- Review:
- Theme: Suffering as a Christian; Remaining true to your worldview and witness
- Discussion to this point
- World without faith is ignorant and foolish (in a spiritual sense)
- Arguments won't convince the world, but rather a lifestyle (witness)
- This is not our reward; we are foreigners and strangers
- What is an elder?
- Shepherds (pastor); overseers
- In our church, who are or is the elder(s)?
- Pastor (and possibly the other ministers as well)
- Not all Baptist churches function this way
- Some have elders, both paid staff (pastors) and lay leaders
- The NT overwhelming assumes in a plurality of elder leadership
- What characterizes the life of an elder? How is that different from the world's view of a leader
- Willingness to serve vs expecting to be served
- Servant heart vs no heart
- Humility vs arrogance and pride for elevated position
- Examples of Jesus Christ vs examples of great leaders (ungodly lives)
- An elder who serves well has a great reward (but not necessarily in this life)
- (referring to elders and deacons) 1 Tim 3:13 (NIV) Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
- In context, what would the term "young men" be referring to?
- Contrasted to old men or elder, in this case the spiritually immature
- And how are we to respond to our elders, those who are our spiritual leaders?
- We are to submit to their authority
- We are to be humble
- And why do we need to cast all our anxiety on God?
- Because it is hard to trust men who are not perfect even if they are spiritually older
- Rick B. gave a good example when he said, "Pastor, be careful what you ask me because I will not say no"
- Last, and most importantly: Who wants to be doing ministry fighting against God?
- And how does the admonition in verse 8 fit within the context?
- The devil is looking for those who struggle with the idea of submitting to human, spiritual authorities
- The devil is looking for the bitter and angry, so that he can fester the bitterness and anger
- Hebrews 12:14–16 (ESV) — 14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; 16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal.
- Also, the devil is going to use suffering to discourage you
- But what is God's promise in regard to suffering?
- After we have suffered a little while, he will
- Restore you
- Make you strong
- Make you firm
- Make you steadfast
- The problem is, what does God mean by "a little while?"
- Silas or Silvanus is formerly one of Paul's companion and apparently the letter carrier
- Mark is probably John Mark who deserted the ministry when he was with Paul and Barnabbas
- Most people believe John Mark wrote the Gospel of Mark based upon Peter's recollections
- Babylon is probably referring to Rome, which indicates Peter's current location
- Also, has a metaphorical context, any place where the worldview drives life
- "She" probably refers to the church, as opposed to Peter's wife
1 Peter 5:1–4 (ESV) — 1 So I exhort the elders
among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as
well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you,
exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have
you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3
not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you
will receive the unfading crown of glory.
1 Peter 5:5–7 (ESV) — 5 Likewise, you who are
younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with
humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the
humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore,
under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because
he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:8–14 (ESV) — 8 Be sober-minded; be
watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking
someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in
your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by
your brotherhood throughout the world. 10
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has
called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm,
strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him
be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 12
By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to
you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in
it. 13 She who is at Babylon, who is
likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. 14 Greet one another with the kiss of love.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
APPLICATION:
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