God is sovereign in our salvation for sure, but to fully experience His grace you must take action.
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Previous DIG DEEPER posts on 1 Peter
1 Peter 5 Summary
Peter addresses men called to serve as elders, which he describes as shepherds of God's flock which are under their care (v2). Peter gives three negative imperatives for how elders are to watch over the church:
NOT because they have to or just because it's their turn;
but because they're willing.
NOT doing it to dishonestly enrich themselves;
but because they're eager to serve.
NOT lording it over the church to get their own way;
but by being examples - servant leaders - to the church.
Serving as an elder is not without reward, however. When the Chief Shepherd appears they will receive a crown of glory that will never fade away (v4).
Not everyone can be the shepherd; the church is comprised mostly of sheep who need to submit to the shepherds. Being a submissive sheep does not in any keep you from winning the same sort of prize set out for the elders, however, because God opposes the proud and shows favor to the humble (v5 / Proverbs 3:34).
Dig Deeper
This is one of my favorite benedictions in the Bible. Here's my paraphrase of it. Notice how many aspects of this blessing begins with something you must do in order to receive it:
Be humbled under the hand of God almighty,
so that He might lift you up in His own time.
Throw all of your worries on Him,
because He is concerned about you and cares for you.
Prepare your mind for action;
Be aware the devil is prowling about looking to devour you.
Resist him by standing firm in your faith,
and be reminded that the church throughout the world is undergoing this same suffering.
Be assured this God of all grace,
who called you to His eternal glory in Christ before the creation of the world,
will Himself:
complete His image in you;
and will establish and strengthen you.
Give all the glory to God forever.
Amen = Make it so.
AAA Prayer:
ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: The chief Shepherd... who cares for you and who gives grace to the humble (v4, 5, 7)
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that you will be able to humble yourself under the mighty hand of God (v6)
ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED:
