I Peter 5:1-14
5:1-2 Peter implores the propellers of this philosophy to "shepherd the flock of God which is among [us]". Whether you are a teacher or individual participant of this faith, gather and encourage rather than scatter and discourage. Not because you have to but because you want to. Peter asks us to serve as willing and even eager overseers: souls whose commitment to compassion and justice is natural rather than forced.
5:3-4 Jesus led without exerting authority. The beautiful irony of this faith is that commitment to it makes you a servant rather than a king or queen. We are supposed to envelop humanity in our impassioned effort for justice. We must live humbly and productively... such is the way to inherit a crown. Only those who do not seek adulation receive it.
5:3-4 Jesus led without exerting authority. The beautiful irony of this faith is that commitment to it makes you a servant rather than a king or queen. We are supposed to envelop humanity in our impassioned effort for justice. We must live humbly and productively... such is the way to inherit a crown. Only those who do not seek adulation receive it.
5:5 In Proverbs 3:11 it is reiterated to us that God gives grace to the humble. Therefore, become a student of life. For there is much to be learned from all of the people around us: friends and foes alike. Just and unjust alike. We have abundant opportunity on earth to learn what to do and what not to do. There is something to be learned from every soul here; never be too proud to be a student, a listener, an observer.
5:6 God will be able to exalt a soul who has learned much and become wise. Through our humility we increase in wisdom.
5:7 Be a participant in your relationship with God. He cares about you... deeply. Do you return the same commitment to Him? He is with you in both joy and tribulation therefore remember Him always, not just when you need Him. Express your love and gratitude for Him by loving His children as He does.
5:8 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." Your natural and faithful focus enables you to progress and excel through all tribulation and temptation. Our bodies have the tendency to be selfish and to desire, to seek vengeance, to procure (a tendency to give in to that which corrupts us). Remaining steadfast in faith enables you to be stronger than your weaknesses and temptations.
5:9 Resist that which taints and tempts your soul. A prominent history of humanity before you has already started and completed this journey... therefore you can make it through too. They've passed you the baton, run this race with joy and peace, knowing Who awaits you at the finish line.
5:10 "...may the God of all grace... after you have suffered (endured) a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you." For we learn and grow through our experience here. A life lived with God ensures that everything you go through inevitable contributes to you... to your wisdom and strength.
5:6 God will be able to exalt a soul who has learned much and become wise. Through our humility we increase in wisdom.
5:7 Be a participant in your relationship with God. He cares about you... deeply. Do you return the same commitment to Him? He is with you in both joy and tribulation therefore remember Him always, not just when you need Him. Express your love and gratitude for Him by loving His children as He does.
5:8 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." Your natural and faithful focus enables you to progress and excel through all tribulation and temptation. Our bodies have the tendency to be selfish and to desire, to seek vengeance, to procure (a tendency to give in to that which corrupts us). Remaining steadfast in faith enables you to be stronger than your weaknesses and temptations.
5:9 Resist that which taints and tempts your soul. A prominent history of humanity before you has already started and completed this journey... therefore you can make it through too. They've passed you the baton, run this race with joy and peace, knowing Who awaits you at the finish line.
5:10 "...may the God of all grace... after you have suffered (endured) a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you." For we learn and grow through our experience here. A life lived with God ensures that everything you go through inevitable contributes to you... to your wisdom and strength.
5:11 To our compassionate Creator "be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen." His authority is unchallenged and interminable. Meaning that you can tether yourself with trust to His everlasting love and promises.
5:12-14 This is Peter's farewell in this first book (he begins the second book of Peter following this chapter). He proclaims the truth of this philosophy (and truly even common sense validates its truth). With well wishes and peace, Peter closes this faithful chapter.
