April 13-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 5:1-4, 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.
Observe what it is saying.
The early Christian church continued the structure from the Jewish synagogue with an “elder” being the most common title for church leadership. In the first century, elders were often older believers who were highly respected in the community. Peter refers to himself as a “fellow elder,” so even apostles were considered elders at large in whatever community they resided. Elders included those spiritually gifted as pastors, but were not exclusively pastors. However, every elder had a shepherding function. They were to care for the church as shepherds carefully look over their flocks for injury and sickness. To be called an elder is a privilege and a huge responsibility. It is not done out of obligation but with a humble willingness of the holy call God has placed on your life. Elders were eventually paid but were highly cautioned not to pursue dishonest gain or become greedy by fleecing the flock. Instead, just as Jesus did, elders lead by serving. Jesus told his disciples not to lord themselves over others but to serve as He did by giving His life away as a ransom for many. Elders are placed in the church for the very purpose of modeling His holy loving nature to the whole church. We must remember that when Jesus, our Chief Shepherd, comes back, we will all receive our reward. There is a sense in which all mature believers should see themselves in this role whether they have a title or not. All Christians are called to serve and be a model of the Christian faith to others and so should live up to the responsibility of an elder.
Relate it to your life.
Whether a “titled” leader in the church or not, I am a leader as I provide an example of Jesus to others.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to lead well by serving others with a model of Your holy and loving nature. Amen.
April 14-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 5:5-6, 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.
Observe what it is saying.
Peter speaks to those younger in the congregation that they are to willingly come under the leadership of the God-appointed elders of the church. This is for the proper order and functioning of the church. Of course, the assumption is that the elders are acting in an appropriate manner of servant leadership as we found yesterday. Then Peter tells everyone that they need to dress themselves each day in humility toward each other. We must discard the wardrobe of pride. We need to envision ourselves being dressed in the humility of Christ who willingly went to the cross on the behalf of undeserving sinners. Throughout Scripture we find the truth mentioned often, as is quoted here, that God shows His most generous grace to the humble, not to the proud. When we humble ourselves before God, He will elevate us in His time.
Relate it to your life.
When I choose the humble way, I open the door for the grace of the Lord to fully enter in.
Do something.
Jesus, dress me in Your wardrobe of humility which You have perfectly modeled for me. Amen.
April 15-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 5:7, Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Observe what it is saying.
We cannot keep anxiety from coming knocking on our door. This world is filled with many events and experiences that create opportunity for fear and worry to enter in. Peter was writing to Christians who were facing opposition and persecution so you would expect they had every reason to be anxious. The Bible repeats itself often when it comes to this ominous feeling. Peter says cast your worries on the Lord. The image is throwing them off of yourself onto Him. He wants to receive them. We were not meant to carry them. God is concerned for us. He loves us. He cares about every anxiety-producing event. He does not want us to travel this path alone but wants us to actively give Him all that troubles us. David said something similar in Psalm 55:22, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” In a message about worry, Jesus said, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) The Apostle Paul offers this familiar word, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) The Bible has one consistent message that our loving God wants us to thrust our anxiety upon Him through trusting prayer.
Relate it to your life.
I am relieved to know that God cares for me so much that He wants to bear the weight of my worry.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, through believing prayer, I am casting these worries upon You today: ____________. Amen.
April 16-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 5:8-9, 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.
Observe what it is saying.
Even though we cast all our anxiety on God, that does not mean we can be careless about our spiritual development. The word “sober” is used 6 times in the New Testament, and Peter uses half of them in this letter. 1 Peter 1:13, “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.” 1 Peter 4:7, “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.” Peter emphasizes a spiritual sobriety that demands we stay mentally sharp and spiritually alert at all times. The reason he gives is vitally important because he knows what is at stake and what is happening in the unseen spiritual realm. Peter was a victim of the prowling devil in the Garden where he fell asleep and in the high priest’s courtyard where he strongly denounced knowing Jesus. He was devoured by the temptation of the roaring lion. He knows how dark and painful the guilt is. We must know if we are pursuing a deeper walk with the Lord Jesus, the enemy is in attack mode. We must be vigilant in recognizing his attempts to take us down by standing strong in the faith. Like Jesus did in the wilderness temptation, he stood strong by quoting Scripture. The enemy went away after being defeated by God’s truth. Peter indicates the various kinds of opposition that believers face around the word is one of the ways Satan fiercely attacks God’s people.
Relate it to your life.
I must understand I am under spiritual attack if I am passionate about my walk with Jesus.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, lead me not into temptation. Deliver me from evil. Amen.
April 17-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 5:10-11, 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.11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Observe what it is saying.
In Peter’s final words, he speaks of the God of all grace. What a wonderful reminder that this is who God is as fully demonstrated in His Son Jesus. It is by God’s grace we are saved. It is by God’s grace we are restored into the family of God. It is by God’s grace that we are transformed into brand new people. As Peter goes on to say, it is by God’s grace we are called into eternal glory. God made the way to glory abundantly clear through Jesus. Jesus himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Peter encourages those who are suffering for their faith to hold on because this is only a temporary phase in the larger picture of eternal life. Even in this world, there may come relief at some point. However, if not, we have an eternity where we will be strong and steadfast, never to know another moment of suffering, pain, sorrow, or loss. This is what we are living for. This is what gives us hope to continue on in the midst of all of our struggles. We must keep the larger picture in view as we walk day by day through all the challenges of this world. Because of what God has done for us, He is to be recognized as the One to whom all praise and power goes forever.
Relate it to your life.
God’s grace literally makes all the difference in this world of whether I can have real hope for the future.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the instrument of the Father’s grace so that I have hope in the midst of my daily troubles. Help me to keep my eye on the prize to which You have called me. Amen.
April 18-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 5:12-14, With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Observe what it is saying.
Just as the Apostle Paul often did, Peter writes by naming a colleague, Silas, who shares in ministry with him. We first meet Silas in Acts 15 where the Jerusalem Council of Christian leaders decided whether they would welcome Gentiles into the family without circumcision. After agreeing they would, they sent a message to the church at Antioch where this controversy began. Acts 15:22, “Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, men who were leaders among the believers.” Silas was an early leader in the Jerusalem church and accompanied the Apostle Paul on his missionary journeys. As Peter says here, he was a faithful brother in Christ. Peter says the purpose of his letter was to encourage them to stand strong in the true grace of God found in Jesus. Babylon is likely a reference to Rome. “She” is probably a congregation there. Mark is a spiritual son that Peter may have led to the Lord and would later write the gospel bearing his name. These two named leaders did not get as much press as the apostles, but they were an integral part of the rapid spread of the gospel.
Relate it to your life.
My role in the gospel may not get much attention but is just as vital as those who do.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank you for everyone who faithfully serves You without getting much applause. Amen.
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 5:1-4, 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.
Observe what it is saying.
The early Christian church continued the structure from the Jewish synagogue with an “elder” being the most common title for church leadership. In the first century, elders were often older believers who were highly respected in the community. Peter refers to himself as a “fellow elder,” so even apostles were considered elders at large in whatever community they resided. Elders included those spiritually gifted as pastors, but were not exclusively pastors. However, every elder had a shepherding function. They were to care for the church as shepherds carefully look over their flocks for injury and sickness. To be called an elder is a privilege and a huge responsibility. It is not done out of obligation but with a humble willingness of the holy call God has placed on your life. Elders were eventually paid but were highly cautioned not to pursue dishonest gain or become greedy by fleecing the flock. Instead, just as Jesus did, elders lead by serving. Jesus told his disciples not to lord themselves over others but to serve as He did by giving His life away as a ransom for many. Elders are placed in the church for the very purpose of modeling His holy loving nature to the whole church. We must remember that when Jesus, our Chief Shepherd, comes back, we will all receive our reward. There is a sense in which all mature believers should see themselves in this role whether they have a title or not. All Christians are called to serve and be a model of the Christian faith to others and so should live up to the responsibility of an elder.
Relate it to your life.
Whether a “titled” leader in the church or not, I am a leader as I provide an example of Jesus to others.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, help me to lead well by serving others with a model of Your holy and loving nature. Amen.
April 14-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 5:5-6, 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.
Observe what it is saying.
Peter speaks to those younger in the congregation that they are to willingly come under the leadership of the God-appointed elders of the church. This is for the proper order and functioning of the church. Of course, the assumption is that the elders are acting in an appropriate manner of servant leadership as we found yesterday. Then Peter tells everyone that they need to dress themselves each day in humility toward each other. We must discard the wardrobe of pride. We need to envision ourselves being dressed in the humility of Christ who willingly went to the cross on the behalf of undeserving sinners. Throughout Scripture we find the truth mentioned often, as is quoted here, that God shows His most generous grace to the humble, not to the proud. When we humble ourselves before God, He will elevate us in His time.
Relate it to your life.
When I choose the humble way, I open the door for the grace of the Lord to fully enter in.
Do something.
Jesus, dress me in Your wardrobe of humility which You have perfectly modeled for me. Amen.
April 15-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 5:7, Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Observe what it is saying.
We cannot keep anxiety from coming knocking on our door. This world is filled with many events and experiences that create opportunity for fear and worry to enter in. Peter was writing to Christians who were facing opposition and persecution so you would expect they had every reason to be anxious. The Bible repeats itself often when it comes to this ominous feeling. Peter says cast your worries on the Lord. The image is throwing them off of yourself onto Him. He wants to receive them. We were not meant to carry them. God is concerned for us. He loves us. He cares about every anxiety-producing event. He does not want us to travel this path alone but wants us to actively give Him all that troubles us. David said something similar in Psalm 55:22, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” In a message about worry, Jesus said, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) The Apostle Paul offers this familiar word, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) The Bible has one consistent message that our loving God wants us to thrust our anxiety upon Him through trusting prayer.
Relate it to your life.
I am relieved to know that God cares for me so much that He wants to bear the weight of my worry.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, through believing prayer, I am casting these worries upon You today: ____________. Amen.
April 16-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 5:8-9, 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.
Observe what it is saying.
Even though we cast all our anxiety on God, that does not mean we can be careless about our spiritual development. The word “sober” is used 6 times in the New Testament, and Peter uses half of them in this letter. 1 Peter 1:13, “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.” 1 Peter 4:7, “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.” Peter emphasizes a spiritual sobriety that demands we stay mentally sharp and spiritually alert at all times. The reason he gives is vitally important because he knows what is at stake and what is happening in the unseen spiritual realm. Peter was a victim of the prowling devil in the Garden where he fell asleep and in the high priest’s courtyard where he strongly denounced knowing Jesus. He was devoured by the temptation of the roaring lion. He knows how dark and painful the guilt is. We must know if we are pursuing a deeper walk with the Lord Jesus, the enemy is in attack mode. We must be vigilant in recognizing his attempts to take us down by standing strong in the faith. Like Jesus did in the wilderness temptation, he stood strong by quoting Scripture. The enemy went away after being defeated by God’s truth. Peter indicates the various kinds of opposition that believers face around the word is one of the ways Satan fiercely attacks God’s people.
Relate it to your life.
I must understand I am under spiritual attack if I am passionate about my walk with Jesus.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, lead me not into temptation. Deliver me from evil. Amen.
April 17-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 5:10-11, 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.11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Observe what it is saying.
In Peter’s final words, he speaks of the God of all grace. What a wonderful reminder that this is who God is as fully demonstrated in His Son Jesus. It is by God’s grace we are saved. It is by God’s grace we are restored into the family of God. It is by God’s grace that we are transformed into brand new people. As Peter goes on to say, it is by God’s grace we are called into eternal glory. God made the way to glory abundantly clear through Jesus. Jesus himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Peter encourages those who are suffering for their faith to hold on because this is only a temporary phase in the larger picture of eternal life. Even in this world, there may come relief at some point. However, if not, we have an eternity where we will be strong and steadfast, never to know another moment of suffering, pain, sorrow, or loss. This is what we are living for. This is what gives us hope to continue on in the midst of all of our struggles. We must keep the larger picture in view as we walk day by day through all the challenges of this world. Because of what God has done for us, He is to be recognized as the One to whom all praise and power goes forever.
Relate it to your life.
God’s grace literally makes all the difference in this world of whether I can have real hope for the future.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the instrument of the Father’s grace so that I have hope in the midst of my daily troubles. Help me to keep my eye on the prize to which You have called me. Amen.
April 18-Stand Fast
Write out the Scripture.
1 Peter 5:12-14, With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Observe what it is saying.
Just as the Apostle Paul often did, Peter writes by naming a colleague, Silas, who shares in ministry with him. We first meet Silas in Acts 15 where the Jerusalem Council of Christian leaders decided whether they would welcome Gentiles into the family without circumcision. After agreeing they would, they sent a message to the church at Antioch where this controversy began. Acts 15:22, “Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, men who were leaders among the believers.” Silas was an early leader in the Jerusalem church and accompanied the Apostle Paul on his missionary journeys. As Peter says here, he was a faithful brother in Christ. Peter says the purpose of his letter was to encourage them to stand strong in the true grace of God found in Jesus. Babylon is likely a reference to Rome. “She” is probably a congregation there. Mark is a spiritual son that Peter may have led to the Lord and would later write the gospel bearing his name. These two named leaders did not get as much press as the apostles, but they were an integral part of the rapid spread of the gospel.
Relate it to your life.
My role in the gospel may not get much attention but is just as vital as those who do.
Do something.
Lord Jesus, thank you for everyone who faithfully serves You without getting much applause. Amen.
Posted in Daily Devotionals