A Recipe for Blessing – Week 37 / September 10th

by admin

“Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves
to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one
another, and be clothed with humility for
“God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand
of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting
all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober,
be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks
about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the
same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood
in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called
you us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you
have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen,
and settle you.”
1Peter 5: 5-11

This passage, coming as it does at the end of Peter’s first epistle, is a wonderful reminder of what it takes to be a victorious Christian. We would do well then to give it close attention.

We note the following:

1.    Be Humble V5-6
Humility is not something weak and cringing. It is strong and confident but recognizes the dignity and place of those who have authority over us. It treats these people with respect and honor and can be called good manners from the heart. My father always told us that “manners cost nothing but will take you a long way in life.” He was right! Humility, evidenced by submission, is not humility until we have to “give honor to whom honor is due” even though we may disagree with them. It is important to note that this is vital for the well being and blessing of the local church for in submitting to those over us we actually are submitting to God. Authority structures are important to God because they carry His blessing and power! Young people are particularly singled out for encouragement in this regard because the young heart can so easily resist authority and become rebellious. It is true to say that much of our life’s destiny is settled in our young years! God exalts those who walk the road of humility in life.

2.    Be focused V7
The God you serve loves you and cares for you. He takes responsibility for every part of your life because you belong to Him. (1Corinthians 6:20) Peter therefore encourages the believer to cast all his or her cares upon this God. The image is one of throwing off one’s concerns and dumping them on God! What a blessing to know that He cares for us in such a wonderful way. We often have not because we ask not and do not cast our cares upon Him.

3.    Be sober and vigilant V8-9
The Christian is to be alert and watchful because the devil is constantly looking for a way to trip him up. He prowls about watching and waiting for his opportunity to strike. This is not a game and is not fictitious. We give him this opportunity when deliberately embrace sin, harbor unforgiveness, have broken relationships and neglect our devotional lives. We must resist him by keeping our lives clean and being firm about what it means to have faith in God. We must not allow trials and sufferings to discourage us so that we open the door to his attack. Peter wants us to know that all Christians pass through very difficult periods in their lives. We must be patient because God knows and will in due time deliver us. Never fall prey to the idea that your troubles are bigger than anyone else’s. This idea is demonic!

4.    Be assured V10
God’s grace will always settle you down and assure you of His love. He has, by Jesus Christ, called you into a place of eternal glory and He will never fail you. Of this you can and should be assured. The words here are beautiful in that Peter says that God will perfect, establish, settle and strengthen you. Our trials lead us to His grace and His grace will always transform and bless us. You must always fight discouragement and trust the God of the Bible who loves you with a love that can be experienced but never fully comprehended!

No wonder the passage ends with a eulogy to the glory of God because in constitutes a recipe for success.

Many blessings in Jesus,

Malcolm Hedding.

©Malcolm Hedding Ministries

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