1 Peter 5 An Unfading crown of glory
"And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory" 1 Peter 5:4
Peter was writing to people in 1 Peter those who were suffering or that had suffering coming very soon upon them. He wanted them to know that their suffering was not in vain. We also need to remember that God sees the heartache and trials that we go through. He sees when we don't return an insult, give generously, have compassion and pray for the hurting. Peter also wanted them to be very aware that the attacks that they experienced had their origins not only in people, but in demonic and unseen forces at work. Peter makes that very clear here in 1 Peter 5. The chapter begins in the first three verses with a word to those who had oversight duties.
Peter tells those who were shepherds over God's flock to exercise oversight with eagerness and being a good example. I tell parents all the time when talking about their children in counseling sessions that many things such as a way that the parent has with dealing with anger is more caught than taught. In other words, children learn by watching our example. They are like little tape recorders going about watching how we react to things. Their sensitive little souls take in every slight, hurt and wound and it has profound effects on children. Likewise, many of us learn how to be a christian or what it looks like by godly examples of others around us. Of course, our primary example is Jesus, but we also look to others for daily help in how to live out our faith. It is so important that those of us who have been believers for a while realize that we are being watched.
Peter follows with three commands in rapid succession First, humble yourselves before God. The reason for this is that God opposes the proud. Jesus said in Luke 14:11 "For everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted." This exhortation comes with a promise that God will lift you up at the right time. Also notice in 1 Peter 5:10 it says that at the right time God will perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
The second command is in verse 7 "casting all your anxiety upon HIm, because He cares for you." This is repeated throughout scripture (Ps 37:5, 55:22). We aren't to keep our concerns bottled up to ourselves. The line of communication is open between the believer and heaven. It reminds me of what it says in Hebrews 4:16
"Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need."
Also
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7, NASV
The third command is similar to what Peter said in 1 Peter 1:13 when he encouraged them to be "sober in spirit". The reason that Peter gives for this is that the devil is roaming like a lion looking for someone to devour. This is similar to what Paul said in Ephesians 6:10-16 The christian road is a narrow road and not one that is promised to be without difficulties. But, there are so many promises available to the believer that there is reward and blessings for being faithful. Peter refers to this in verse 4 when he says that the Chief Shepherd will appear and you will receive the unfading crown of glory. The word crown there is a greek word stephanos which is Peter's way fo saying a blessedness for being a genuine follower of HIs.
Peter was writing to people in 1 Peter those who were suffering or that had suffering coming very soon upon them. He wanted them to know that their suffering was not in vain. We also need to remember that God sees the heartache and trials that we go through. He sees when we don't return an insult, give generously, have compassion and pray for the hurting. Peter also wanted them to be very aware that the attacks that they experienced had their origins not only in people, but in demonic and unseen forces at work. Peter makes that very clear here in 1 Peter 5. The chapter begins in the first three verses with a word to those who had oversight duties.
Peter tells those who were shepherds over God's flock to exercise oversight with eagerness and being a good example. I tell parents all the time when talking about their children in counseling sessions that many things such as a way that the parent has with dealing with anger is more caught than taught. In other words, children learn by watching our example. They are like little tape recorders going about watching how we react to things. Their sensitive little souls take in every slight, hurt and wound and it has profound effects on children. Likewise, many of us learn how to be a christian or what it looks like by godly examples of others around us. Of course, our primary example is Jesus, but we also look to others for daily help in how to live out our faith. It is so important that those of us who have been believers for a while realize that we are being watched.
Peter follows with three commands in rapid succession First, humble yourselves before God. The reason for this is that God opposes the proud. Jesus said in Luke 14:11 "For everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted." This exhortation comes with a promise that God will lift you up at the right time. Also notice in 1 Peter 5:10 it says that at the right time God will perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
The second command is in verse 7 "casting all your anxiety upon HIm, because He cares for you." This is repeated throughout scripture (Ps 37:5, 55:22). We aren't to keep our concerns bottled up to ourselves. The line of communication is open between the believer and heaven. It reminds me of what it says in Hebrews 4:16
"Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need."
Also
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7, NASV
The third command is similar to what Peter said in 1 Peter 1:13 when he encouraged them to be "sober in spirit". The reason that Peter gives for this is that the devil is roaming like a lion looking for someone to devour. This is similar to what Paul said in Ephesians 6:10-16 The christian road is a narrow road and not one that is promised to be without difficulties. But, there are so many promises available to the believer that there is reward and blessings for being faithful. Peter refers to this in verse 4 when he says that the Chief Shepherd will appear and you will receive the unfading crown of glory. The word crown there is a greek word stephanos which is Peter's way fo saying a blessedness for being a genuine follower of HIs.
