1 Peter 5:1 - Homilies By U.r. Thomas

(Artc. 1). "The elders therefore among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder," etc. With the word "well-doing" in the last sentence of the preceding chapter ringing in our ears, we easily understand why the apostle thus proceeds to exhort men to their duties as office-bearers in the Christian Church. We notice, as here indicated—

I. THE SPIRIT OF OFFICE - BEARERS IN THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH . The word "elders," according to Dean Alford, simply here means" leaders" in the Church. Subsequently it becomes clear that there were two orders of "eiders," viz. bishops and deacons. But at this time these offices had not crystallized thus. All were included in the term here used. Their spirit is indicated by Peter's use of the word "fellow-elders" as describing himself, and "exhort" as denoting his relationship to them. There is none of the spirit of an ecclesiastical princeling; no arrogance. But brotherliness permeates all the intercourse. That is the supreme spirit of true office-bearers.

II. THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR TRUE SERVICE IN THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH .

1. Fellowship in sympathy . "Fellow-elder;" burdened with the same cares, stirred with the same inspirations, etc.

2. Witness-bearing to most solemn realities . "Witness of the sufferings of Christ." All through this Epistle those sufferings are conspicuous as the theme of thought, the constraint of will. The word "witness" implies that Peter felt he was, as regarded these sufferings,

3. Possession of a sublime inheritance . "Partaker of the glory," etc.

1 Peter 5:2-5 - True office-bearers in the Church (No. 2).

" Tend the flock of God which is among you," etc. The apostle's practical exhortation to leaders in the Church about well-doing opens up a view of—

I. THEIR DUTY . "Tend"—a completer word than "feed." The word " flock " suggests what tending is needful; e.g. feeding, leading, controlling, protecting, " exercising the oversight." Keen and constant care. Of what sort of care he speaks, the word Peter coins to describe Christ, "chief Shepherd," eloquently tells.

1. Receive instructions from him .

2. Imitate him .

II. THEIR MOTIVE .

1. This motive is dealt with negatively .

2. This motive is dealt with positively .

III. THEIR HOPE . "The crown"—the symbol of dignity. " Of glory ;" not tinseled or tarnished, but unalloyed. "That fadeth not away." Amaranthine; imperishable. We are advancing to such a coronation if we are true workers for Christ.

IV. THEIR SPIRIT .

1. Mutual subjection . "Be subject," etc.

2. Perfect humility . "Gird yourselves with humility;" persistent and constant lowliness of temper.

V. THEIR HELP . "God giveth grace." Grace, the favor of God, the gentlest yet mightiest inspiration of souls - U.R.T.

1 Peter 5:6-11 - Counsels for troubled Christians.

"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God," etc. Approaching the end of his letter, the apostle condenses into two or three almost electric sentences some most momentous practical directions for troubled Christian men. In these directions we learn—

I. THE TRUE SPIRIT FOR CHRISTIAN MEN TO CHERISH IN LIFE 'S TRIALS . Here is:

1. Devout humility , and with it freedom from anxiety . The two are more closely ,associated than we sometimes imagine. Let us look at them separately, and then in their combination. "Humble yourselves.., under the mighty hand of God."

2. Sober watchfulness , and with it stern conflict . "Be sober," etc. Note the need for the watchfulness.

Into that trial and battle and storm all the brotherhood, even the great elder Brother, have gone.

II. THE FINAL PURPOSE OF GOD WITH REGARD TO MEN WHO CHERISH SUCH A SPIRIT ' IN LIFE 'S TRIALS .

1. A destiny that is wonderful . "God of grace "—compassion, favor, help. "Called." God compels rivers, oceans, in their courses, etc., but calls souls to their high destiny. "Eternal glory in Christ;" such as is

2. A trial that is transient . "Alter ye have suffered a little while." Often it seems long. "Life, an age to the miserable, a moment to the happy." But it is a "little while" comparatively to eternity, and absolute in itself.

3. A character that is complete . "Perfect;" no deficiency or defect. "Stablish;" all this to be made permanent. Not goodness like the early cloud and morning dew. "Strengthen;" inspire with force to overcome all hostile influences.

4. A character that calls for praise to God . "To him be the dominion for ever and ever. Amen." Peter exulted that God reigned, and yearned for him to have empire that was universal and perpetual, and acknowledged by all with the "Amen," not only of all men, but of all the powers in every man - U.R.T.