1 Peter 5:5-6 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
 
WAS there a pride problem in the church among the young me? Maybe they were reluctant to obey the elders’ teachings or respect the elders’ authority. 
   Peter would know about that. There was a crisis moment in Peter’s discipleship with Jesus: Matthew 16:21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. 22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” 23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”
   Peter’s prideful attempt to denounce Jesus’ mission was very different from his first encounter with Jesus. Our Lord first revealed himself to Peter and others with an unlikely large catch of fish, Peter’s response was, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8) Do you know how this catch was possible? Yes, Jesus did it, but Peter had to believe Jesus’ instructions, submit to them and humbly act on them. “Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” (Luke 5:5) To receive Jesus’ reward, Peter  put aside his fisherman’s  pride. “Because you say so.” is a humble response to God’s commands.
   Why was it that Peter was more humble to obey Jesus’ instructions early in his relationship with Jesus than he was later? John 13 also tells us Peter refused to believe Jesus warning that Peter would deny Jesus and that Jesus had permitted Satan to sift him. Why did Peter reject and oppose Jesus? Peter may have become prideful because of his favored relationship with Jesus. He seemed to put himself above Jesus’ words when Jesus said things he didn’t like.  
   Through the grief of denying Jesus, (Luke 22:62 And he went outside and wept bitterly.) Peter put aside his pride problem. When he later encountered the living Christ and received his forgiveness, Peter knew the power and blessing of humble submission before God.
   Often in the church, young men have ideas of how the church should function. They may also have learned some truths of Scripture as they grew up in the church. Young men with excitement and joy for Jesus are needed in the church. But they must mature in their faith and service to the church. Young men must submit to elders for the good order of the church, guarding their hearts against prideful assumptions that dismiss the elders’ wisdom.
   Pride divides God’s people. Submission and humility unite them.
 

1 Peter 5:1-4 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
 
WHEN someone asks you, “How do you know Jesus did all the Bible says?” You can reply, “Peter said so.” As he continues to address the churches of Asia Minor, Peter tells hem he is a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed. We have mentioned this earlier, and it bears repeating. The apostles were eye witnesses to Jesus’ ministry from his baptism to his ascension. Peter, James and John were granted some special privileges, too, as Jesus appointed them to see the Transfiguration. And even in his denial of Jesus, Peter witnessed some of the brutality Jesus experienced during his first hours of trial and torture to the cross.
   Emphasizing this to the church, Peter confirmed his authority to teach them. Why should they listen to him? He is a witness, and he is an elder, a pastor speaking to other pastors. Yes, Peter had a special and unique place in God’s salvation plan. Why should we, why should the world listen to him? He is an eyewitness of the Son of God come to earth to save.
   Peter is also qual to other church elders – men who taught the Scriptures. Regardless of the position to which God appoints you in his church, you are equal to all under God. The crucified, risen Jesus, Lord of life, called the apostles his brothers. John 20:17 “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” When we understand each of us in the church are sons and daughters of the Father in heaven, we will have a greater willingness to serve and to care for each other.
   Peter directed the elders to care for their sisters and brothers as shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care. This was to be done in the spirit of faithfulness and goodness. As God had chosen them to this position, they were to be willing servants, as God wants you to be. Elders must be an example to the church of Gol’s character. Serve as Jesus served. Loved as Jesus loved.
   Such faithfulness brings reward. When you are as Jesus, you will be with Jesus in his eternal glory.
     
 

1 Peter 4:15-19 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
 
THE church that suffers for being true to God’s will is to commit themselves to their faithful Creator. Such a committed church will be where judgment begins.
   This judgment is not of right and wrong. It means “the severe trial which would determine character”. We often say a person is defined by his response to threat to his character – to what he says and believes. The same is true of a church. What happens when persecution threatens Christians’ safety, even our lives? Are we people of integrity to defend our faith in Jesus? Do we possess the character to stand for Jesus against all opposition? There is no greater time to testify to the gospel’s truth than when we are in severe trial.  
   There is the testimony of such a church in Russia. A group of armed soldiers interrupted the worship service. They pointed their rifles at the congregation and said, “If you leave now, you will not be harmed. All those who stay will be shot.” After some left, the faithful stayed to await their fate. Then the soldiers put down their guns. “We want to know who are true Christians. We want to worship with you.” This is the judgment that began in that family of God and has spread throughout the world.
   This kind of response is only possible when a Christian is truly of Christ when we commit ourselves to our faithful Creator. He is our example. Think of this: As Jesus died on the cross, he said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46) Jesus’ life and death is a testimony of severe trial that authenticates the gospel. Jesus committed himself to his faithful Father, so his testimony would demonstrate God’s character of love, mercy and forgiveness to the world. From the cross, Jesus’ testimony entered into Spirit-empowered churches.
   Now it’s time for judgment to begin with the family of God. People will know the character of Christ is the means of salvation when we, his church, testify to gospel, especially under persecution.
     

1 Peter 4:12-14 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
 
WHAT did you expect when you became a Christian? Did you anticipate persecution? Most of us never considered this. In fact, it’s likely you believed you were joining with the majority of the people around you. To become a church member in the United States decades ago was often a natural progression of life for many. In fact, one may have been criticized if he did not attend a church. That’s much different today.
   But perhaps some of you in other parts of the world knew you would endure trials when you declared Jesus to be your Savior. Did you rejoice at the possibility? After all, God’s Word tells us to rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ.
   Why? Where’s the joy in suffering? Peter says it’s in two places: First, you will be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. What does this mean? What is Peter’s evidence?
   Jesus’ glory is the appearance of his power and purity. Peter knew about Jesus’ glory. He watched Jesus’ power in the healings, the resurrections, the storms calmed, the Transfiguration, Jesus’ resurrection and Jesus’ ascension. Peter knew the great joy of Jesus’ power to forgive him for denying Jesus. Peter knew from the trials he had faced, that joy comes to those who are faithful to Jesus in their suffering.
   Peter also says we will be blessed if we are insulted because of the name of Christ. When you remain faithful against ridicule and slander against your faith, the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Another way to say this is “the Spirit rests with his refreshing power” upon the suffering Christian. Peter faithfully taught what Jesus taught: Matthew 5:11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.”  To be refreshed is to be encouraged with the sure promise of your salvation. You are energized with the evidence of God’s salvation in your life. Again, Peter would know the refreshing Spirit of God over him as he faithfully taught the gospel amid persecution and threats from the ruling Jews (Acts 3-4).
   Be faithful to Jesus against insults. He will bless you with wisdom, strength and peace to know you belong to the Lord. Many testimonies from those hated and reviled for their faith reveal the wondrous ways God blessed them to a joyful, deeper understanding of his glory. May the Spirit rest upon  you with his refreshing power.
 

1 Peter 4:11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
 
IF anyone speaks is likely Peter’s teaching to those who teach and preach in the church. It is the obligation of all teachers to learn and understand God’s Word, so they can correctly guide others to lean and live what God reveals through his inspired Word. All teaching should direct people to give praise and glory is to our Lord God.
   The Bible has many warnings against adding to or subtracting from God’s Word. And we learn teachers have a great responsibility before the Lord: James 3:1 Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. This is a sobering warning that should cause all who teach to pause and consider their reasons for teaching. “Is it my own desire or God’s desire?”
   How then, is it possible to please God with our teaching? That’s why teachers and preachers need to consistently work in God’s power. We cannot know God and teach God without the Spirit’s help. Jesus promised his disciples he would send us a Counselor to convict the world of his truth. (John 16:7) No Christian can live a true life in Jesus without the Spirit’s help. Teachers who seek truth and submit to the Spirit’s power will give glory to God.
   Perhaps, too, Peter is teaching each church member regarding their everyday speech. How do we speak the words of God in the church, at home and in our community? This does not mean we quote Scripture in all of our conversations. But we mold our speech around God’s Word. For example, you can speak encouragement into someone’s struggles. You can ask someone to pray for your needs. Or you can invite friends to praise God with you for his blessings. Perhaps you can speak the wisdom of Proverbs, or the price of the Psalms. Speaking God’s Word can be the way you listen to people. Be compassionate and kind, forgiving and patient. Speaking God’s Word is inviting someone to a Bible Study, to lunch or to your home for fellowship. Speaking God’s Word is sharing grace, peace, joy and gentleness in order to build love relationships with each other in the church.
   The same applies to serving in the church. Serving can refer to a number of gifts such as administration, finances, maintenance, music and others. Sometimes people volunteer for certain work, but they do not live into those commitments. We must understand that when we agree to serve in the church, we are agreeing to serve God. Can you tell God, “I’m too busy. I’ll do it later.”
   Whether you teach or serve with another gift, be true to God’s Word and your words. Focus your heart on God’s gift of salvation to you. And then use your gifts and talents to reveal the glory of Christ Jesus to one another and to the world you encounter.
 

1 Peter 4:8-10 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 
 
YOU could say these three verses are a good definition of the church. Love each other. Joyfully care for one another. Even invite people into your home! Use your spiritual gifts to God’s purpose. Be faithful to administer God’s grace in its various forms. What might that look like?
   One form of God’s grace is to reveal his character. Because God is love he wants the world to know him in this way. We can help each other know God’s love through community Bible studies. If you’re reading this, you are likely involved in some form of Bible study. But is there a way you can help others become Bible students, too? Jesus graciously invited us into his teaching when he said in Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  The Lord wants his followers to know the way, the truth and the life. (John 14:6) God is love, so he graciously invites you to know him. Live his gracious love. Invite others to know him.
   Another form of grace is forgiveness. It seems unforgiveness is a great challenge to our human souls. This has weakened and destroyed many families and churches. We view people’s insults or treachery against us as an ultimate sin. “How could anyone insult me? I’m a good person. People should respect me.” That may be true. But none of us is essentially good. We each have faults. Perhaps some fault has caused one to insult or rebuke you. Be gracious to consider your own behavior before judging others. Learn to forgive in all circumstances. Remember Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Who are you to hold unforgiveness in your heart?
   A third form of God’s grace could be the giving of tithes and offerings. This is certainly a sore topic in the church. People do not want to be told what to do with their money. We easily forget the source of our money. God is Provider. He repeatedly tells Israel in the Old Testament that he will provide more than they need if they obey his commands. Some of his commands involve the dedication of particular money to the tabernacle’s and later the temple’s maintenance. Israel was to provide for the Levites, who care for the temple. There were to be devoted sacrifices of the first and best animals and crops. God wanted Israel to trust his provision. Tithing is the only way God will allow us to test him: Malachi 3:10 “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit,” says the Lord Almighty. Do you see that? God promises to open the floodgates of heaven if we trust him with our money.
   These are three ways you can administer God’s grace in various ways. Is there one you’d like to share?   

1 Peter 4:5-7 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit. 7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.
 
CAN you trust God’s salvation? This was a significant question in the early church. And it continues to be one that challenges the faith of many believers. Peter had just commanded the church to put aside a list of sins common to those who are now dead in their sin. They needed to receive the gospel to prepare for the day they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
   How do we prepare for that day? In our sin nature, we cannot know of judgment and salvation. We consider our own desires to be a good way of life. Recognizing our sins is the first step to prepare for Jesus’ “courtroom”. Then we boldly ask forgiveness because know Jesus’ power to save is greater than any sin that condemn us.
   That’s why the gospel is preached. Peter taught of sin, and he warned of judgment. Then Peter assures the church that Jesus’ salvation extends into an eternal life. Even though many who ae dead will condemn Christians to even persecute them, the church can trust Jesus is their redeemer.
   This is God’s eternal promise throughout Scripture. God, the Father, has acted. He declares his salvation will come from the Son and the Spirit to redeem those he has chosen from eternity past. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love; he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. (Ephesians 1:4-5) And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment – to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. (Ephesians 1:9-10)
   Do not let the world’s “judgment” cause you to doubt your eternal salvation. “For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. But whoever fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death.” (Proverbs 8:35-36)
   Peter urges the church to be self-controlled. This is a fruit of the Spirit that will give us the mindset to resist temptation and trust in the Jesus’ salvation. Be confident of the good news. Be pure in the life God  has given to you. Be a person of effective prayer. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)
   Love the LORD God, who has chosen you to be his own. From sin’s depths he raises you to his holy heights. He has determined you are his. And nothing will cause your salvation to perish.
 
 

1 Peter 4:1-2 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2 As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 
 
ONE of the consistent themes of Peter’s letter is to be holy in all you do, obeying God’s command to, “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16) Even though we cannot be completely holy in our lifetime, we can and we must direct our lives away from sin toward God’s righteousness. One signpost of our spiritual journey is the answer to the question, “Are you willing to suffer for Jesus?” Peter says if one suffers he will be done with sin? Should we look for ways to suffer, so we will no longer sin?
   Peter is not saying suffering for Jesus causes a sin-free life. Peter’s teaching here goes to the depth of our holy relationship with Jesus. Jesus, the man, was completely united with the Father and Spirit. In this union, he was holy. He was able to resist all sin, even to the point he suffered unto the cross. In his Gethsemane prayer Jesus clearly stated it wasn’t his will to suffer. Luke 22:42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
   Jesus, fully man, as human in his character as we are, wanted a different way. We have to understand Jesus viewed the cross’ torture as suffering. When he walked near a tortured man hanging on a Roman cross, he knew that would be his place one day. At least seven times the gospels record Jesus saying, “the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.” (Matthew 17:12) This was on his human mind. He knew what would happen to his body.
   Still he remained wholly committed to his Holy Father in heaven. In his suffering, Jesus has shown us the power of a complete devotion to God’s will. This is loving God with all of our heart, mind and soul. Such a love is power to submit to God’s will. Such a love is power to increasingly be done with sin.
   When you are done with sin, you will regard your thoughts and actions by God’s standards. You will reject temptation because God’s Word dwells in your mind and heart. You will love following Jesus, even into suffering, because you know God has favored you to love him so deeply.
   Peter knew suffering. And he likely knew suffering would be the way of his death. Jesus told him in John 21:18 I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
   From that day on, Peter knew suffering was in his future, and he was done with sin. Peter wasn’t without sin as he ministered for Jesus. But he was done with a sinner’s life. He knew who he was and what he would do because he knew Jesus.   
  
 

1 Peter 3:18b-20 Jesus was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, 19 through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison 20 who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.
 
WHEN did Jesus preach to the spirits in prison? Who were they? Where were they? One way to understand this is to begin with Peter’s audience. They are new believers. One of the greatest controversies surrounding Jesus then was that Jesus is the eternal Son of God. This new doctrine had to be repeatedly taught because there were (and are) many false teachings regarding Jesus. It seems that Peter referred to Noah and the ancient days of the Flood to help the new believers know who Jesus is, and who was, and who is to come. (Revelation 1:2)
   Jesus is alive through the Spirit now, and he was alive in Noah’s day. Through God’s righteous prophet,  Noah, Jesus preached to those who are now in prison – in Hell. They are there because they did not listen to Noah as he preached the Living Word for 120 years as he built the ark. So they perished.
   Peter also refers to Noah, a preacher of righteousness in 2 Peter 2:5b. And in 1 Peter 1:10-11 Peter teaches that Jesus spoke through the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you…to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing.
   These passages connecting Jesus to the prophets points to two things: Jesus preached salvation to believers. Jesus preached judgment to unbelievers. Peter seems to be saying, “Pay attention to who Jesus is. He is alive. He is eternal. He is Savior. He is justice. He is truth. If you do not listen to his preaching, you, too, will be in prison without reprieve. No one can release you from Jesus’ judgment. Noah’s family believed, and they were saved.”
   The Flood water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also. Baptism is not the removal of dirt from the body. Baptism is the pledge of a good conscience toward God. Your baptism is your public confession that you hear and believe Jesus’ preaching.
   Your confession saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. You believe Jesus has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand – with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. (Scripture is from 1 Peter 3:20-22)
   Jesus is the Victor. He has come to speak his salvation to mankind. He now awaits the day of his return to preach once more: The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life. (Revelation 22:17)
   Listen to Jesus. He is life eternal Word.   
 

1 Peter 3:17-18 It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit.  
 
WE remember Peter is writing to churches in four provinces of Asia Minor. Many members of the church were raised in the Jewish teachings that the Messiah would be a conquering leader. He would subdue all foreign powers and reign on a throne in Jerusalem. Now these new Christians are believing their Messiah died at the hands of the Romans through the tortuous and humiliating crucifixion. Peter’s words here would be a repetition of the gospel message they had first heard. They needed to hear this repeatedly, so they would understand the depth of God’s love for them.
   We need to constantly hear this, too. Yes, most of us have heard throughout our lives Christ died for our sins. He was made alive by the Spirit. Or perhaps you’ve been a Christian for a short time. Still, we hear many teachings of Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection. We hear it because it is the foundation of the Bible. We need to hear it. We need to live into it. Let’s now consider it:
   For Christ died for sins once for all. At his death, Jesus said, “It is finished.” (John 19:30) He didn’t say, “It’s done for now.” Our Savior proclaimed his death is a one-time act to redeem our sins. The Old Testament law required an annual Day of Atonement when Israel’s priest would shed the blood of a goat for the forgiveness of the nation’s sins. This is no longer needed. Jesus, our Great High Priest, finished the work, once for all. When you trust Jesus’ saving blood, you are once for all cleansed of sin’s condemnation.
   The righteous for the unrighteous. Jesus is holy. Glorious. Triumphant. King. Alpha and Omega. Living Water. Light of the World. Son of God. His splendor is too glorious to behold. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8).
   Jesus died to bring you to God. What joy must fill our hearts when we know the Son of God has brought us to God! Jesus could not bring an unholy person before the Holy Throne. No one who his guilty can stand before God. But because you know Jesus is your righteous Savior, you can be assured you are in the spiritual presence of God. One day you will be with the Father face-to-face because Jesus has brought you to him.
   He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit. Jesus came out of the tomb. He is alive. Luke 24:6a He is not here; he has risen!
You do not worship a dead idol or manmade hero. Your faith is not in someone who claimed wisdom and then died as we all do. You worship the Living Son of God.
   The gospel is the uncommon truth that must remain uncommon in your heart. Treasure God’s truth. With meekness and joy, know the Son of God has brough you to God.