1 Peter 5:1 “I appeal as a fellow elder”. Peter could have stated a higher position for himself (first among equals, Jesus’ choice to build the church, etc.), but instead he established himself as an equal.
1.What does this tell you about the character of Peter as well as the desire to be sincere and connect with these elders?
Peter list several actions for elders in 1 Peter 5:2-3:
- Shepherd God’s flock
- Watch over them
- Do this with a willing attitude
- Be eager to serve
- Be an example to the flock
2. Of these actions, which do most identify with as a leader at work or at home?
3. What motivates you to conduct yourself according to these requirements from
Peter?
Think for a few minutes and try to visualize what the crown of glory will look like.
4. Describe your thoughts. Please share why you think it will look as you visualize it.
5. What are some ways we followers can submit ourselves to our Elders?
Elder refers to maturity.
6. Is there an age or “maturity” you equate with being an Elder?
1 Peter 5:5 tells us to “clothe yourself with humility towards one another”.
7. How do we do this?
8. How does Psalm 139 :23-24 speak to you about being humble?
I really feel as though Peter gets very personal in vs 7. “Cast all your anxiety on
Him because He cares for you.” Knowing the persecution of Christians that was
starting to occur as well as the hostility toward Christians from people of other
religions (Alexandria the metal worker and the worshipers of the goddess Artemis
Acts 19:23-41), the readers of this letter must have been comforted by his words.
9. What passages bring you comfort during anxious times or times of need?
Our enemy has many descriptions. Peter describes him as “prowling around like a
lion looking for someone to devour”. Paul describes him as “masquerading as an
angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). Job 1:7 says he was “roaming throughout the earth,
going back and forth on it” Satan is our enemy.
10. What assurances do we have that God will protect us from him?
