Episode #227. Today we’ll read 1 Peter chapter 5 together. I hope that Peter’s description of the elders reminds you of your pastor.
Transcript
Joy: You’re listening to the Lifting Her Voice podcast, Episode #227. Today we’ll read 1 Peter chapter 5 together. I hope that Peter’s description of the elders reminds you of your pastor.
Welcome to the Lifting Her Voice podcast. I’m your host, Joy Miller, and I invite you to grab your Bible and join me as we simply read God’s word together. Some things require discipline and sometimes that’s just not easy to muster by yourself, no matter how badly you want to do it or how much you know you should. It’s just easier to do it with a friend. So refill your coffee or tea, get comfortable in your favorite chair and follow along as I read aloud. I’m so glad you’re here!
Welcome
Ahhh…Black Friday. Thankfully, it doesn’t really mean what it used to. I mean, unless you just get a charge out of getting up in the middle of the night and going shopping, it seems more efficient to just do it online. That is, online where the Black Friday specials have been posted for weeks.
You have to admit, though. It is one of those green lights that signals the beginning of the holiday season. And just so we stay thankful and don’t sink into too much cynicism, the underlying spirit is to give. Yes, yes, it’s stuff, but it’s still in pursuit of those smiling and astonished faces when ‘just what they wanted’ is unwrapped. It’s fun. It’s unbridled joy – as much for the giver as the give-ee.
The Pleasure of His Good Will
Do you ever imagine that when you think of Christ? Do you ever imagine His unbridled joy at giving to you? John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave…”Luke 12:32 says, “Don’t be afraid, little flock, because your Father delights to give you the kingdom.” Ephesians 1:9 says, “He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ…” Ephesians 1:5 says, “He predestined us to be adopted as sons…let’s say, and daughters…through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will…” It would appear from these Scriptures and so many more that He delights in giving to us. So, I guess if a mound of wrapping paper on Christmas morning or shopping on Black Friday, is a way for me to emulate my Father’s delight in giving to me, I’ll take that.
Of course, I want to know your take on this at Lifting Her Voice.com, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. And by the way…as you think of doing some shopping today, and if any of those gifts are to be Christian-themed, I’d really appreciate it if you would go to Lifting Her Voice.com on the Marketplace page and use some of the links you find there. Thanks!
1 Peter Chapter 5
About the Elders
I exhort the elders among you as a fellow elder and witness to the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory about to be revealed: Shepherd God’s flock among you, not overseeing out of compulsion but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed for money but eagerly; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. All of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because
God resists the proud
but gives grace to the humble.
Conclusion
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you. Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.
The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while. To him be dominion forever. Amen.
Through Silvanus, a faithful brother (as I consider him), I have written to you briefly in order to encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it! She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, as does Mark, my son. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Closing Thoughts
When Peter describes his fellow elders, my thoughts always go to my pastor. Simply said, everything he does and says is evidence that he loves Christ. Also, that he is painfully aware that he will someday stand before Christ and give an account of his leadership. My hope is that this passage reminds you of your pastor too.
Peter’s description of Satan always makes me smile and empowers me just a little. I suppose a wise person would be afraid of a roaring lion, and I am. But somehow, this verse makes me think of noise. Just noise. It’s important – so important – to remember that he is the father of lies. His only real power is to lie. And we have the power not to believe his lies. We have the power to tell him to flee. Let’s pray.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for Peter and his life experience. Thank You for the humility that he gained through painful mistakes and Your good grace. And finally, thank You for drawing us again to Your Word and for the discipline required to stay the course and finish another letter. It is through Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
Thank you for joining me here today. I pray God will grow in you what has been planted and watered here. In this time of unprecedented struggle worldwide, we can look to God for guidance and comfort. Be sensitive to those in your circle of influence who need a word of encouragement and invite them to join us. If you like this show, it would be great if you give it a five-star review. Don’t forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. See you right here tomorrow. Be well!
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible(r), Copyright (c) 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible(r) and CSB(r) are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
Show Notes
- Awesome Video of Solomon’s Temple
- These will help! Overview videos of all books of the Bible
Visit
Bible Study Resources
- CSB Study Bible – Hardcover or Kindle!
- The Bible Project’s Bible Basics – Free!
- Every Bible You Could Ever Want!
- The Bible Hub – Free!
- Bible Study Tools – Free!
- The Bible Project– Free!
Other Resources
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- I love Audible! Try it for free!
- Want it? FaithGear has it!
- Wear your faith! Christian Strong
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