Be Humble • 1 Peter 5:1-11
By Arthur Story
In this week’s passage, 1 Peter 5:1-11, we hear specific instructions to pastors and believers concluded with a word of warning.
For Pastors (vs. 1-4)
Pastors have a difficult calling (Hebrews 13:17, Acts 20:28-31) that requires a passion for the Word of God and for His people. Their work requires discipline, diligence, and a love for people. In our text, the role of the pastor is described as shepherding. The closest I’ve been to shepherding was working on a dairy farm during a summer in high school, but I’ve studied shepherding. Sheep and people have similarities. For example, sheep left unattended will eat both good and poisonous plants without discernment. Likewise, Christians will unwittingly consume music, books, and teachings that contain doctrine that conflicts with Scripture (2 Timothy 4:1-5). In addition, sheep can’t clean themselves. They need the shepherd to shear them because the makeup of their bodies doesn’t enable them to clean themselves. Similarly, Christians can have life issues they need their pastor to help them clean up as well.
Pastoring, like shepherding, takes a special man. Pastors are called to serve willingly rather than out of compulsion. Why? Those who serve willingly do so out of a passion, a love for the One they serve, and a love for the people they serve. One who serves out of compulsion doesn’t share that same passion and love. The one that serves out of compulsion will become complacent in their work. Stated simply, it is a matter of “get to” verses “have to.” The willing leader is thankful they “get to” serve on God’s behalf and lead His people. The person that is compelled to serve does it because they “have to” and so their commitment is less. In addition, their desires are different. Pastors are to serve with eagerness and not out of a desire for sordid gain. A true pastor isn’t using his service as a way to become rich through deception and manipulation (1 Timothy 6:6-11), but he should be financially well cared for by the church (1 Timothy 5:17). Lastly, a true pastor doesn’t wield the power of his office to compel people to follow them (Matthew 20:25-28). Instead, they live as an example of Christ’s love that believers willingly follow (1 Corinthians 11:1).
For Believers (v5-7)
The instruction in verses 5-7 is specifically addressed to younger men, but has application for all Christians. Just as shepherds submit to the Chief Shepherd’s leadership (1 Peter 1:4), so younger believers submit to their pastors. As we discussed previously in our study on husbands and wives, submission doesn’t lesson the value of the one submitting. Submission, being subject to, is the same word used in 1 Peter 3:1-7 and means to willingly following like in a military formation. Submission, doesn’t come naturally to sinful humanity. This is especially true of younger Christians being called upon to submit. Younger believers are often filled with energy, drive, determination, and a sense of urgency that can lead to an unwillingness to submit to leadership.
These young men, and all of us who are Christians, are given a key instruction for submission; put on humility. Living humbly is a willful decision. The text gives a picture of putting on humility as you would clothing (Romans 12:3). Pridefulness hinders spiritual growth and puts us in opposition to God. In contrast humility makes us useable by God, results in God being glorified for His work in/through believers, and enables God to elevate us according to His plan (Philippians 2:3-18). A spirit of humility is essential to submission.
The final instruction for believers in this section is to “cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (CSB). What anxiety? Everything that causes the believer discontent, fear, suffering, and pain. It’s anything that disrupts the believer from living confidently and passionately for Christ. The word used here for “cast” means to put them on God like you’d put an item on an animal to carry. The result is that the responsibility for dealing with this issue is no longer on the believer because it’s now God’s to carry for him (Psalm 23; 55:22, Matthew 6:25-34, Philippians 4:6-7).
A Warning (v8-11)
The final instructions come as a warning to believers. First, we are to be self-controlled rather than living out of control, unclear in our thinking like a drunk person. Next, we are to be watchful. We need to keep careful watch because we have an enemy that is crafty, cunning, and always stalking us in an effort to destroy us (Job 1:6-8, 2 Corinthians 11:14). Third, we are to be steadfast; standing firm in our faith so we cannot be led astray. Lastly, we are to maintain our hope in God and His promised future for us (Galatians 55, Proverbs 10:28).
Take time this week to reread 1 Peter. As you read, consider how these instructions to pastors, to believers, and this warning tie to the preceding 4 chapters. Then, prayerfully consider how you are called to live the truths from this study on a daily basis.
Story is a member of First Ridgeland Church, Ridgeland.
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