Section 19 – 1 Peter 5:5-11
5 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.” (Proverbs 3:34) 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8 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. 10 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.
Questions
● (vs 1-4) (See back page) How are church elders toshepherd and lead God’s flock? What struggles might elders face as they shepherd the flock?
● (v 5) Why might it be hard for those younger in the faith or young in age to submit to church elders?
● Do you find it difficult to submit to your church elders? What helps you to submit?
● (v 5) Who is to clothe themselves with humility? What are you doing if you clothe yourself in humility? Why is it vital for a believer to be clothed in humility?
● (v 6) How do you humble yourself? What does God do when believers live and act humbly?
● (v 7) What are you anxious about? What do you need to cast upon Jesus today?
● (v 8) According to verse 8 how should a believer live? What is the danger? What steps can you take to be alert and sober-minded as a believer?
● (v 9) How can believers resist the devil? What steps can a believer take to stand firm in the faith? Who else is undergoing suffering?
● (v 10) Why might Peter describe God as “the God of all grace” here? What is God going to do after believers suffer for a little while?
● (v 11) Peter ends this section with a benediction. A benediction is a type of blessing. Who does Peter offer a blessing to? Who does all power forever belong to? Does that bring you comfort?
● What is something from our passage you are challenged to ponder further this week?___________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________
1 Peter 5:1-4
1 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.
Hebrew 13:17
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.
Philippians 2:1-11
1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father.