Submit
1 Peter 5
5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
In the same way the shepherds were to model themselves after Jesus, the younger men were told to submit themselves to their elders. Elders according to scholars means not so much the office of elders, but men older in age and Christian experience. To clothe literally meant to tie a knot, as in tying a knot around an apron for waiting on tables. A similar word is used when Jesus washes the disciples feet. Humility is best described in Philippians 2:1-5 as Jesus took the form of a servant and emptied himself. He looked to others' interests as greater than his own. Mark says in chapter 10, "For even the Son of Man came not to be served and to serve and give his life as a ransom for many."
In due time God raised up Jesus to the highest place that at His name every knee bow down and tongue confess that He is Lord. As we follow Jesus, our attitude should be the same. There is no duty too low for us to do. There is no position that is higher or lower in status in God's kingdom. In fact the more responsibility one has in the church the more they should demonstrate servanthood. God lifts up those who humble themselves, but He also opposes the proud. The word for "opposes the proud" is a very strong one, meaning God sets himself against. One translation says "set in battle array against the proud"
Where is God calling you to submit or serve others in the community you live in? As we see Jesus' example, we realize nothing is beneath us. And as we submit in obedience, Jesus will lift us up in due time, rather than opposing us vehemently.
5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
In the same way the shepherds were to model themselves after Jesus, the younger men were told to submit themselves to their elders. Elders according to scholars means not so much the office of elders, but men older in age and Christian experience. To clothe literally meant to tie a knot, as in tying a knot around an apron for waiting on tables. A similar word is used when Jesus washes the disciples feet. Humility is best described in Philippians 2:1-5 as Jesus took the form of a servant and emptied himself. He looked to others' interests as greater than his own. Mark says in chapter 10, "For even the Son of Man came not to be served and to serve and give his life as a ransom for many."
In due time God raised up Jesus to the highest place that at His name every knee bow down and tongue confess that He is Lord. As we follow Jesus, our attitude should be the same. There is no duty too low for us to do. There is no position that is higher or lower in status in God's kingdom. In fact the more responsibility one has in the church the more they should demonstrate servanthood. God lifts up those who humble themselves, but He also opposes the proud. The word for "opposes the proud" is a very strong one, meaning God sets himself against. One translation says "set in battle array against the proud"
Where is God calling you to submit or serve others in the community you live in? As we see Jesus' example, we realize nothing is beneath us. And as we submit in obedience, Jesus will lift us up in due time, rather than opposing us vehemently.
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