Within the first letter Peter writes to the body of Christ, he expresses many sentiments toward obedience, submission, and Christian conduct. Within the confines of his discussion, he outlines certain characteristics elders, younger believers, and the Christian community (at large) should assume.

THE ELDER

Elders have a very important responsibility within the body of Christ. They are often the direct conduit for administering God's instructions; growing His people toward discipleship; and building a strong community of believers. It is a position that cannot be taken lightly.

1 Peter 5:1-3 (KJV) - The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock.

1. Willing

Peter admonishes elders to 'feed' those believers among them willingly and not by constraint or compulsion. This is an important attribute for elders to have because it may affect the condition of service they show God's elect. When feeding the flock of God, elders will need to address personal and corporate needs. If there are elders that are under compulsion, they may neglect their 'responsibilities.' They may provide the 'bare essentials' (if that much) for those under their care...because their 'heart's not in it.'

2. Filthy Lucre

The elder must not have motives to use their position for wealth or any other personal (worldly) gain. If they have ulterior motives, their 'loyalties' to the flock will weaken and ultimately damage them.

Matthew 6:24 (KJV) - No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

3. Ready Mind (eager and cheerful)

Enjoy your service to God and His people! You are being called to plant and water seeds of faith – to see God grow believers to produce a bountiful harvest (1 Corinthians 3:5-9)! How awesome is that!

Matthew 5:16 (KJV) - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

4. Leading

The elder must not lead the flock through dominance, coercion, or dictatorship. These attributes uncover a severe leadership and character deficiency - along with issues of pride and selfishness. These attributes are not conducive for a life of Christian love and leadership. A 'leader' of this nature will only produce a flock without love; filled with fear; (possibly) disobedient; and living under a condition of bondage. Elders are appointed to guide, direct, instruct, and correct from a foundation of love.

***REMEMBER: The flock is God's heritage, not the elder's.***

5. Example

Living as an example of godliness is critical for the elder. The elder is God's appointed representative and spokesman before the people. Elders should live in righteousness before the flock as a pillar of righteousness and plumb line on how to face and deal with life's issues God's way.

Matthew 23:25 (KJV) - Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

As the example, the elder must place an emphasis on their inward life. Too many elders (and ministry leaders) focus on the outward appearance while neglecting the inner man. It is not enough to look holy and righteous to the flock (through fancy words, clothing, and material goods) while the inner man is 'trash' before the Lord.

1 Peter 5:4 (KJV) - And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

THE YOUNGER

1 Peter 5:5(KJV) - Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder.

• Submission represents a devotion and obedience to another person.
• Submission is void of selfish desires or motives that disrupt or undermine a relationship among individuals or a group.
• Submission does not indulge in prideful or rebellious behaviors.
• Submission is a conscious decision (continuously) made to support, care for, and follow the directions of another person.

EVERYONE

1 Peter 5:6-9 (KJV) - Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

1. Submit one to another

(see THE YOUNGER above)

2. Clothe yourself with humility

Clothing provides a covering of protection, warmth, and comfort. When you apply humility as a cloth, you blanket your mind, body, and soul with the attributes of meekness, respect, submission. And obedience. You place yourself in a 'position' to receive God's grace, awaiting His promotion - in His time.

3. Casting ALL Cares

Many of us have a problem casting ALL of our cares upon the Lord. When speaking to the Lord, we often hold back all of our feelings or thoughts. We screen our words and thoughts in an effort to sound pious and godly – when He already knows how we feel (Psalm 139:1-3).

God cares for you. He will listen when no person will. He will help you (Psalm 126:5-6); fill you with grace (2 Corinthians 12:9); give you peace (Philippians 4:6-7); and pour His joy upon you (Psalm 94:19). You can share the most intimate thoughts and emotions that are hidden from the world without fear or shame. God cares for you...cast ALL of your cares upon Him.

4. Be sober, be vigiliant

(because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour)

It will be important to remain level-headed throughout the course of your days. Now, there will be trying situations that bring feelings of pain, despair, anger, etc., but we cannot allow those feelings to 'operate' without restraint.

(for example) You can be mad about a situation, but still have self-control...and be able to address the issue respectfully. Then again, there are those that become mad and will commit heinous and sinful acts - allowing their emotions (and satan/lust/temptation) to take the lead.

The devil is constantly on the watch to find any weakness to strike. He is relentless and will not take a break because you're having a bad day. Therefore, it is critical that you remain watchful of yourself and your environment.

It will be important that you understand yourself - your behavior, temperament, and weak areas. When you know yourself and pay attention to 'warning signs,' you afford yourself the opportunity to take the road of escape should temptation come (1 Corinthians 10:13).

You will also need to watch your environments. There may be countless 'opportunities' for satan to use someone or something to attack you. Situations of temptation are not always obvious. Some of them are very subtle, so you must remain watchful, prayerful, and sensitive/obedient to the Holy Spirit's guidance.

5. Withstand and remember.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO GIVE IN! YOU DON'T HAVE TO SIN!

Withstand satan, the flesh, and anything and anyone that seeks to draw you into sin. Remain committed to your life of faith in Jesus Christ; your testimony (Jesus Christ is the Son of God – Romans 10:9-10; (Revelation 12:11; and the Word of God.

In the 'heat' of temptation, we often forget that no temptation is uncommon to man. We feel like we’re the only ones in the entire history of man that has been tempted. Temptation and sin seems so shameful and bad that we stay in seclusion. We hide in the shadows of darkness hoping to keep our 'issues' secret when we need to come into the light (come to the Lord) and seek the help of our community in Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV) - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it].

Be encouraged in knowing there are others in the body of Christ being tempted around the world (especially in places of intense persecution) and are holding strong to their faith in Jesus Christ. Remember Jesus who was tempted in every way, yet remained without sin:

Hebrews 4:14-15 (KJV) - Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

1 Peter 5:10-11 (KJV) - But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.