[:en]SCRIPTURE: 1 PETER 5
“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; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” ( 1 Peter 5:2)
“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'” ( 1 Peter 5:5)
“Humble yourselves therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time” ( 1 Peter 5:6)
“Cast your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” ( 1Peter 5:7)
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith…..” (1 Peter 5:8-9)
TO THE ELDERS:
“Elders” are matured leaders. They have the same office as “pastors” (shepherds) and “bishop” (overseer). Their duties are similar to that of a shepherd which include feeding, leading, encouraging, disciplining and guarding. Their motive for serving must not be for money, prestige, or power. They should serve with a willing heart. Pastors should not become a dictator. Instead, he should live a godly life for people to follow. Their sacrificial service will be rewarded in the future with a crown of glory.
TO YOUNG MEN:
Be humble. A good example of humility was shown by Jesus Himself, who washed the disciple’s feet in the Upper Room. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
TO EVERYONE:
Satan is an adversary and a slanderer. He is a roaring lion prowling around to devour us. He is also a serpent to deceive us. Peter advised us to be self-controlled and alert. Stand firm in the faith and resist the devil. God’s grace is able to restore us and make us strong, firm and steadfast. Peter comforted us with God’s promise that “He cares for us”.
LESSON:
Christian leaders have the duty to feed God’s Word to believers, to lead by example, to encourage those in suffering, to discipline those who have gone astray and to serve willingly and zealously without wrong motive of material gain.
Young men should be submissive and humble. All of us must be watchful of the devil’s plot and temptation. We should counter Satan with God’s truth and trust in God’s grace to become victorious through sufferings. Remember to cast all our anxieties to the Lord because He promises to care for us.[:]