Faithful on Fridays Blog

As Peter encouraged this new body of believers, calling them living stones, he spoke directly to various people-groups: servants, wives, husbands, and now elders. These are the leaders and overseers of the House of God and Peter made a personal appeal for them to act like shepherds and examples to their flock. What does that look like?

He stressed the idea (5:2-3) of caring interest. Whether you’re a pastor, elder, or leader of any kind be encouraged to care about your people by meeting their needs not under pressure or guilt but because you love and desire God’s best for them. Your loving, humble servanthood sets the standard for everyone and your caring interest will permeate to all.

Peter personally experienced humility when he wouldn’t allow Jesus to wash his feet. Jesus responded,

“Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to Me.” Simon Peter exclaimed, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!” John 13:8-9 

Later that day (John 13:36-38) he attempted to follow Jesus but was stopped in his tracks; Peter was willing to lay down his life for Jesus, why couldn’t he follow Him now? Jesus was teaching this future elder humility by prophesying of his upcoming three-time denial. 

Saints, if we don’t humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand then, out of mercy, He’ll do it for us in order to lift us up again. 

How do you humble yourself? You learn to cast your cares, concerns, and fears on Him in faith knowing He cares for you. He cares about you, in turn, you all care about each other, therefore, operating as the flock of God.

Peter ended his letter with a warning to stay alert (vs. 8) be cautious, watch out for the devil who is our opponent, and resist his temptations. Caring for fellow believers means you recognize the enemy at work and expose him. Since he’s like a prowling, roaring lion who is a ‘seeker’ he’ll watch and when you’re at your weakest he’ll strike in order to destroy you and your loved ones. Every believer, no matter where in the world they live needs that kind of help and support because Satan desires to swallow up and destroy God’s image-bearers. Never forget that.

Finally, Peter closed with four power-packed promises from God: 

1. He will restore, in this case it means to fully train and complete you for service. He’ll make adjustments and mend or repair anything broken. 
2. To confirm means He’ll give you support, like a prop, to securely stand in faith in the midst of suffering.
3. He’ll strengthen, helping you move with knowledge and power.
4. He’ll establish you, meaning He’ll ground you in His ways as a foundation of faith.

All in all Peter wrote a profound letter from personal experience and declared that the final dominion or power belongs to God. His last words of encouragement declared shalom (wholeness) to all who are in Christ.