Text:I Peter 5

In this last chapter of I Peter there is a lot of information that we will work through over the course of the next couple of weeks.  Let us begin with the fact that God is the God of order and not chaos or confusion I Cor. 14:33.  God brings great strength and order to the church.  To help accomplish this, He places leaders over His church.  Here we see the word presbyteros used which means old man, eldest, senior, or a rank of office. The pastor is told to feed the flock which means to tend or rule over.  Pastors are to bring out the feast of Truth and make it available to the flock.  The flock is responsible for then eating and taking nourishment from the Word.  Now God in His infinite wisdom gives us parameters to accomplish this.  The pastor is to rule by example and not constraint.  Too many times, flesh gets in the way and power goes to the head pushing pastor to rule in other means and for worldly possessions.  

Continuing on order, God then tells the younger or less mature to submit to the elder or more mature.  Again, there is a responsibility of the older to lead and become mature, Col. 2:6, 7; Heb. 5:14-6:1.  When the will of God is followed there is order, strength, harmony, etc.  Therefore, the responsibility of the younger is then to submit and learn from the more mature.  This all brings order and is under constant attack from our enemy.

Now, contrary to order is chaos and Satan is the father of lies, John 8:44, and only brings divisions and strife to the church of God.  Satan desires to tear the church apart because we are the ground and pillar of truth, I Tim. 3:15.  Satan hates the Truth and our very existence threatens his plan and evil itself.  We must remember that Satan has absolutely no power, Heb. 2:14; Col. 1:16.

So, we the church must stand strong, be sober, and vigilant.  Sober means to watch and be dispassionate.  We should not be lead by emotion or feelings but rather Truth.  We must study and be firm, II Tim. 2:15; John 8:32; Eph. 4:14; I Cor. 15:58.  We are also to be vigilant or ready at all times, I Pet. 3:15; Matt. 24:44; II Tim. 4:2.  Will you yield to the will of the Father or dwell in confusion?