1Peter 5:5
Before we look at verse 5, let’s review verses 1-4. Peter addressed the elders, specifically those who were older in age and leaders of the church; perhaps this would have included those who were also older in the faith. The word used for elders is presbuteros which literally means older or a senior. He includes himself with them showing his humility, addressing himself as their fellow elder. His general instruction to the elders was to shepherd God’s children – exercising oversight, according to God’s will, with eagerness. This charge was not to be felt as a burden but rather an opportunity. God did not commission them to control the flock; instead, they were to lead by example, all the while looking forward to their promise of Heaven. Moving on to verse 5-
1Peter 5:5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.
Beginning in verse five, Peter addresses the younger men – those who were newer in the faith or youthful. The word used for younger is neos meaning youthful or regenerate, in age, newer to the faith. He begins with the word Likewise, meaning similarly. In other words, take heed to the instruction given previously and submit to the elders, same word as in verse one, presbuteros, meaning older, or a senior, especially an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian elder. being subject to them, obeying them. This subjection is not under duress, but by choice.
Ephesians 5:21 and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
Having the fear of Christ is a reverential love for Him which motivates us to please Him in obedience. The reason for our willing attitude of subjection towards those in leadership is our love for Jesus. Think! If we all seek to serve one another, holding one another as precious in God’s sight, recognizing we can learn from one another, then we are all blessed.
Why would this be good practice?
Often there are those around us who have already gone through similar experiences; those older than us or more mature in the faith, who have learned through application of God’s word, what to do and what not to do, what it looks like in real life circumstances, what actions glorify God and what to avoid, how to encourage others with Truth rather than be a discouragement to others. We have tools that help us stay the course, yet we must be willing to recognize that we do not have all the answers and we benefit from the help, direction, and examples of others.
Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.
Peter goes on to include everyone in his instruction – and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another. Each person is to willingly place themselves in subjection to one another – unless we are asked to sin. Let’s not miss that tiny word all. No one is exempt, this applies to everyone, in any manner and means, always, every day in every way, whatsoever and whosoever. All means all! This is an important instruction to grasp because we will run across people who seem more difficult to serve for one reason or another. It is those who are struggling most who need our compassion and unconditional love. Consider the example of Jesus.
Mark 10:45 "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
John 13:14 "If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.
1Timothy 2:1-6 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.
We should cultivate a mutual respect for one another’s thoughts and decisions. Sometimes we think we have the best idea or understanding of a situation, however, it is so important that we are able to lay aside our own preferences in order to keep peace and unity in leadership. You may feel strongly about your plans, but others feel just as strongly about theirs. It is possible you may not always agree with decisions that are made, yet unless it is sin, we can choose to follow, praying and trusting that God is working in the lives of those who are leading. Without this humility towards one another, it is difficult for anything to be accomplished or to move forward. For example, the Bible tells us to honor our father and mother. There are probably an infinite number of ways this can be done; therefore, it will look different for everyone. Circumstances vary, so there is not one way to do this. How I might fulfill this command may look quite different than how you follow this command. Neither is the best way; neither is wrong, unless you simply refuse to obey God’s command.
Ephesians 5:21 and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;
Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;
When we think of clothing ourselves with a garment, we are covered with something. What others see on the outside – our actions – should be proof of our humility in our heart, the inside. The words, ‘clothe yourselves’, are perhaps alluding to the outer garment or apron commonly worn by slaves. “They were to be willing to take any place, and to perform any office, however humble, in order to serve and benefit others. … they were to be willing to occupy any station, however humble, by which they might honour God”, Barnes.
Are you willing to serve in any way? Sometimes we may have an idea of where we want to serve; often, God has a different plan. We need to be willing to go through whatever doors God opens for us, even if we do not see it as our strength, or it seems like it might not be as fun as other ministries. God knows where He can use us best.
What examples in the world do you see where there is a problem with individuals insisting on their own way?
Why do you wear clothing? What does it mean to ‘clothe yourself with humility’?
Practically, it means to gird oneself for labor, the apron being a badge of servitude (Strong’s Greek Dictionary), being ready to serve. Think of it as being prepared. The words ‘clothe yourselves with humility’, mean to esteem or regard another as more important than yourself, it is a courteous regard for people’s feelings, a disposition or tendency to yield to the will of others. It can mean to oblige others or to have a mutual respect for others. Humility should become such an integral part of our character that we are continually clothed by it in our thoughts and actions. Are your thoughts and actions covered in humility; is your motivation a humble heart?
1Peter 5:5 goes on to explain why we are to have a heart of humility. It reads, for God is opposed to the proud. Pride is not the character quality you want to be described by if you are a Christian. Pride is a product of the world’s thinking. People like to be important, they become proud of their accomplishments or position. In general, people like glory to be focused on them. They take ownership of their abilities rather than giving glory to God for what He is doing in their life. But the Apostle Peter says this is not in accordance with God’s teachings. Instead of ‘look at what I’ve done’, it should be ‘look at what God has done’.
Think of what it means for God to oppose you, to be against you. I have two reactions towards this thought. First, it terrifies me to consider not only the absence of God’s blessings, but the sting of His wrath. Second, it saddens me to consider the thought of rejecting His most precious gift to us, given out of love. You may understand what it is like to live life without being obedient towards God’s commands and without the understanding of His grace towards you – fear and hopelessness is a fair description of that time.
But gives grace to the humble. God grants His favor to those who are humbled so that they can continue to walk in humility through difficult circumstances.
Proverbs 3:34 Though He scoffs at the scoffers, yet He gives grace to the afflicted.
This verse does not mean I need to be afflicted to receive God’s grace, it does mean that when I go through trials, when I look to God for deliverance, He will give me the grace needed to walk through a difficult situation in a way which glorifies Him.
James 4:6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE."
James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.
Pride in oneself opposes God. It is okay to have a correct estimate of your strengths and abilities, yet we need to recognize that all we are and all we have is from God to be used for His glory. We are to put no importance on ourselves, understanding our desperate need for humility so that we are constant in our desire to lift God high rather than ourselves. We are nothing without Christ.
Psalm 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD gives grace and glory; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.
When we are clothed in humility, our actions, thoughts, words, and motivations are directed by a submissive spirit to God. How can we tell if we are not acting humble?
Are you able to subject yourself to others, receiving direction and correction with humility? – Even if you disagree. Or do you insist on your own way?
1Peter 3:3-4 Your adornment must not be merely external--braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.
"Let your minds, behaviour, garb, and whole frame, be adorned with humility, as the most beautiful habit you can wear; this will render obedience and duty easy and pleasant; but, if you be disobedient and proud, God will set himself to oppose and crush you; for he resisteth the proud, when he giveth grace to the humble." Observe,
1. Humility is the great preserver of peace and order in all Christian churches and societies, consequently pride is the great disturber of them, and the cause of most dissensions and breaches in the church.
2. There is a mutual opposition between God and the proud, so the word signifies; they war against him, and he scorns them; he resisteth the proud, because they are like the devil, enemies to himself and to his kingdom among men, Pr 3:34.
3. Where God giveth grace to be humble, he will give more grace, more wisdom, faith, holiness, and humility”. MHC
