May 21, 2025
Years ago, there was a deacon in a church that was recognized for his faithfulness. The church gave him a special plaque recognizing his years of humble service. When he began bringing his plaque to every service, the church reclaimed the plaque because of his pride.
Peter addressed the church leadership — the elders or pastors — as a fellow elder. Peter says he will share with the elders in the glory to be revealed — most likely a reference to the Second Coming.
Peter’s authority is based on his being an eyewitness to the sufferings of Christ. Peter gives one command to a pastor: Shepherd God’s flock.
Peter says that a pastor should lead not as one greedy for money but as one serving eagerly rather than slothfully.
Perhaps the greatest challenge for a pastor is the admonition to be an example to the flock. A pastor should be able to communicate to his people, “Walk with me as I follow Christ.”
As an encouragement to pastors, Peter set forth the possibility of leaders receiving an unfaded crown of glory. Why is humility an important quality for a church leader?
Peter commanded all Christians (“all of you”) to be clothed with humility — proactive in humbling themselves before God. I have attempted to humble myself by doing lowly service for the body of Christ through dirty, unthankful, lowly labor in the Kingdom. God Himself will exalt His servants at the proper and appropriate time.
According to Robert Mounce’s commentary on 1 and 2 Peter, the Greek term translated “at the proper time” has a connotation of “fruitful time” — a time which demands a decision.
Why is it important for believers to turn their care over to God?
Peter commanded his readers to be sober-minded. Rather than being a prohibition against drunkenness, in this passage, “sober” means “not having inordinate or unnecessary emotions.” Anger might be one example of such an emotion.
Persecuted believers might want to cause harm to their persecutors as retaliation.
Peter described the scheming nature of Satan. He is like a roaring lion seeking to devour his human prey. Perhaps the imagery comes from the Roman arena in which believers experienced the ferocity of lions.
Believers should resist Satan. The term “resist” is a military term and could be translated “to take a stand against the devil by being firm in the faith.”
Peter uplifted his readers by reminding them that they are not alone in suffering.
In the first century, believers throughout the Roman Empire felt some measure of persecution, but even in persecution, God could strengthen every believer. God is a God of grace, and He will restore the fallen and establish a foundation by being a foundation stone or support.
Notice the promises of God in this warning section. God will restore, establish, strengthen, and support you in the context of persecution. Although this section began with a warning, it ends with praise: “To Him be dominion forever. Amen.”
What are some practical things that believers can do to recognize Satan’s schemes?
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This lesson was written by Mark Rathel, pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in DeFuniak Springs, Fla., and originally published by The Baptist Paper. This study is based on the Explore the Bible curriculum from Lifeway Christian Resources. The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
