Chapter Study & Analysis
Overview
1 Peter 5 addresses the elders of the church, exhorting them to feed the flock willingly. It warns all believers to be sober and vigilant against the devil and concludes with a promise of restoration after suffering.
CONTEMPORARY APPLICATIONS
1. Humble Leadership: Elders must lead "not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind" (v. 2). True leadership is being an "ensample to the flock" rather than lording it over God’s heritage.
2. Casting Cares on God: "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you" (v. 7). We are invited to release the weight of our anxieties into the hands of a sovereign and loving Father.
3. Vigilance Against the Enemy: Our adversary the devil walks about as a roaring lion (v. 8). We must remain sober and steadfast in the faith, knowing that our brethren throughout the world face the same afflictions.
Practical Lessons
FORMAL PRAYER
God of all grace, who hast called us unto Thy eternal glory: after that we have suffered a while, make us perfect, stablish, strengthen, and settle us. To Thee be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.