1 Peter 5:1-14

Preaching 5:1-4: “Taking God Seriously”

Main Idea: In a church marked by persecution and purification, leaders must be shaped by the truth and sustained by the triumph of Jesus.

1. Understand the emphasis (1)
   1. therefore, in light of suffering (4:12) and judgment (4:17)
   2. beginning with leaders
   3. three key terms: elder, witness, partaker
2. Consider the assignment. (2a)
   1. shepherd (poimanate-Aor. Act. Imper.) the sheep/flock (poimnion) of God
   2. charged with oversight (episkopountes-Pres. Act. Ptc.)
3. Look seriously at the specifics. (2b-3)
   1. not under compulsion (anankastos) but willingly (hekousios)
   2. not for base gain (aischrokerdos) but eagerly (prothumos)
   3. not lording (katakurieuontes-Pres. Act. Ptc.) but modeling (tupoi)
4. Look beyond this world. (4)
   1. and having been revealed (phanerothentos-Aor. Pas. Ptc.)
   2. the chief shepherd (archipoimenos)
   3. the unfading crown of honor (amarantion stephanos)

Preaching 5:5-7: “Under the Mighty Hand of God”

Main Idea: Those who live under God’s mighty hand understand that humility is essential and anxieties are transferable.

1. Highlight the issue of humility (5a)
   1.  a concept despised in both ancient and modern worlds
   2.  the younger (neoteroi) submit (hupotagete-Aor. Pas. Imper.)
   3.  all fasten on (enkombosasthe-Aor. Mid. Imper.) the garment of humility (tapeinophrosunen)
2. Identify the incentives for humility. (5b)
   1.  God’s opposition (antitassetai) to the proud (huperephanois), Prov. 3:34
   2.  God’s extension of grace to the humble (tapeinois)
3. Apply the instructions for humility. (6-7)
   1. humble yourselves (tapeinothete-Aor. Pas. Imper.)
   2. under the mighty hand of God (discipline and deliverance)
   3. that (hina) He might exalt (hupsose-Aor. Act. Subj.) you at the proper time (kairo)
   4. humble yourselves…having cast (epiripsantes-Aor. Act. Ptc.) all your anxieties (merimnan)
   5. circumstantial participle dependent on the main verb (tapeinothete)
   6. because with Him there is care (melei-Pres. Act. Ind) about (peri) you

Observations on 5:8-14: In verse 8, notice the two aorist active imperatives at the beginning: be sober-minded (nepsate) and be watchful (gregoresate). These commands are given because the adversary (antidokos), the devil (diabolos), prowls about (peripatei-Pres. Act. Ind.) as a roaring (oruomenos) lion. He is seeking (zeton-Pres. Act. Ptc.) whom to devour (katapiein-Aor. Act. Infin.).

Verse 9 begins with another aorist active imperative: resist (antistete).

In verse 10, note the series of future active indicative verbs: perfect (katartisei), confirm (sterixei), strengthen (sthenosei) and establish (themeliosei). Verse 11 ascribes appropriate praise to One who so cares for his people.

In verse 12, note the final imperative command of 1 Peter: stand firm (stete-Aor. Act. Imper.)

Verses 13-14 include greetings and a simple benediction conveying peace.