To God be the Glory 1 Peter 5:11

Peter the apostle told the “scattered” Christians, that “the God of all grace” would make them “perfect, established, strengthened and settled” “after” they “have suffered a while”. In chapter five and verse eleven of his letter, Peter broke into praise as he gave “glory” and “dominion” to God where we read:

To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

The verse begins, “To him be glory...” Peter began with the words, “To him” which refers to “God Almighty” “be glory” or “opinion, judgment, view, estimate, splendor and brightness”. When Peter considered the promises God has given to those who will “suffer for a while”, he broke into praise and honor to the “splendor and brightness” of God Almighty.

The verse continues, “...and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” Peter added, “and dominion” which means “force, power, strength and might with great power” “for ever” which in Greek is “eis, aiōn, aiōn” or “into, unto, to, towards, for and among an unbroken age, perpetuity of time and eternity” and “ever” which refers to “an unbroken age, perpetuity of time and eternity” “Amen” or “firm, surely, truly, so it is and so be it”. Peter's declaration was of God's “force, power and strength” which is eternal and everlasting, and as though he needed to state the strong affirmation of the same, Peter concluded with “Amen” which again means “so be it!”

When we meditate upon these words of Peter, we can almost hear Peter giving praise and honor to God for His wonderful blessings promised to those who suffer. We too may join in the praise of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who has promised the same blessings to us. Let us attribute “glory and dominion” to Him for all of eternity.

Next time Peter mentions a name named “Silvanus”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

After You Have Suffered a While 1 Peter 5:10

Peter the apostle warned the “scattered” Christians “the devil” was “as a roaring lion” walking “about, seeking whom he may devour”, and they were to “resist” him “stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions” were “accomplished in” their “brethren that are in the world.” In chapter five and verse ten of his letter, Peter told the Christians what would happen after they have “suffered a while” where we read:

But the God of all grace, who has called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you.

The verse begins, “But the God of all grace, who has called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus,...” Peter began with the word, “But” which is a disassociation conjunction which means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was previously stated, “moreover, nonetheless and nevertheless” “the God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “of all grace” which means “each, every, any, all and the whole which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness and unmerited favor”, “who has called us” which refers to “God calling aloud, uttering and inviting both Peter and the Christians” “unto his eternal” or “without beginning and end, that which has always been and always will be, never to cease and everlasting” “glory” which means “opinion, judgment, view, praise, honor, splendor and brightness” “by Christ” which means “the anointed one and the Messiah” “Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is Salvation” and is “the Son of God and Messiah”. Peter's reference is to “God Almighty” who is filled with grace and willing that all the Christians be “called” through “Jesus Christ” to an “everlasting” “splendor and brightness” with Him.

The verse goes on to say, “...after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you.” Peter added, “after that you have suffered” or “been vexed, affected and sensibly experienced bad plights” “a while” which means “a little, small and few time”, “make you perfect” which in Greek is “katartizō hymas katartizō” and means “render, fit, sound, complete, put in order, arrange and adjust”, “establish” or “make stable, place firmly, set fast, fix, strengthen, render constant and confirm one's mind”, “strengthen” which means “make strong one's soul”, “settle you” or “lay a foundation, make stable and establish the Christians”. Though the Christians were going to “suffer” for some time, the end result would be “fitness, being rendered constant, strengthened and established”.

When we consider Peter's words, we begin to understand the importance and value of the “eternal” call from “the God of all grace”. We are bound to “suffer” for some time while we are on the earth, but our “suffering” will not be forever, and the Lord Jesus through Peter promised there will be for us “perfection, establishment, strength and stability” which will last forever. May we be wise enough to hear and heed the “call of God”, and should we “suffer” in any measure, let us remember God has wonderful “eternal” gifts waiting for us after we have endured them.

Next time Peter praises God for His “glory and dominion”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Ruler

Once upon a rule one thought

for conduct in one's life

'twould govern o're the pattern score

for each one twas his light

Each had his own but one was right

declared the inch but twelve

yet 'pon inspection different size

were these that each one held

Of course mine rule is best for thee

let every soul comply

and since my rule be fluid law

post change may be close by

'Tis mine the right for all mankind

mine just within mine eyes

'till this my rule was set before

the throne of grace divine

Yet all content that they be right

the perfect one be mine

When God set down His perfect rule

the golden rule divine

“My rule for thine” the Savior said

“for thine the measure be,

some fading right yet others left

for none was right for thee”

“Tis mine the rule the measured way

for thee to live and find,

there be no other perfect rule

but prime rule which is mine”

Resist the Devil 1 Peter 5:9

Peter the apostle instructed the “elders” and “younger” who were among the “scattered” Christians. He told them to “be sober” and “vigilant” because their “adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour”. In chapter five and verse nine of his letter, Peter told the Christians to “resist” the devil “steadfast in the faith” where we read:

Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

The verse begins, “Whom resist steadfast in the faith,...” Peter began with the phrase, “Whom resist” which means “to set one's self against, withstand and oppose the devil” “stedfast” or “strong, firm, immovable, solid, hard and rigid” “in the faith” which refers to “conviction of the truth of anything and the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things and the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ”.

The verse goes on to say, “...knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” Peter continued with the words, “knowing” “seeing, perceiving, noticing, discerning and discovering” “that the same” which means “the devil's” “afflictions” or “that which one suffers or has suffered, misfortune, calamity and evil” “are accomplished” which means “brought to an end, accomplished, perfected, executed and completed” “in your brethren” which refers to “the brotherhood and family of brothers” “that are in” or “within and by” “the world” which means “an apt and harmonious arrangement or constitution, order and government”.

As we think through these words of Peter, we begin to understand what we are to do with “the devil”. We are to “resist”, “withstand” and “oppose” him. The “devil” continues to roam in the world today, and he manifests himself in various ways and in different people which are in opposition to God. He also comes against Christians, and when we discover behavior and speech which is contrary to the “word of God” and leads to the “suffering” of other brothers and sisters in Christ, by the grace and help of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, let us “resist” every effort to dispel the truth which our Lord conveys.

Next time Peter tells the Christians what will happen when they have “suffered a little while”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Devil as a Roaring Lion 1 Peter 5:8

As Peter the apostle continued giving instructions to the “scattered” Christians, he told them to “cast all their cares upon” God because “he cares for” them. In chapter five and verse eight of his letter, Peter told the Christians to “be sober” and “vigilant” concerning their “adversary the devil” where we read:

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion,

walks about, seeking whom he may devour:

The verse begins, “Be sober, be vigilant;” Peter began with the charge, “Be sober” which means “calm, collected in spirit, temperate, dispassionate and circumspect”, “be vigilant” or “watchful, with strict attention to, cautious and taking heed through remission and indolence some destructive calamity suddenly overtaking one”. The Christians who were “scattered” were to not only be “calm and collected” but they were also to be “watchful and cautious” as well.

The verse continues, “because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:” Peter went on to add the reason the Christians were to “be sober and vigilant” as he wrote, “because” or “as though and concerning that” “your adversary” which means “opponent and enemy” “the devil” or “the one prone to slander and accusing falsely, a traducer, especially Satan”, “as a roaring lion” which means “howl, raise a loud and inarticulate cry of either grief or joy like a lion roars”, “walks about” or “makes one's way, progress and make due use of opportunities, lives for, regulates, conducts and passes one's life”, “seeking” which means “craving, demanding and requiring” “who he may devour” or “drink, swallow down and destroy”. Christians were to be very cautious because “Satan” was lurking constantly like “a roaring lion” to “destroy” them if possible.

When we meditate upon Peter's words, we should take heed to Peter's directive. “Satan” or “the devil” is still “seeking to devour” anyone who follows his ways. Let us notice in particular, Peter gave instructions to the “Christians” which makes us realize no one is exempt from the “devil's” ways. We should be “alert, watchful and constantly circumspect” because we may fall prey to him if we are not. May the Lord Jesus keep us aware of the “devil's” pernicious ways, and may we always stay close to Jesus as we watch diligently for our enemies.

Next time Peter tells the Christians to “resist” the devil, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

My Microphone

If I had a microphone

that reached around the world

One to share with every tongue,

a message would unfurl

For every people, language, tongue

and nation wher're they be

a message of Creator's love

who fashioned every seed

I'd share about my Savior's love

from Jesus the Divine

who gave His life for wretched sin

the sin both yours and mine

I'd care for every one of them

from doomed eternal life

To save them all from hell's death fate

by Savior's grace divine

If I had a microphone

that reached around the world

and every person heard my words

a message would unfurl

I'd share of Calvary's precious price

for sin did He atone

for each believer's sin removed

to make them as His own

I'd share of love beyond man's known

Eternal and divine

I'd share about my Savior Christ

this Jesus who is mine

I'd share about relationship

and His eternal quest

to win all people back to Him

from Satan's grip did wrest

If I had a microphone

that reached around the world

One to share with every tongue,

a message would unfurl

I'd share of sin and death's sure grip

damnation's eternal flames

with separation far from God

of sin which is to blame

I'd share of outer darkness

and gnashing of the teeth

where worm n'er dies nor pain subsides

salvation's cost set free

I'd share about my soul's great rest

the peace with God I've found

the ransom paid for my great sin

His mercy that abounds

If I had a microphone

that reached around the world

One to share with every tongue,

a message would unfurl

Removed from death and penalty

from which none shall escape

lest they be found in Savior's grace

in Jesus' saving fate

Without belief in Jesus' love

the work He's done for thee

Thou wretched one left in thy state

for all eternity

So let this be my microphone

my sounding podium's plea

receive the Savior's offer now

before too late for thee

Casting All Your Care upon God 1 Peter 5:7

Peter the apostle told the “scattered” Christians who were “younger” to “submit” to the “elders” who were among them. He also told them to “humble” themselves that God “may exalt” them in “due time”. In chapter five and verse seven of his letter, Peter told the Christians to “cast all” their “care” upon God where we read:

Casting all your care upon him; for he cares for you.

The verse begins, “Casting all your care upon him;” Peter began with the word, “Casting” which means “throw or place upon” “all your care” or “each and every anxiety and worry” “upon him” which refers to “God”. Peter's directive was to “place all” their worries and “cares” upon God.

The verse continues, “for he cares for you.” Peter added the reason the Christians should “cast” their “care upon” God as he wrote “for he cares” which means “God takes interest in and is concerned” “for you” which refers to the “scattered” Christians. The reason the Christians could “cast” their “cares” upon God was His supreme “interest” and “concern” in them.

When we consider Peter's words in this verse, we also will benefit by “casting” our “cares” upon the Lord God Almighty. Just to think that He is interested and caring for us should give us great comfort, and when we approach Him with our “cares” and “concerns” by way of our relationship with Jesus Christ, we have entrance before a loving and caring God. May we learn to take every worry and concern to the throne room of God, and when we take them there, let us know we take them before a compassionate and caring God.

Next time Peter tells the Christians to “be sober” and “vigilant”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Humble Yourselves to be Exalted 1 Peter 5:6

As Peter continued his instruction to the “scattered” Christians, he told the “younger” Christians to be “subject one to another” and to the “elders”. In chapter five and verse six of his letter, Peter shared how they would be “exalted” if they would “humble” themselves “under the mighty hand of God” where we read:

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you in due time:

The verse begins, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God,...” Peter began with the word, “Humble yourselves” which means “make or bring low, to level or reduce to a plain or meaner circumstance” “therefore” or “then, accordingly, consequently and these things being so” “under the mighty” or “by the powerful and mighty” “hand” which refers to “the help or agency of any one, by means of any one, and applied to God symbolizing his might, activity and power” “of God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”. Peter's directive to the Christians was for them to “reduce” themselves “under” “God's” powerful “hand”.

The verse goes on to say, “...that he may exalt you in due time:” Peter added, “that he” which refers to “God” “may exalt you” or “to lift up on high and raise to the very summit of opulence and prosperity, dignity, honor and happiness” “in due time” which means “measure of time whether a larger or smaller portion of time”. The result of following Peter's instruction to be “humble” would be God “exalting” them, and this will be in His own perfect time.

When we think through these words of Peter, we see the value of being “humble” before “God”. If we “reduce ourselves to a plain or meaner circumstance” before the Lord, Peter promised that we shall be “exalted” in the future time. This does not come naturally, but as we seek the Lord Jesus and the help of the Holy Spirit, we shall position ourselves in the best place to be “blessed” and “exalted” by Him.

Next time Peter tells the Christians to “cast” their “cares” upon God, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

God Resisting the Proud and Grace to the Humble 1 Peter 5:5

As Peter the apostle gave instructions to the “elders” who were among the “scattered” Christians, he told them to “willingly” “feed” and have “oversight” of the flock of “God's heritage”. He also told them to “be examples” to the flock rather than “lord” over them. In chapter five and verse five of his letter, Peter addressed his words to the “younger” among the Christians where we read:

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yes, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.

The verse begins, “Likewise, you younger, submit yourselves unto the elder.” Peter began with the word, “Likewise” which means “equally and in the same way” “you younger” which refers to “recently born, youthful and new”, “submit yourselves” which refers to the “younger” “scattered” Christians “arranging themselves, being subordinate to and be in subjection” “unto the elder” which refers to “the advanced in life, senior and among the Christians, those who presided over the assemblies (or churches). The New Testament uses the term bishop, elders and presbyters interchangeably”. Those who were new to faith in Jesus Christ were to “submit” themselves to “elders” who oversaw them.

The verse goes on to say, “Yes, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility:” Peter continued with the word, “Yes” or “but, now, and moreover” “all of you” which refers to “each, every, any, the whole and everyone” of the “scattered” Christians “be subject” or “arranged under, subordinate to, in subjection to and obedient” “one to another” which refers to “reciprocally and mutually”, “and be clothed” or “knotted or banded by which two things are fastened together and to fasten or gird one's self” “with humility” which means “humbleness and lowliness of mind”.

Finally the verse says, “for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble.” Peter ended this verse with “for God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “resists” or “ranges in battle against and opposes one's self” “the proud” which means “showing one's self above others, overtopping and conspicuous above others and pre-eminent”, “and gives” or “grants, supplies, furnishes and delivers” “grace” which means “that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness and loving-kindness and unmerited favor” “to the humble” or “of low degree, base, cast down, lowly and of low estate”. Peter gave the “younger” Christians incentive as he shared the benefit of “submitting” to the “elders” - “God's grace”, however if they “resisted” submission, God would “resist” them.

When we think through these words of Peter, we begin to understand there was to be “authority” within the church. “Elders” were to minister to their “flocks” and the “younger” or newer Christians were to “submit” to their authority. This required “humility by the “younger”, and Peter's promise was “God's grace” to those who submitted to his charge. May the Lord Jesus help us to “submit” to Godly authorities, and should we have authority over others, let us be “humble” before the Lord as we oversee His flock.

Next time Peter tells the Christians to “humble themselves under the mighty hand of God”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

When the Chief Shepherd Appears 1 Peter 5:4

Peter the apostle instructed the “elders” who were among the “scattered” Christians to “be examples to the flock” rather than “being lords over God's heritage”. In chapter five and verse four of his letter, Peter shared what will happen “when the chief Shepherd shall appear” where we read:

And when the chief Shepherd shall appear,

you shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away.

The verse begins, “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear,...” Peter began with the word, “And” which means “also, even, indeed” “when the chief Shepherd” which refers to “Christ as head of the church” “shall appear” or “to make manifest or visible or known what has been hidden or unknown, to manifest, whether by words, or deeds, or in any other way”. There will be a time “when” Jesus, our “chief Shepherd” “appears”, and Peter continues to share what will happen when he does.

The verse continues, “... you shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away.” Peter went on to promise, “you shall receive” or “care for or of, provide for and preserve” “a crown” which literally means “a mark of royal or exalted rank” and metaphorically means “the eternal blessedness which will be given as a prize to the genuine servants of God and Christ” “of glory” or “opinion, judgment, view, estimate, splendor and brightness” “that fades not away” or “composed of amaranth which is a flower that dissolves and disappears, fadeless and like a symbol of perpetuity and immortality”. Peter's promise is for those who are “genuine servants of God” and Jesus Christ to receive a “mark of royal or exalted rank” which will last forever.

When we think through these words of Peter, we should be excited about the promise he made. We are to be faithful servants to Jesus, and as we are, when Jesus “appears” we shall reap great eternal reward! May the Lord Jesus by His Holy Spirit keep us serving Him faithfully, and may we always be looking for and expecting His appearance.

Next time Peter gives instructions to the “younger” among the Christians, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Neither Lords but Examples 1 Peter 5:3

As Peter the apostle continued to give instructions to the “Elders” who presided over the “scattered” Christians, he included “feeding” and having “oversight” of the flock of God. In chapter five and verse three of his letter, Peter told the “elders” they were not to “lord over” but be “examples” to “God's heritage” where we read:

Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

The verse begins, “Neither as being lords over God's heritage,...” Peter began with the word, “Neither” or “and not, but not and nor” “as being lords over” or “being under one's power, subject one's self, subdue, master and hold in subjection” “God's” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “heritage” which means “lot, inheritance, part and allotted portion”. “Elders” were not to “master over, hold in subjection or subdue” “God's Christians” who belonged to their portion of the church.

The verse goes on to say, “...but being ensamples to the flock.” Peter added the word, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated, “moreover, nonetheless and nevertheless” “being ensamples” which means “examples, figures, patterns, fashion and form” “to the flock” or “group of Christ's disciple and bodies of Christian (churches) presided over by elders”. Rather than “lord over” the Christians who were in the church, “Elders” were to be “examples” to them.

When we meditate upon these words of Peter, we see right away that “ministers” which means “servants” were not to subdue those whom they were overseeing. They were to be “examples” of how to live as Christians, and as they were, the people served would also follow the ways of Jesus. Let us take note of the manner in which Peter told these “elders” to lead, and whether we lead others or are being led by them, let the “example” of our Lord Jesus be our standard.

Next time Peter shares what happens “when the Chief Shepherd shall appear”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Feed the Flock of God 1 Peter 5:2

Peter the apostle “exhorted” the “elders” who were among the “scattered” Christians because he also was “an elder” and “partaker of the glory that shall be revealed”. In chapter five and verse two of his letter, Peter told the “elders” to “feed the flock of God” and to take the “oversight” of them where we read:

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

The verse begins, “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof,...” Peter began with the word, “Feed” which means “tend to, keep, rule and govern” “the flock” which refers to “a group of Christ's disciples or bodies of Christian churches presided over by elders” “of God” which is “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “which is among you” or “by or with the Christians”, “taking the oversight” or “looking to diligently, inspecting, overseeing, looking after and caring for while being ware” of them. These “elders” were to not only “tend to, rule over and govern” the churches, but they were also to “diligently look after and care for” the church members as well.

The verse continues, “...thereof not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;” Peter went on to add, “thereof not” or “no or not lest” “by constraint” which means “by force or compulsiveness”, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated, “moreover, nonetheless and notwithstanding” “willingly” or “voluntarily, willfully and of one's own accord”, “not for filthy lucre” which is “not for sordidly or eagerness for base gain”, “but of a ready mind” which refers to “alacrity, willingness, smartness and liveliness”. The “elders” were to “feed, govern over and look after” the church members in a “willing” manner rather than by “force or constraint”. They also were not to be in ministry for the “money or sordid, base gain” but were to be “willingly” ready in their “minds” to care for their people.

When we meditate upon Peter's words, we notice straightaway there are specific instructions to “elders”. These are the “pastors, bishops, presbyters and overseers” of the church, and they are to “feed” their people and “tend to” them as well. This is to be done with “willing” hearts and “minds” without any other outside motives or incentives. Jesus Christ is the head of His church, and He has entrusted the “overseeing” of His “flock” to “elders”, and whether we are in these positions of leadership or under them, we are to regard their requirements wholeheartedly. May the Lord Jesus help us to fulfill our roles, and be obedient to that which He has given to us to do.

Next time Peter tells the “elders” to be “examples” and not “lords” over the “flock of God”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Instructions to Elders 1 Peter 5:1

After telling the “scattered” Christians “the righteous scarcely be saved”, Peter the apostle wondered “where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear”? He concluded that the Christians who “suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls” to “a faithful Creator”, and in chapter five and verse one of his letter, Peter directed his instructions to “the elders” who were among the Christians where we read:

The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

The verse begins, “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder,...” Peter began with the words, “The elders” which in Greek is the word “presbyteros” and were the “advanced in life, seniors, forefathers and among the Christians those who presided over the assemblies (or churches). The New Testament uses the term bishop, elders, and presbyters interchangeably” “which are among you” or “by and with the Christians” “I exhort” which means “call to one's side, summon, address, speak to, admonish, beg, entreat and beseech”, “who am also an elder” or “fellow elder and presbyter”. Peter was able to “admonish and entreat” “the elders” who were “among” the “scattered” Christians because he was also a “fellow-elder” with them.

The verse goes on to say, “...and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:” Peter went on to add, “and a witness” which is the Greek word “martys” or “one who is a spectator of anything or of a contest and those who after his example have proved the strength and genuineness of their faith in Christ by undergoing a violent death” “of the sufferings” which means “that which one suffers or has suffered, misfortune, calamity and evil affliction” “of Christ” who is “the anointed one, Messiah and the Son of God”, “and also” or “even and indeed” “a partaker” which means “partner, associate, comrade and companion” “of the glory” or “opinion, judgment, view, splendor and brightness” “that shall” which means “to be about, on point of doing, intend, have in mind and think to” “be revealed” or “uncovered, laid open what has been veiled, disclosed, made bare and manifest”. Peter was also “a witness” of the “sufferings” of Jesus which enabled him to be a “comrade and companion” of the “glory” which shall be “disclosed and unveiled”.

When we think about Peter's words, we understand his position of authority and identification with these “elders”. The “elders” were to be the authorities in the church, and they were to be responsible before not only the church and the Christians within it, but also before God Almighty. It was Jesus who set up His church, and those who lead over others were not only to have experienced a relationship with Him, but also be very careful how they “ruled” over them. As we look into these instructions from Peter, may the Lord Jesus help us to know the importance of following His ways whether we are leading others or are under their leadership.

Next time Peter tells the “elders” to “feed the flock of God” and “take the oversight” of them, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Suffering According to the Will of God 1 Peter 4:19

Peter the apostle has asked the “scattered” Christians, “if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?”, and in chapter four and verse nineteen of his letter, Peter shared concerning “them that suffer according to the will of God” where we read:

Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit

the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

The verse begins, “Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God...” Peter began with the word, “Wherefore” which means “insomuch that, so then and therefore”, and every time we see a “wherefore” in scriptures, we should look at the reason it is “there-for”. In this case Peter wrote, “let them” which means “also, even, indeed be affected or have been affected, to feel, have a sensible experience, to undergo” “that suffer” or “are vexed, with passion and feel in a bad or sick plight” “according to” or “down from, through out, toward and along” “the will” which means “desire, pleasure and what one wishes or has determined shall be done” “of God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”.

The verse goes on to say, “... commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.” Peter continued with the word, “commit the keeping” or “set before, commend, put forth and allege” “of their souls” which refers to “the suffering ones vital force which animates the body and shows itself in breathing” “to him” or “in God” “in well doing” which means “a course of right action and virtue”, “as unto a faithful” which means “trusty, worthy of trust and can be relied upon” “Creator” which refers to “founder and author of all things”. Should the Christians be “suffering”, they were to “commend” themselves to God whom Peter said would “keep their souls”.

When we meditate upon these words of Peter, we understand that those who “suffer” are to “commit” themselves to Almighty God, and the promise is that he will “keep” their lives and “souls” as they obey the course of right action. Perhaps we are going through “suffering” as we read Peter's words. If so, let us “commend ourselves” to the Lord Jesus who will “keep” that which we have committed to Him.

Next time we begin the final chapter of Peter's letter and see what he has to say to “elders”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.