We are almost finishing the first letter of Peter. What have we learnt so far?

We are almost

finishing the first letter of Peter.

What have we learnt so far?

Peter was a disciple of Jesus 1 Peter 1-1

A very special disciple!!

He wrote to all the churches around the

world at that time1 Peter 1: 1

But also to all the churches around the

world today

Those churches

were under

persecution

1 Peter 1:6

So Peter encouraged them

By reminding them that God called them to be their

children.

So as children of God Peter reminds

them to live as obedient children

1 Peter 1:14

Peter encouraged them to live behind

every kind of malice.

1 Peter 2

He remembered them to be

submissive to one another.

1 Peter 2

He also wrote to the husbands and wives

to guide them in their new life as

Christian’s families.1 Peter 3: 1-7

Peter encouraged them not pay evil

with evil and to trust in God’s protection.

1 Peter 3: 9-22

Peter also encouraged them not to spend

their new lives they have, doing the same things they used to do in the past when they were not Christians.

1 Peter 4

And also not to be surprised if for doing something good they suffered, because Christ suffered for us too.

1 Peter 4: 12-22

So now we reach the last advice Peter gave

to the church in this letter.

1 Peter 5: 1-10

He wrote to the elders and young

men in the church at that time, and

also to you and me today.

1. To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:

2. Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, 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.

5. In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because

“God opposes the proud

   but shows favor to the humble.

6. Humble yourselves,

therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you

up in due time.

7. Cast all your anxiety on him

because he cares for you.

8. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil

prowls around like a roaring lion looking

for someone to devour.

9. Resist him, standing firm in the faith,

because you know that the family of believers throughout the world

is undergoing the same kind of

sufferings

10. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while,

will himself restore you and make you strong,

firm and steadfast

1. To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:

History tells us that Peter was the

Pastor of the church in Babylon.

1. To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:

2. Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve;

2. Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care,

This is the same Jesus had told Peter in 1 John 22 : 15-17

Peter was passing on the same teaching he received.

We should do the same!! Pass on to others the teaching we have received.

2. Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing,

For those serving in

this church, what is

your reason to serve?

2. Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve;

What does it mean

not pursuing dishonest gain?

It means to worry about the things you can give, rather than the things you can gain from your service to the Lord.

Do you remember the story of Gehazi, Elisha’s servant in 2 Kings 5?

“…Is this the time to take money, or to accept clothes, olive groves, vineyards, flocks, herds or menservants and maidservants?

Naaman’s leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants for ever. 2 Kings 5: 26-27

Also remember the warning written in Galatians 6:7

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.

3. not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock

3. not lording it over It means, do not

pretend to be the boss of the church. Serve the people out of love.

3. not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

It means, show the people how to live according to God’s word

4. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

4. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

5. In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because

5. In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because

5. In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, “Why”? because

“God opposes the proud

   but shows favor to the humble.

Serve the Lord with gladness and humbleness, love one another and do not command the people, instead show them with love how to live the gospel.

6. Humble yourselves,

therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you

up in due time.

One more time Peter warns us about pride.

So keep your heart

humble

6. Humble yourselves,

therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you

up in due time.

God is the only one who can lift up your life. But He can also bring you down if you let pride control your heart.

7. Cast all your anxiety on him

because he cares for you.

Do not worry, for anything. Love God, serve Him with all your heart, and trust Him because He will take care of you.

8. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

One more time Peter reminds us to live a sober life and to remember that the devil, our enemy, is looking for any chance to destroy us.

9. Resist him, standing firm in the faith,

because you know that the family of believers throughout the world

is undergoing the same kind of

sufferings

The only way to resist the devil and defeat him is by believing in Jesus.

There is no other way!!!!

10. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while,

will himself restore you and make you strong,

firm and steadfast

10. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while,

will himself restore you and make you strong,

firm and steadfast.

God never forsakes His children. He knows His own and He always defends them.

THE END