go Forward
    • Facing Challenge Equipped with His Armor Part 3
    • Facing Challenge Equipped with His Armor Part 1
    • The Holy Ground of Challenge
    • What We Remember, What We Forget
    • The Answer to Anxiety Part 3
    • The Answer to Anxiety Part 2
    • The Answer to Anxiety Part 1
    • Paul’s focus in Prison: Part 6b Resurrection power Beyond Our Comprehension
    • Paul’s Focus in Prison: In Awe of His Resurrection Power Part 6aBlog
    • Paul’s Focus in Prison: Part 5a Never give up praying for one another!
    • Paul's focus in Prison: Part 4 Guarded!
    • Paul’s focus in prison Part 3 Going forward with Passion
    • Paul’s focus in prison Part 2
    • Paul’s Focus in Prison Part 1
    • LIVING Hope and Joy
    • Arms Wide Open
    • Diamonds in the Night (Revisited from 2017)
    • “Yet Thou art Holy”
    • Resolutely Going Forward
    • Passover Love
    • Praying for a Word to Give the Weary
    • Content Whatever Lot I See Part 2
    • Content Whatever Lot I See Part 1Blog
    • A Night Journey to Peace Part 2
    • A Night Journey to Peace
    • Trusting His Choices
    • Peace Amid the Storm
    • Love is Patient
    • Proving His Name to His Glory
    • Watching in Hope
    • Glorifying His Name Begins with the Realm of Thought
    • "Father Glorify Thy Name"--Possible when we Let Him Love us
    • Father Glorify Thy Name Possible when we Let Him Love us
    • Father Glorify Thy Name Part 3 (A roadblock to be aware of)
    • Father Glorify Thy Name Part 2 (Practical application)
    • Father, Glorify Thy Name
    • Finding His Joy
    • The Blessing of Over-and-Over-Testings
    • Redefining Our Perception of Rejection
    • The Source of all Encouragement
    • Casting our Care and Leaving it There
    • Setting our Face Like Flint
    • Accepting God’s Will for our Beloved Brethren
    • Our Home in Every Challenge: Seeing Beyond the Illusion
    • Call to Consider: His Amazing Provision
    • Call to Consider: His Amazing Provision
    • Sure Proof of His Divine Provision
    • Some Lessons from David in Absalam's Rebellion and Unresolved Conflict
    • His Glory: Permission to Prune
    • His Glory: A Call to Re-focus
    • Trade in the Old Thinking for a New Song!
    • A Practical Look at the Armor of God
    • Resting in His Provision
    • His Perspective from the Heights, Borne on the Wings of the Eagle
    • What Would Jesus THINK?
    • The Joy of Wholeheartedness Part 2
    • The Joy of Wholeheartedness Part 1
    • The Joy of His Love Empowering us to Love Part 2
    • The Joy of Overcoming Irritation: Divine Love Empowering us to Love Part 1
    • The Joy of the LORD is your Strength: Sending Portions!
    • Finding Joy Part 2b: The Joy of the LORD is your Strength: Eat and Drink!
    • Finding Joy Part 2a: The Joy of the LORD is your Strength
    • Finding Joy: The Joy Set Before Us Part 1
    • The Refuge of His Wise and Loving Power
    • Facing the Challenge in the Beauty of Holiness
    • Facing the Challenge with Praise, Prayer and Perspective
    • Enthroning Him upon our Praise
    • Yet You Are Holy
    • Yet You are Holy
    • Another Look at “Arise, Let us go hence”
    • “My Peace” When We Feel Alone
    • “My Peace” Amid the Storm” Part 5
    • “My Peace” Amid the Storm” Part 4
    • My Peace” Amid the Storm” Part 3
    • “My Peace” Amid the Storm” Part 2
    • “My Peace” Amid the Storm” Part 1
    • A Prayer for the Power of His Penetrating Gaze of Love Part 2
    • A Prayer for the Power of His Penetrating Gaze
    • Trusting Enough to Get Out of the Boat
    • The Answer to Resistance: Trusting His Provision in the Process Part 2
    • The Answer to Resistance: Trusting that what He allows is GOOD.
    • He Knows What We Need, a Call to Praise Amid the Unknown!
    • My Heart is Fixed
    • My Heart is Fixed
    • The Creative Deliverance That Surrounds Us
    • How to Rejoice in the Midst of Whatever Happens Part 4
    • #547 How to Rejoice in the Midst of Whatever Happens Part 3
    • How to Rejoice in the Midst of Whatever Happens Part 2
    • How to Rejoice in the Midst of Whatever Happens Part 1
    • Our Prayerful Song in the Midst of Whatever Happens
    • #543 What Brings Us Peace No Matter What Happens
    • Freedom from the Trap of Old Thinking
    • Freedom from the Trap of Old Thinking Part 2
    • He Restores my Soul
    • “Look up and Let Go”
    • Nothing Shall Offend
    • Moment by Moment Deliverance from Fear
    • We Will Continue to Praise Him in the Midst of Every Circumstance
    • We Will Continue to Praise Him in the Midst of Every Circumstance Part 2
    • We Will Continue to Praise Him in the Midst Every Circumstance
    • Trust in His Perspective Frees us from Every ‘Prison’ Part 2
    • Trust in His Perspective Frees us from Every ‘Prison’
    • Run through the Open Door
    • Dwelling in ONE Master
    • Dwelling in His Shadow and Watching from the Wings
    • Dwelling in the Obedience of Christ
    • Overcoming Some Old Habits of Thought
    • Setting our Minds for Surrender Each Morning
    • Some of Peters Advice for Relationships in these Last Days
    • What Helps us to Accept Every Experience
    • His Leading through the Valley
    • Being His Valiant Warrior
    • Our Valiant Warrior
    • Living Deep-rooted Attachment in Christ
    • Keep on Sowing!
    • Surely the LORD is in the place
    • Red Sea Advice Part 4 The Red Sea Response
    • Red Sea Advice Part 3 The Red Sea Reaction
    • Red Sea Advice Part 2
    • Red Sea Advice Part 1
    • A Call to Peace
    • But Then on The Third Day
    • He Endured the Cross Part 3 Psalm 22 NIV
    • He Endured the Cross Psalm 22 Part 2
    • He Endured the Cross Part 1
    • The Cup that Crystallizes Part 3
    • The Cup that Crystallizes Part 2
    • The Cup that Crystallizes Part 1
    • The Yoke that Gives Us Rest
    • Proper Use of limitation, A Call For Balance
    • Another Lesson in Making Room for Their Surpassing Power Through the Proper Use of our Limitations
    • The Posture of Waiting and Trust that Allows Him To Demonstrate His Surpassing Power
    • To Demonstrate His Surpassing Power 2
    • To Demonstrate His Surpassing Power
    • WE will get through this!
    • Delight to do His will
    • I Know the Plans I Have for You
    • But for a Moment
    • Wake me up, Lord
    • We are a Team!
    • When we feel alone
    • The One Next Step
    • Trusting the Love that Stabilizes Us Through Every Storm
    • Triumph Over Appearance
    • The Joy of His Abundance
    • Express Gratitude
    • Numbering our Days
    • Expressions of His Love
    • The Breadth of His Provision
    • His Faithfulness Behind Every Challenge
    • He Stands at the Door of our Hearts
    • Your Tender Mercies Give Me Life
    • The Craftsmanship of His Workmanship in us
    • With You Wherever You Go
    • Listening to His Voice Amid the Physical Challenge of Shingles
    • A Refuge Better than People Pleasing
    • My Prayer in the Morning
    • They Will Not Prevail
    • When Things Don't Go My Way
    • How To Be a Refuge Like Him
    • A Very Present Help in Trouble
    • How to be a Refuge Like Him
    • Humble Yourselves Under the Mighty Hand of God
    • On Which Side Will We Dwell?
    • The Light That Shines on Our Challenges
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Part 6
    • Plow My Thoughts
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Part 5
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Part 4
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Part 3
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts Part 2
    • Rewriting our Negative Memories and Thoughts
    • Stand in Awe in the Midst of Depression
    • Patient Waiting in the Face of Challenge
    • Our Expectation and Refuge in the Face of Fear
    • His Way of Escape
    • Healing the Root of Fear pt 2
    • Healing the Root of Fear
    • Weeding Day
    • Another Aspect of Wash Day!
    • Wash Day!
    • The Cup of Blessing Which We Bless
    • Our Abba Father
    • Accepting the Gift and Passing it On
    • Accepting the Gift of His Training
    • Open Our Eyes to See
    • The Breath of Forgiveness Part 2
    • The Breath of Forgiveness
    • Living Each Moment for Him
    • Diamonds in the Night
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 7
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 6
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 3
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 3
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 2
    • His Word that Sustains us in Times of Weariness Part 1
    • Faithful in the Hour Part 1
    • Delight in His Delight
    • The Beauty of Brokenness Surrendered to Him
    • How to Never Give up Part 2
    • How to Never Give UP part 1
    • Whatever We Do Part 2
    • Whatever We Do
    • Resurrection Power At Work
    • Tested by the Word of God
    • Waiting on the LORD
    • My Dad Road Sign
    • The Amazing Privilege of Being Coached by the Most High God
    • Casting Both Circles of Care Upon Him
    • The Heart of Deliverance
    • Say Amen!
    • Amen
    • Trusting Where He Leads
    • Made Strong to Listen
    • This is Who I AM
    • The Mindset of Deliverance
    • Strongholds
    • Your Love Has Conquered My Resistance
    • Our Stability Amid These Times and Seasons of Change
    • Precious in the Sight part 2
    • Precious in the Sight of the Lord
    • His Battle
    • Looking to Him
    • Proving Him Holy
    • Rejoice in the Road
    • The Divine Ectetera
    • Waking up to Hope in God in the Present Moment
    • Hiding His Word in Our Heart
    • The Power of Acceptance
    • The Power of Listening From His Love
    • The Gift of Spiritual Eyesight (In Relationships)
    • The Gift of Spiritual Eyesight Part 2
    • The Gift of Spiritual Eyesight
    • The Past and Present Reality of Deliverance
    • Willing To Trust
    • Quieting the Noise So We Can Hear His Knock and Receive Feasting in Place of Empty Snacking
    • An Olive Tree in the House of God
    • Our Choice at Break of Day
    • From Accusation to Acclamation
    • The Pure Joy of What Is
    • Arise and Eat
    • Power Over the Pit
    • His Altar (The Dimensions of Love)
    • Living The Dimensions of Love
    • The Dimensions of Love
    • All My Springs are in You
    • Crucified with Christ--A Prayer
    • Psalm 22 on the Cross to the Ninth Hour
    • The Mind of Christ Revealed on the Cross Part 2
    • The Mind of Christ as Revealed on the Cross Part 1
    • Stop and Savor His View
    • The Final Hymn
    • The Keeping Power of the Father and the Son part 3
    • The Keeping Power of the Father and the Son part 2
    • Keeping the Power of the Father and the Son part 1
    • Father Glorify Thy Name
    • She Has Done What She Could
    • The Megaphone of God
    • Teach me to be an influence that honors You
    • Fill Me with Your Willingness and Skill
    • The Greatest Reality Amid any Overwelm
    • Seeing Something New
    • Trusting Him Anew
    • The Power of the Yoke of Jesus
    • How to be Humble
    • Building Faith to Prepare for Any Collision
    • Opening the Door of our Language to God
    • Safe in His Compassions
    • Who He Is in Every Experience
    • Continual Praise
    • Beside Still Waters
    • Faith and Hope in the Midst of Challenge
    • The Beauty of Flaw Wrapped in Perfection Revisited
    • Empowering Love
    • Discovering the Hidden Treasure
    • Thoroughly Known
    • Very Present Help
    • Not by Might
    • Under His Wings I Trust
    • Aiming at Eternity
    • What to Forget, What to Remember
    • Ready to Turn My Life Around for God
    • Triumph Over Circumstances--Don't Kill the Messenger
    • Waterlogged and Triumphant
    • Escape from Stress When We Don't Understand
    • Escape from Stress, Equipped with Hinds Feet
    • Surely the Lord is in the Place
    • Escape from Stress When We Fail part 2
    • Escaping from Stress When We Fail part 1
    • Escape From Stress When We don't Understand
    • From Stress to Peace Part 1
    • Step by Step Escape from Stress
    • Making Room to be Filled
    • Making Room to be Filled
    • The Power to Love When We Cannot
    • The Power to Love When We Cannot
    • Overcoming Illusion
    • The Blessing of Overwelm
    • Jesus is the Door
    • In Perfect Faithfulness
    • The Space to Choose
    • Discipline, Not Condemnation
    • Discipline, Not Condemnation
    • The Voice of our Risen Lord
    • Passover Perspectives: A Night of Watching
    • Passover Perspectives: The Protection of the Father in the Midst of the Cross
    • Passover Perspectives: The Deliverance that will Never Be Forgotten
    • Passover Perspectives: No Fear
    • Passover Perspective: The Far Reaching Power of His Sacrifice
    • Passover Perspectives: Living Unleavened
    • Passover Perspectives: Eating on the Run
    • Passover Perspectives: The Fires that Proved Him Faithful
    • Passover Perspectives: The Power of his Sacrifice
    • Passover Perspectives Exodus 12: The Keeping of the Lamb
    • Passover Perspectives: A collective celebration
    • Passover Perspectives: A New Beginning
    • A Prayer for God's Glory
    • Road Sign
    • The Beauty of Perfection
    • Every Hour
    • What will we put in the Relationship Box?
    • Discovering His Everlasting Love
    • His Timing and Strength in Every Phase of Life
    • Trusting Him in Every Valley
    • Trusting the One Who Pours the Cup
    • Smallest Beginning, Greatest Gift
    • Thoroughly Known, Thoroughly Pursued
    • Red Sea Rule #10
    • Red Sea Rule #9
    • Agreeing with God
    • Red Sear Rule #8
    • Red Sea Rule #7
    • Red Sea Rule #6
    • Red Sea Rule #5
    • Red Sea Rule 3 & 4
    • Red Sea Rules #2
    • Red Sea Rules--part 1
    • What Great Honor
    • What do you see?
    • The Power of a Living Faith
    • Awe for God in the Face of Fear
    • No Trial Will Ever Be Too Severe
    • The Work of the Gardener and the Architect
    • Wisdom Out of the Whirlwind
    • Hold On
    • Dwelling in Hope: The power of what we expect and believe
    • Conflict as a Call to Loving Action
    • Trusting His Infinite Wisdom
    • Emotion Management through The Power of Discretion
    • Do Not Delay; The Golden Moments Fly
    • Delight in the Lord
    • Loving New Part 2
    • Loving New
    • To Change the Paradigm
    • My Yoke is Easy, My Burden is Light
    • The Way of Escape
    • Equipped to Face Whatever Comes
    • Time to Trust part 3
    • Time to Trust part 2
    • A Time to Trust
    • Words of Wisdom
    • Wake Up New and See the Bigger Picture
    • Weeping and Finding
    • Resurrection Legacy
    • His Seamless Garment
    • Resurrection Legacy
    • Compelled by Love
    • Test of the Dream Part 3B
    • Test of the Dream --Part 3
    • Test of the Dream --Part 2
    • The Test of the Dream
    • The Love of God in Christ--part 2
    • The Love of God in Christ
    • Shedding Light on Discouragement
    • No More Re-Runs and No more Previews
    • No More Re-Runs
    • Triumph of Trust
    • With You Always, Day by Day
    • Triumph over Temptation
    • Step by Step
    • The Lord, My Confidence --part 2
    • The Lord, My Confidence--part 1
    • Seeking the Face of God and Christ
    • My Always Faithful God
    • The Answer to Overwhelm
    • Every Knee Shall Bow
    • Free to Experience the Intentions of God
    • Finding Bread at Midnight
    • Faithful Wounds
    • Battlefield Strategies
    • Take Time to Be Kind
    • Oh Magnify the Lord with Me by the Power of Thanksgiving
    • What do You Expect?
    • Unlikely Battlefield Strategies Part 2
    • The Miracle of Acceptance
    • Crisis Control
    • When Things Don't Go My Way
    • The Power of Pure Choice in Christ
    • Let the King of Glory In!
    • Whose Wall Do I Trust?
    • The Power of Thanksgiving
    • The Postures of Possiblities
    • If You Trust Me Let Go
    • Barefoot!
    • Holy Ground: Accepting the Mission
    • Holy ground: Facing the Fire
    • After the Battle
    • Accessable
    • Surrender in Awe and Wait in Joy
    • The Strength of our Spiritual Root System
    • Space to Trust
    • Full of Sap Part 3
    • Full of Sap Part 2
    • Full of Sap
    • The Mind of Mature Persistence part 3
    • The Mind of Mature Persistence part 2
    • Mind of Mature Persistance
    • Expect the Unexpected
    • Hearing Through the Ears of Jesus
    • Our Memorial Legacy: Keeping the Feast
    • Our Memorial Legacy
    • The Heart of the Father
    • The Cattle on a Thousand Hills
    • Patient with Process
    • He is Risen! Continue to Seek
    • Never Out-Numbered--Never Give Up!
    • Never Out-Numbered
    • Gathering Forces No Match For the Lord of the Harvest
    • The Power of Sanctified Choice – A Testimony
    • The Power of Sanctified Choice on the Cross
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 8
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 7
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 6
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 5
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 4
    • Jesus' Last Prayer part 3
    • Jesus' Last Prayer Part 2
    • Jesus Last Prayer--Part 1
    • The Great Exchange Epilogue
    • The Great Exchange
    • Back to Bethel --I Will Make an Alter There
    • Back to Bethel, Put Away Foreign Gods
    • Surely the Lord is in this place part 4
    • Surely the Lord is in this Place part 3
    • Surely the Lord is in this Place part 2
    • Surely the Lord is in This Place
    • Jesus is Lord part 2
    • Jesus Christ is Lord
    • Hope in the Face of Every Circumstance
    • A Creative Day
    • And It Was Good
    • Trusting the Silence of God
    • When the Stone is too Heavy Part 2
    • Peace When the Stone is Too Heavy
    • The Peace When We are Silent
    • The Path to Peace Part 3
    • Path to Peace Part 2
    • The Path to Peace Part 1
    • What Ever You Do part 2
    • What Ever You Do
    • Welcome Home part 2
    • Unencumbered Vision
    • Training Our Perceptions in the Spiritual Gymnasium of Challenge
    • The Vacuum Cleaner Dreams
    • Restoring the Spark of Life in Life part 2
    • Restoring the Spark of Life in Life part 1
    • Welcome Home
    • Overcoming Satan Overcoming Guilt part 2
    • Overcoming Satan, Overcoming Guilt part 1
    • Dealing with Emotions part 2
    • Dealing with Emotions
    • The Power of We
    • Do Not Delay part 2
    • Do Not Delay part 1
    • Something New
  • Foreign Studies
    • Alur >
      • CIK MAN WORO II GIRACWIA MANYEN --Electing Elders
      • WARAGA PA KRISTO (Epistle of Christ)
      • CIK MU ROMO – CIK MI MOLA--The Royal Law--Alur
    • Laganda >
      • AMAKULU AMALALA AG'OKUTAGANGIRIRA NE SADAKA Y'OKUTANGIRIRA
      • EWEEMA ESSULA EY'OKUNA (Chapter IV Tabernacle Shadows)
      • OKWAWULIBWA KWA BAKABONA--Tabernacle chapter 3
      • ISIRAIRI, AB'ALEEVI N'E BAKABONA--Tabernacle chapter 2
      • EWEEMA EY'OKUSISINKANIRAMU--Tabernacle chapter 1
      • OKUBATIZIBWA KWE KITONDE EKIGYA ( BAPTISM)
      • ENKOLA EY'EKIMU KYEKUMI --The Tithing custom--Luganda
      • ENKOLA NE MPIISA MU KANISA YA BALONDE--E315 Doctrine and Studies
      • EMPISA MU KANISA YA BALONDE--Matthew 18New Page
      • ENKOLA NE MPISA ZE KITONDE EKIGYA--Electing Elders
      • OLUNAKU OLW'OBUSUNGU NE KIRUYI ERI ABABI The Day of Vengeance
      • KIKI EKIRI MUBOWOMBEEFU OBWAMAZIMA What is Embodied in True Humility
      • OKUBIRIZA BANAFFE MU KWAGALA --Provoke One Another
      • EKIRAGIRO EKIKULU GYETULI OMWOYO W’OKWAGALA--The Royal Law--The Golden Rule
      • TUNULIRA OYO EYAKOMERERWA--A Look at the Crucified One
      • EBBALUWA YA KRISTO (The Epistle of Christ)
      • OKUTEEKA OMUTIMA KU NDOGOYI (Putting the Heart Before the Horse)
    • Swahili >
      • "MAJIVU YA NDAMA KUSHINIKIZA KICHAFI "
      • HALI YA SASA YA UKRISTO--Chapter 6
      • USHAURI WA PETRO KWA WAZEE
      • WAKILI DHALIMU --The Unjust Steward
      • AINA NYINGINE YA SADAKA ZA DHAMBI --Tabernacle chapter 5
      • "SIKU KUU YA UPATANISHO"--Tabernacle chapter 4
      • MAJARIBU YA KIPEKEE KWA KIUMBE KIPYA--Temptations Peculiar to the New Creation
      • "BWANA MUNGU WAKO ANAKUTHIBITISHA" --The Lord proveth you
      • MTAZAMO KWA ALIYESULUBISHWA--A Look at the Crucified OneNew Page
      • 1 Wakorintho 6
      • MAANA MKITENDA HAYO MAMBO--If you Do These Things
      • KUTAKASIWA KWA KUHANI--Tabernacle chapter 3 the Priesthood
      • WANYENYEKEVU NDIYO WATAKAO URIDHI UFALME--Only the Humble shall share in the Kingdom
      • BUSARA KAMA NYOKA NA WAPOLE KAMA NJIWA--Wise as serpents, harmless as doves
      • WAISRAELI, WALAWI NA WAKUHANI--Tabernacle chapter 2
      • Mabadiliko Ya Dhambi Za Biashara Zaidi---Tabernacle chapter 1
      • Ubatizo katika kifo cha Kristo--Baptisim into Christ's Death-Swahili
      • MTU WA YEHOVA--Messenger of Jehovah
      • KUCHUKULIA JINA LA MUNGU KWA MZAHA--Taking the Lord's Name in Vain
      • TUMAINI ILIYOBORA KWA KUFUNGUA UBINADAMU.--blessed hope for suffering humanity
      • Tumaini za Uhai Milele na Uhamasishaji uliyodhaminiwa na upatanisho--Everlasting Life and Immortality
      • NENO ZILIZOFANYWA MWILI.--Logos Made Flesh
      • Upendo kwa vitendo.--Love in Action
      • Wana wa MUNGU WA ROHO na MUNGU--Spirit-begotten Sons of God R5582
      • FUNGO LA VI Sehemu ya 4 — Mafundisho na Mikutano--Doctrines and Meetings
      • FUNGO LA VI Sehemu ya 3 - Kanisa na Mikutano--Church Meetings
      • TAFADHALI NA USHAURI KWA UADILIFU Mpya Nidhamu katika Eklesia
      • TAFADHALI NA USHAURI KWA UADILIFU MPYA. WAZEE.--EldersNew Page
      • MUHIMU WA KUJIDHIBITI.
      • GHARAMA WA KIUFUNDI.--Cost of Discipleship
      • CHAGUENI LEO NI NANI MTAKAYE MTUMIKIA Choose Ye This Day Whom You Shall Serve
      • KURUDI KWA BWANA WETU NA HASILI YAKE UREKEBISHO YA KILA KITU --Our Lord's Return
      • KUJIFUNGUZA KABLA--Provoking One Another
      • "HERI WALIO SAFI MOYONI"--Blessed are the Pure in Heart
      • "SIKU YA SHULE"--The Day of Vengence
      • NINI KIHUSISHWA NA UAMINIFU WA KWELI--What is Embodied in True Humility
      • SHERIA YA KIFALME NA SHERIA YA DHAHABU--The Royal Law
      • William Wilberforce--Real Christianity--Swahili >
        • Introductions
        • SURA YA KWANZA--Chapter 1
        • SURA YA PILI--Chapter 2
        • SURA YA TATU KUELEWA UKRISTO WA KIDESTURI--Chapter 3ge
        • Sura ya nne VIGEZO VYA KWELI VYA TABIA ZA KIKRISTO--Chapter 4 (sections 1 and 2)
        • SURA YA TANO--HOJA ZA UKRISTO WA KWELI
      • Kuweka Moyo mbele ya Farasi.--(Putting the Heart before the Horse)
      • WARAKA WA KRISTO--Epistle of Christ
  • Studies
    • Topical Studies >
      • After this Manner Pray Ye
      • How To Live in a Cancel Culture
      • Enjoy Your Mess of Pottage
      • The Importance of Self-Control
      • Blessed are the Pure in Heart
      • Provoking One Another
      • The Royal Law--The Golden Rule
      • A Look at the Crucified One
      • The Epistle of Christ
      • Putting the Heart before the Horse.
      • Forgive Seventy Times Seven
      • Prayer
      • The Heart More Important than the Head
      • Control of the Tongue a Necessity
      • Christ in You, the Hope of Glory
      • Love in Action
      • Deeper Insights into the Resurrection of Lazarus
      • Hindrances to Spiritual Growth
      • John Wycliffe and the Lollards
      • Arius and the Public Debate
      • Peter Waldo and the Waldensians
      • John Huss
      • Day of the Lord
      • Day of Judgment
      • Judgment Its Use and Abuse
      • Zechariah 5 The Woman in the Ephah
      • Marriage of Isaac and Rebekah
      • Messages Given by Church and Great Multitude
      • Joshua and the Battle of Jericho
      • Beauty and Bands--Harmonizing Ezekiel 37 and Zechariah 11
      • To the Glory of God
      • What it means to be a Christian
      • Watch and Pray
      • The Women of Revelation
      • Wise and Foolish Virgins
      • Discourse 2 Peter 3:1-10
      • As the Day is Long
      • Disqualification for the Priesthood
      • Deadly Decisions
      • Doctrine of the Trinity
      • Immortality
      • List of Heresies of the Catholic Church
    • Gospel of Matthew >
      • Matthew Chapter 2
      • Matthew Chapter 3
      • Matthew Chapter 4
      • Matthew Chapter 5
      • Matthew Chapter 7
      • Matthew Chapter 8
      • Matthew Chapter 9
      • Matthew Chapter 10
      • Matthew Chapter 11
      • Matthew Chapter 12
      • Matthew Chapter 13
      • Matthew Chapter 14
      • Matthew Chapter 15
      • Matthew Chapter 16
      • Matthew Chapter 17
      • Matthew Chapter 18
      • Matthew Chapter 19
      • Matthew Chapter 20
      • Matthew Chapter 21
      • Matthew Chapter 22
      • Matthew Chapter 23
      • Matthew Chapter 24
      • Matthew 24
    • Gospel of Mark >
      • Mark Chapter 1
      • Mark Chapter 2
      • Mark Chapter 3
      • Mark Chapter 4
      • Mark Chapter 5
      • Mark Chapter 6
      • Mark Chapter 7
      • Mark Chapter 8
      • Mark Chapter 9
      • Mark Chapter 10
      • Mark Chapter 11
      • Mark Chapter 12
      • Mark Cahpter 13
    • Gospel of John >
      • John Chapter 14
      • John Chapter 15
      • John Chapter 16
      • John Chapter 17
    • Romans 12
    • Timothy >
      • 2 Timothy Chapter 2
      • 2 Timothy Chapter 3
      • 2 Timothy Chapter 4
    • Hebrews >
      • Hebrews Chapter 1
      • Hebrews Chapter 2
      • Hebrews Chapter 3
      • Hebrews Chapter 4
      • Hebrews Chapter 5
      • Hebrews Chapter 6
      • Hebrews Chapter 7
      • Hebrews Chapter 8
      • Hebrews Chapter 9
      • Hebrews Chapter 10
      • Hebrews Chapter 11
      • Hebrews Chapter 12
      • Hebrews Chapter 13
    • Epistles of Peter >
      • 1 Peter Chapter 1
      • 1 Peter Chapter 2
      • 1 Peter Chapter 3
      • 1 Peter Chapter 4
      • 1 Peter Chapter 5
      • 2 Peter Chapter 1
      • 2 Peter Chapter 2
      • 2 Peter Chapter 3
    • Revelation >
      • Introduction to Revelation
      • Revelation Chapter 2
      • Revelation Chapter 3
      • Revelation Chapter 4
      • Revelation Chapter 18
    • Psalms >
      • Psalm 52
      • Psalm 91
      • Psalm 96
      • Psalm 96
      • Psalm 97
      • Psalm 120
    • Proverbs >
      • Proverbs 23
    • Jeremiah >
      • Jeremiah 49
      • Jeremiah 50 Fall of Babylon
      • Jeremiah 51
      • Jeremiah 52
    • Ezekiel >
      • Ezekiel Chapter 1
      • Ezekiel Chapter 2
      • Ezekiel 40:1-5
      • Ezekiel Chapter 40:6-49
    • Malachi >
      • Malachi Chapter 4
  • Our Channel
    • Memorial 2021
    • Bible Time--Creation
  • The Power of our Continual Overwhelming Priority

1 Peter Chapter 5

1 Peter 5:1 TPT  Now, I encourage you as an elder, an eyewitness of the sufferings of Christ, and one who shares in the glory that is about to be unveiled. I urge my fellow elders among you
 
Guzik: The elders who are among you I exhort: Peter will give a word of exhortation to the elders who are among the Christians reading this letter. These elders have special responsibilities that Peter will address.

i. The idea of the elder came into church life from Jewish culture (Exo_3:16; Exo_12:21; Exo_19:7). The word “elder” simply speaks of the maturity and wisdom that an older person should have, making them qualified for leadership. In its application, it is more about wisdom and maturity than age.

ii. It was the practice of Paul and Barnabas to appoint elders in the churches they had founded (Act_14:23). There was also the development of the office of pastor, who was essentially a teaching elder (1Ti_5:17) who appointed and guided elders and other leaders (1Ti_3:1-13, 2Ti_2:2, Tit_1:5-9).

b. I who am a fellow elder: Peter is qualified to speak because he is a fellow elder. Though Peter was clearly the prominent disciple among the twelve, he claims no special privilege or position, such as the “Pope” of the early church. Instead, Peter sees himself only as one fellow elder among all the elders in the church.

c. A witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Peter is qualified to speak because he is a witness of Jesus’ sufferings, when he saw Jesus’ torture and crucifixion, and he was a partaker of Jesus’ glory, probably when he saw Jesus’ transfiguration.

i. Peter wrote about suffering and glory in the Christian life (1Pe_4:12-13). Because Peter saw both suffering and glory in the life of Jesus, he can speak with the authority of an eyewitness.
 
Russell: The elders -- The Apostle has been addressing the elders of the Church, exhorting them to give attention to the feeding of God's flock and pointing out what should be the constraining influence to such a service. They should be examples in the matter of meekness, and courtesy, so that as the brethren would copy these elders the spirit of the Lord would prevail. The Apostle distinctly points out that a servant is not a ruler, that a servant has no authority.

The Lord does not raise up rulers from among our brethren in the Body of Christ, but he does raise up faithful leaders, to whom earnest heed should be given, and whose faith and example should be imitated.
 


1 Peter 5:2 TPT  to be compassionate shepherds who tenderly care for God’s flock and who feed them well, for you have the responsibility to guide, protect, and oversee. Consider it a joyous pleasure and not merely a religious duty. Lead from the heart under God’s leadership—not as a way to gain finances dishonestly but as a way to eagerly and cheerfully serve.
 
Guzik: They must shepherd the flock of God. Peter seems to be remembering Jesus’ three-part commission to him in Joh_21:15-17. In that passage, Jesus told Peter to show his love for Jesus by feeding and tending Jesus’ sheep.

i. How does a spiritual shepherd do his job? The first job is to feed the sheep. Jesus emphasized this to Peter in Joh_21:15-17. Another aspect of the job is to tend the sheep, which means protecting, guiding, nurturing, and caring for the sheep.

ii. The most important “tool” to shepherd the flock of God is a heart like Jesus’, that is willing to give one’s life for the sheep, and who genuinely cares about and is interested in them (Joh_10:11-14).

b. Serving as overseers: For Peter, the job of being a shepherd can also be understood as being an overseer. This word for leadership comes to the church from Greek culture, and it means someone who watches over, a manager, or a supervisor (Act_20:28, 1Ti_3:1-2, Tit_1:7).

c. Not by compulsion but willingly: Shepherds should not do their job by compulsion, as if they were being forced into a task they really hated. Instead, they should serve God and His people willingly, from a heart that loves sheep and wants to serve.

i. “None of God’s soldiers are mercenaries or pressed men: they are all volunteers. We must have a shepherd’s heart if we would do a shepherd’s work.” (Meyer)

d. Not for dishonest gain but eagerly: Shepherds should not do their job for dishonest gain. The gain is dishonest because it was their motive for serving as shepherds. Instead, they should serve eagerly, willing to serve apart from financial compensation.
 
Benson: Feed the flock of God — Both by doctrine and discipline; which is among you — Namely, the churches of Christ, which you are called to preside over;
 
taking the oversight thereof — Greek, επισκοπουντες, discharging the episcopal office. By this it appears that those who are styled bishops, from their having the oversight of others, and also presbyters, or elders, are spoken of as the same persons.
 
Not by constraint — Unwillingly, as if it were a burden; but willingly — “In the first age, when the profession of the gospel exposed men to persecution, and when the persecutions fell more especially on the bishops, it may easily be imagined that some who were appointed to that office would undertake it unwillingly; not only because they were not disposed to do the duties thereof diligently, but because they were not willing to suffer.”
 
Not for filthy lucre — Which, if it be the motive of acting, is filthy beyond expression. The apostle means also, not for a maintenance; for the sake of which merely, or chiefly, no one should undertake the pastoral office. They that preach the gospel may live by the gospel, but no one ought to engage in such a work merely that he may live by it. “O consider this, ye that leave one flock and go to another, merely ‘because there is more gain, a larger salary!’ Is it not astonishing that men ‘can see no harm in this?’ That it is not only practised, but avowed, all over the nation?” — Wesley.
 
But of a ready mind — With a sincere desire to glorify God…. In the Syriac version, the word προθυμως, here used, is translated toto corde, with the whole heart. Dr. Benson’s observation on this verse is, “How severely are they here condemned, who feed themselves and not the flock; who take the patrimony of the church, and commit the care of souls to others, to whom they allow a very small share of that plenty which they have for doing little.”
 
Russell: Feed the flock -- With meat in due season; avoiding teachers that have ears that itch for popularity and flattery. The lambs and sheep make one flock, and there is but one Shepherd, who superintends and cares for all. The elders are not commissioned to shear, frighten nor club the sheep.

Of God -- Not, your flock, your people, your church, as many ministers today speak.

"My sheep know my voice." (Joh_10:27)

Taking the oversight -- To feed them with the truth, to guard them against the wolves in sheep's clothing, and in a general way, to act as their representatives.

But willingly -- Willing to assume the labors and responsibilities of the service.  

Not for filthy lucre -- In the early Church the elders served weekly meetings without thought of compensation; probably continuing their usual work or business for a livelihood.  

There are noble and ignoble ambitions.  

Of a ready mind -- With a desire to serve the Lord and the brethren.
 
Do your teachers fit this description?
 
Do your ministers live sumptuously off the congregation?
 
Do they love and feed the flock? Or is it just a job?
 
 
 
1 Peter 5:3 (Williams)  and not as domineering over those in your charge but proving yourselves models for the flock to imitate;

 
Guzik: Nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock: Shepherds should not do their job as lords, because the sheep do not belong to them. The sheep are entrusted to them. Instead, shepherds are to serve by being examples, not dictators.

i. Nor as being lords shows that in the mind of Peter, shepherds had significant authority in the early church. If the office of shepherd was so powerless that a shepherd didn’t rule and lead, then there was little potential for being lords. But because Peter gives this warning, it shows there was the potential for lording over.

ii. The sobering fact is that pastors are examples to the flock, whether they intend to be or not. It is interesting to see how a congregation takes on the personality of its pastor in good ways and bad ways.
 
Russell: As being lords -- Ecclesiastical potentates, Doctors of divinity, etc. Assuming to be lords.
Attempting to take the place of the Lord and acting arrogantly toward the brethren. The elders should remember that they are not the Chief Shepherd, but only the under-shepherds. If any should lord it over the flock, he would bring injury to himself as well as to the Church; he would be cultivating a spirit of pride.

The spirit of ambition, rivalry, and desire to be greatest amongst the Lord's people is one of the most dangerous foes of the Church, not only to those over whom they rule, but also to those who will be rulers and teachers.

Beginning before 325 AD, this doctrine had been growing; the bishops began to manifest the attitude that they were higher than the common people, that they were the church and the common people the laity.

Over God's heritage -- The Church.
 
Being ensamples -- Patterns of humility, faithfulness, zeal and godliness. 
 
Are your Pastor’s the boss?
 
Do you have to ask their permission on personal decisions?
 
 
1 Peter 5:4 TPT  And when the Shepherd-King appears, you will win the victor’s crown of glory that never fades away.

 
Guzik: The reward for leaders in the church.

When the Chief Shepherd appears: Peter reminds shepherds in the church that they will answer one day to their Chief Shepherd, who will want to know what they did with His flock!

i. It is important for shepherds - pastors - to realize that they lead Jesus’ sheep. He is the Shepherd, He is the Overseer (1Pe_2:25). In this sense, the Christian shepherd doesn’t work for the sheep, he works for the Chief Shepherd.

b. You will receive a crown of glory: Faithful shepherds are promised a crown of glory, but not like the crown of leaves given to ancient Olympic champions. This crown will not fade away.

Crowns are not only for shepherds, but for everyone who was faithful to Jesus and who did what He called them to do (1Co_9:25, 2Ti_4:8, Jas_1:12).
 
Benson: shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away — A crown which shall bloom in immortal beauty and vigour, when all the transitory glories of this world are withered, like a fading flower. In the original expression, αμαραντινον, amaranthine, there is an allusion to the crowns of green leaves and herbs bestowed by the ancients as the rewards of military prowess, or of victory in the games. These, together with the honours of which they were the symbols, soon faded away; but the crown of glory, the reward to be given to faithful shepherds, will never fade, being a crown of righteousness, 2Ti_4:8, and a crown of life, Jas_1:12.
 
Russell: The chief Shepherd -- The Lord established but one Church, and over that one Church he himself is the only "Lord" and "Head," the only authority.


A crown of glory -- Immortality, the divine nature. This crown that is reserved for us is conditional.

"To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." (Rev_3:21)

Fadeth not away -- The Lord will give to his overcoming Bride the crown of life "that fadeth not away." (1Pe_1:4)
 
Are you eager for that day?
 
 
1 Peter 5:5 TPT  In the same way, the younger ones should willingly support the leadership of the elders. In every relationship, each of you must wrap around yourself the apron of a humble servant. Because: God resists you when you are proud but multiplies grace and favor when you are humble.

 
Guzik:  Likewise you younger people: Peter begins this word of humility to you younger people, in contrast to the elders he has just addressed. But he soon realizes that it is of application to all of you. This word to be submissive to one another and be clothed with humility applies to everyone, but perhaps especially to the young.

b. Clothed with humility: Humility is demonstrated by submission. It is the ability to cheerfully put away our own agenda for God’s, even if God’s agenda is expressed through another person.

c. Be clothed with humility: “Be clothed” translates a rare word that refers to a slave putting on an apron before serving, even as Jesus did before washing the disciple’s feet (Joh_13:4).

d. For “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Humility is essential to our relationship with God. If we want to walk in God’s grace (His unmerited favor) then we must lay aside our pride and be humble - not only to Him but also to one another.

i. Grace and pride are eternal enemies. Pride demands that God bless me in light of what I think I deserve. Grace will only deal with me on the basis what is in God (love), not on the basis of anything in me.
i. “Pride is one of the most detestable of sins; yet does it find lodgment in earnest souls, though we often speak of it by some lighter name. We call it - independence, self-reliance. We do not always discern it in the hurt feeling, which retires into itself, and nurses its sorrows in a sulk . . . We are proud of our humility, vain of our meekness; and, putting on the saintliest look, we wonder whether all around are not admiring us for our lowliness.” (Meyer)
 
Meyer: The younger men may include the deacons, but the all, 1Pe_5:5, refers to the entire membership. They were to gird on humility, as a slave his towel, that they might serve one another, Joh_13:4. Those who humble themselves in the profoundest loyalty toward God stand as rocks before their fellows. Remember Luther’s-“Here I stand, I can do no other.” You cannot say, “Nobody cares what becomes of me.” God cares, and with an infinite tenderness. He cared before you cast your care on Him! God is linked to your little life by His tender regard and care for you.
 
 
Russell: Submit yourselves -- We are cautioned not to defy the elders, nor to blindly and worshipfully follow them without proving their teachings by the Word of God.

Subject one to another -- We are to be subject to the Lord and every ordinance of God; and to consider the truly consecrated people of God as a unit and to seek to cooperate one with another.

In humility and meekness, we are to harmoniously cooperate together as one body for upbuilding in love and all the Christian graces, and for the general advancement of the work of the Lord.
 
All are so anxious to serve and so independent in their feelings that it sometimes means as many different plans and arrangements as there are members in the congregation; patience, forbearance and love are qualities greatly needed.

Clothed with humility --Humility is one of the basic principles of a properly crystalized character. "Gird yourself with humility, to serve one another." (Revised Version) The humble spirit seeketh not its own, is not puffed up, does not attempt to speculate upon inflated values, does not think of itself more highly than it ought to think, but thinks soberly--neither overrating, nor underrating its own acquirements or achievements. Outside of every other adornment of character, and covering all others, should be this robe of humble-mindedness, the opposite disposition to pride.

God resisteth -- Because the Almighty sees that we have nothing whatever of which to be proud or to boast. Whatever we have has been of the Lord's providence, or favoring circumstances. He disapproves of pride; all who are actuated by pride may be sure that the Lord will resist them, push them from him.

The proud -- The self-sufficient, the boastful. Pride is selfishness gone to seed. Nothing is more dangerous to the child of God than self-conceit; it blocks the way to true progress and reformation of heart, and hinders true usefulness to others, and especially usefulness in God's service.

Pride is the one thing that God hates.  

Giveth -- Showeth.  

Grace -- Favor.  

To the humble -- Only the humble will share with the Lord in the inheritance of the Kingdom. It is when we are thus humble and faithful that the Lord makes us his chosen vessels to bear his name to others.
 
Are you keeping your pride in check?
 
 
 
1 Peter 5:6 TPT  If you bow low in God’s awesome presence, he will eventually exalt you as you leave the timing in his hands.
 
Guzik: That He may exalt you in due time: If God has us in a humble place at the present time, we must submit to God’s plan. He knows the due time to exalt us, though we often think we know that time better than God does.
 
Russell: Humble yourselves -- As "little children." (Mat_18:3) Some brethren seem not to have learned the lesson of "God first, self last." One of the most important qualities for any of God's people to possess. God will especially bless those who are more lowly, meek, teachable, more trustful in the Lord. Avoid the spirit of ambition, rivalry, and the desire to be greatest amongst the Lord's people.
 
The tests of the present time are tests of faith and loyalty to God, and of entire submission to his will. Without these we would be quite unfit for the Kingdom. This test comes to the Lord and the Church only during the Gospel age.
 
Peter evidently had spiritual pride in mind when he wrote to the Church regarding humility. Humility is a very prominent grace in the sight of God. It comes right in as you find your weaknesses; humble yourselves and make it right with God
 
He may exalt you -- With ultimate victory and life everlasting. To be the Bride, the Lamb's wife; joint-heirs with Jesus Christ our Lord. The way of the cross, the way of humiliation and self-abasement, is the way to the crown, to that true honor that cometh from God only.

"He that humbleth himself shall be exalted." (Luk_14:11

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and he shall lift you up." (Jam_4:10)

In due time -- After that ye have suffered a while; after He shall have made you ready for the exaltation and for the service He wishes you to perform.
 
Are you humbling yourself under God?
 
 
 
1 Peter 5:7 TPT  Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you.
 
Guzik: True humility is shown by our ability to cast our care upon God. It is proud presumption to take things into our own worry and care about things that God has promised to take care of (Mat_5:31-34).

i. Sometimes we need to call worry and inappropriate care exactly what it is: pride and unbelief, and a desire to usurp God’s place as our providing, caring Father.

ii. He cares for you: At their best moments, the religions of Greek culture could imagine a God who was good. Yet they never came to the place where they believed in a God who cared. The God of the Bible - the God who is really there - is a God who cares for you.

We often judge the parents by the children. When a child of God is full of worry and fear, doesn’t the world have reason to believe that their Father in heaven doesn’t care for them? Our worry and fear reflects poorly - in an unfair way - upon God.
 
Russell: Casting all your care -- Anxiety, worry, trouble of mind. Worries and frettings; anxieties that would hinder us in the 6Lord's service, that would rob us of our peace in the Lord, should be dropped, not carelessly, however, but intelligently.

We cannot be faithful children of God if we are full of worry. Worry is one thing, but proper carefulness is another. We need carry no anxious cares respecting the future.

Let us tell the Lord all about our burdens, great and small.A little carelessness along these lines, and the Adversary might readily entrap us and ensnare us and then lead us captive at his will. This power of intrusion will contain we believe, evil suggestions, promoting slanders and back-biting.

Upon him -- The Shepherd of the flock.

He careth for you -- Each day that a Christian lives he should be more reliant upon the Lord.

"My God shall supply all your need." (Phi_4:19) R3400:4

Illustrated by the feeding of Elijah by the ravens. God did not supply Elijah with luxuries but with the absolute necessities.
 
What do you worry about?
 
How do you overcome your worries?
 
 
 
1 Peter 5:8 TPT  Be well balanced and always alert, because your enemy, the devil, roams around incessantly, like a roaring lion looking for its prey to devour.
 
Guzik: Your adversary the devil walks about: We must remain clear-headed (sober) and watchful (vigilant), because Satan has not yet been bound and restrained for 1,000 years as Rev_20:1-2 says he will be. At the present time, the devil walks about.
 
Barnes: Be sober - While you cast your cares Upon God, and have no anxiety on that score, let your solicitude be directed to another point. Do not doubt that he is able and willing to support and befriend you, but be watchful against your foes. See the word used here fully explained in the notes at 1Th_5:6.

Be vigilant - This word (γρηγορέω grēgoreō) is everywhere else in the New Testament rendered “watch.” See Mat_24:42-43; Mat_25:13; Mat_26:38, Mat_26:40-41. It means that we should exercise careful circumspection, as one does when he is in danger. In reference to the matter here referred to, it means that we are to be on our guard against the wiles and the power of the evil one.

Your adversary the devil - Your enemy; he who is opposed to you. Satan opposes man in his best interests. He resists his efforts to do good; his purposes to return to God; his attempts to secure his own salvation. There is no more appropriate appellation that can be given to him than to say that he resists all our efforts to obey God and to secure the salvation of our own souls.

As a roaring lion - Compare Rev_12:12. Sometimes Satan is represented as transforming himself into an angel of light, (see the notes at 2Co_11:14); and sometimes, as here, as a roaring lion: denoting the efforts which he makes to alarm and overpower us. The lion here is not the crouching lion - the lion stealthfully creeping toward his foe - but it is the raging monarch of the woods, who by his terrible roar would intimidate all so that they might become an easy prey. The particular thing referred to here, doubtless, is persecution, resembling in its terrors a roaring lion. When error comes in; when seductive arts abound; when the world allures and charms the representation of the character of the foe is not of the roaring lion, but of the silent influence of an enemy that has clothed himself in the garb of an angel of light, 2Co_11:14.
Walketh about, seeking whom he may devour - “Naturalists have observed that a lion roars when he is roused with hunger, for then he is most fierce, and most eagerly seeks his prey. See Jdg_14:5; Psa_22:13; Jer_2:15; Eze_22:25; Hos_11:10; Zep_3:3; Zec_11:3“ - Benson.
 
Russell: Be sober -- To guard against every approach to a spirit of pride and vainglory.

Be vigilant -- It is a life work, a life battle against a mighty foe intrenched in our flesh. 

Your adversary -- Satan, and the fallen angels. 

The devil -- Greek, diabolos. Satan. The term Satan signifies adversary, opponent. He beguiles with flattery, pride and ambition; vanquishes with despondency; attracts with the pleasure of the present life; seduces through too great reverence of human teachings; and tempts to disloyalty to God.

As a roaring lion -- Angry. When the beast is about to spring upon his prey, he roars so loudly that the victim is paralyzed with fear, and thus is easily caught. Fear is one of the most disastrous things for the Lord's people to have. Sometimes, lion-like, when we are off guard he springs upon us unawares, stirs up the evil of the old nature, and unless desperately resisted he will take full control and drive us on to ruin.

As God incites by love, so Satan incites through fear.

Whom he may devour -- Swallow up in calamity, laying snares to separate us from God. To overcome us, to crush out our spiritual, life, and to destroy our faith in God. The Adversary opposes all who walk in the footsteps of Jesus, particularly those in public places and those active in the service of the truth. Satan can make no direct attack upon the Lord, but he can attack his plan and those who believe in God.
 
Are you taking this seriously?
Are you keeping watch?
 
 
1 Peter 5:9 TPT  Take a decisive stand against him and resist his every attack with strong, vigorous faith. For you know that your believing brothers and sisters around the world are experiencing the same kinds of troubles you endure.
 
Guzik: Resist him, steadfast in the faith: The secret of spiritual warfare is simple, steadfast, resistance. As we are steadfast in the faith, we resist the devil lies and threats and intimidation.

i. Significantly, Peter doesn’t tell us to cast demons out of other Christians. He simply challenges individual Christians to deal with Satan as a conquered foe who can and must be personally resisted.

ii. Resist comes from two Greek words: stand and against. Peter tells us to stand against the devil. Satan can be set running by the resistance of the lowliest believer who comes in the authority of what Jesus did on the cross.

d. Knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world: We also take comfort in knowing that we are never alone in our spiritual warfare. Our brothers and sisters in Jesus have fought, and are fighting, the same battles.
 
Russell: Whom resist -- Our safety from the power of Satan and the fallen angels lies in the resistance of our wills. By not allowing his seductive arguments to have weight with us. By standing; to stand is to adhere to fixed principles; i.e., to "be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord." (1Co_15:58) It is a continual battle.

"Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand." (Eph_6:11) R1859:2

If Satan be not resisted, the danger is that the light and the blessing received through the knowledge of God will become a curse and an injury; and that the result will be worse than before coming into relationship with Christ.


Stedfast -- These words imply that in order to resist we must have faith; confidence in God.

In the faith -- "This is the victory that overcometh the world, even your faith." (1Jo_5:4)
 
 
Clarke: Whom resist - Stand against him, αντιστητε. Though invulnerable, he is not unconquerable: the weakest follower of God can confound and overpower him, if he continue steadfast in the faith - believing on the Son of God, and walking uprightly before him. To a soul thus engaged he can do no damage.

The same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren - It is the lot of all the disciples of Christ to suffer persecution. The brotherhood, αδελφοτης, the Christian Church, everywhere is exposed to the assaults of men and devils; you are persecuted by the heathen among whom ye live, and from among whom ye are gathered into the fold of Christ: but even those who profess the same faith with you, and who are resident among the Jews, (for so I think εν κοσμῳ, in the world, is here to be understood), are also persecuted, both heathens and Jews being equally opposed to the pure and holy doctrines of the Gospel.
 
Are you standing against sin and Satan?
 
 
 
1 Peter 5:10 TPT  And then, after your brief suffering, the God of all loving grace, who has called you to share in his eternal glory in Christ, will personally and powerfully restore you and make you stronger than ever. Yes, he will set you firmly in place and build you up.

 
1 Peter 5:11 TPT  And he has all the power needed to do this—forever! Amen.
 
Guzik: (1Pe_5:10-11) A prayer for their spiritual strengthening.
 
May the God of all grace . . . perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you: Peter, knowing the suffering and danger Christians face, can only conclude with prayer. He asks God to do His work of perfecting, establishing, strengthening, and settling.

i. These things are God’s work in us and through us. Peter personally knew the futility of trying to face suffering and danger in one’s own strength. His own failure taught him the need for constant reliance on God’s work in our lives, so he prays for his dear Christian friends.

ii. After you have suffered a while: We almost want to ask Peter, “Why did you say that?” But the truth remains. We are only called . . . to His eternal glory . . . after you have suffered a while. We wish we were called to His eternal glory on the “no suffering” plan. But God uses suffering to perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle us.
b. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever: The God who can do this great work in our lives is worthy of our praise!
 
Russell: The God of all grace -- Is not vengeful, not unkind.

This suffering takes in all of our present life's experiences. Unless we are willing to endure hardness, we will not be prepared to enter the eternal glory. (2Ti_2:3)  The chastisements we receive, many of which are not punishments for sins, are but preparation for the work of the next age.
 
"Rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings." (1Pe_4:13)

Make you perfect -- We will not be actually perfect until we attain the resurrection change.

Stablish, strengthen -- After being perfected through suffering. Settle you -- Established in the faith and in the practice of the principles of the Gospel. A condition of uncertainty is not a condition of faith. It is our duty to have settled convictions of truth, convictions so rooted and grounded in God's Word that we cannot be moved therefrom.

It is only through endurance as good soldiers of Christ that this desirable condition can be attained, viz., perfect self-control and ability to resist evil, established faith, patience and virtue, settled, abiding rest in Christ, and hope through his word of promise.
 
How do you react to your trials?
 
Do you find yourself getting stronger?
 
 
 
1 Peter 5:12 TPT  I, Peter, with the help of Silas, whom I consider a trustworthy, faith-filled brother, have written you this short letter so that I might encourage you and personally testify that this is the true, dependable grace of God. Stand fast in this grace.

 
 
Guzik: (1Pe_5:12-14) Conclusion to the letter.
By Silvanus . . . I have written to you: This portion was probably written by Peter’s own hand, after he (according to the custom of the day) had dictated the bulk of the letter to Silvanus. This man Silvanus is probably the same one known as Silas in many of Paul’s letters.
 
This is the true grace of God in which you stand: Peter sums up his message as an exhortation to understand and recognize the true grace of God in which you stand. We must understand not only what God’s grace is, but that grace is our place of present standing before Him.
 
Benson: By Silvanus — The person probably of that name, whom St. Paul united with himself in writing the epistles to the Thessalonians, namely, Silas, who (Act_15:22) is called a chief man among the brethren, and a prophet, Act_15:32. Being Paul’s constant companion in travel after the defection of John Mark, he, no doubt, assisted in planting churches in Galatia, and the other countries of the Lesser Asia, mentioned chap. 1Pe_1:1. So being well known to the brethren in those parts, he was a fit person to carry this letter to them from St. Peter; to whom, probably, after Paul’s death, he had attached himself as an assistant. A faithful brother, as I suppose -- As I judge upon good grounds, though not by immediate inspiration; I have written briefly — Δι ολιγων, in few words; exhorting and testifying — Or adding my testimony, as επιμαρτυρων signifies; namely, to that which they had before heard from Paul; that this is the true grace of God — The true and only doctrine proceeding from the grace of God, and wherein the grace of God is offered and bestowed upon all penitent believers; and therefore earnestly exhorting you to attend to and seriously consider it.
 
Clarke: By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose - If the words be applied to Silvanus, they must be taken in a sense in which they are often used: “I conclude him to be a trustworthy person; one by whom I may safely send this letter; who will take care to travel through the different regions in Asia, Pontus, Galatia, and Bithynia; read it in every Church; and leave a copy for the encouragement and instruction of Christ’s flock.” And in such a state of the Church, in such countries, no ordinary person could have been intrusted with such a message.

Exhorting - Calling upon you to be faithful, humble, and steady.

And testifying - Επιμαρτυρων, Earnestly witnessing, that it is the true grace - the genuine Gospel of Jesus Christ, in which ye stand, and in which ye should persevere to the end.
 
 
 
1 Peter 5:13 TPT  She who is in Babylon, who is co-elect with you, sends her greetings, along with Mark, my son.
 
 
1 Peter 5:14 TPT  Greet one another with a kiss of peace. Peace to all who are in life union with Christ. Amen.

 
Guzik: She who is in Babylon . . . greets you: She probably refers to the church, which in Greek is in the feminine. Peter apparently writes from Babylon. This may be the literal city of Babylon (which still existed in Peter’s day), or it may be a symbolic way of referring to either Rome or Jerusalem. These were two cities that in Peter’s day were famous for their wickedness and spiritual rebellion, just like ancient Babylon. In any regard, this is one church greeting another.

d. So does Mark my son: This verse connects Mark with Peter, apparently the same Mark of Act_12:12; Act_12:25; Act_15:37-39. When the style and perspective of the Gospel of Mark are taken into account, many to believe that Peter was Mark’s primary source of information for his gospel.

e. Greet one another with a kiss of love: Peter concludes with a command to greet and display God’s love to one another, and by pronouncing a blessing of peace. These two things - love for each other and peace - are especially necessary for those who suffer and live in dangerous times.
 
Benson: There being many Jews remaining in Babylon, and in the country adjacent, ever since the captivity, and Peter being the apostle of the Jews, it is likely he went thither to preach the gospel to them, and so planted a church among them. Elected together with you — Συνεκλεκτη, co-elect, that is, a branch of God’s chosen people, as all true believers are. See on 1Pe_1:2. And Marcus my son — So he calls him, because he had been converted by his ministry. With the family, of which he was a member, Peter was well acquainted, as may be gathered from his going immediately to the house of Mary, Mark’s mother, after he was miraculously brought out of prison by the angel, Act_12:12. See more concerning him, Act_13:5; Col_4:10; 2Ti_4:11. It is believed by many that he was the author of the gospel called by his name; this, however, is not certain. See the preface to that gospel.
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.