Day 227 – Thursday, November 13, 2025

One Year Journey Through the New Testament

1 Peter 5

Welcome to our journey through the New Testament!

Shepherd the Flock

1 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: ² Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; ³ nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; ⁴ and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. 

(1 Peter 5:1–4, NKJV)

Points to Ponder:

• Peter moves from a discussion of suffering for Christ to a discussion of the responsibilities of leaders, especially elders. Elders should shepherd the flock of God as overseers. They should do so with willing hearts and eagerness, not only for money, but for the satisfaction of serving God.
• Elders should be examples to those who follow them, and should look for the coming of the Lord, when a crown of glory may be offered to those who serve well.
• The motivation for ministry should never come from material gain, but for the glory of God.

Submit to God, Resist the Devil

⁵ Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for

“God resists the proud,

But gives grace to the humble.”

⁶ Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, ⁷ casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

⁸ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. ⁹ Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. ¹⁰ But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. ¹¹ To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 

(1 Peter 5:5–11, NKJV)

Points to Ponder:

• Peter then moves to admonitions to others in the body. The young should submit to their elders, but everyone should submit to one another in order to work together in harmony and peace. Humility should be the default among believers.
• Peter then instructs the readers to be aware and constantly on the lookout, because Satan seeks to devour those who are vulnerable. Christians must resist him through faith, knowing that he seeks to destroy all who serve the Lord.
• Peter then extends a blessing of grace from the Father and the Son, that the readers’ suffering would lead to their perfection and peace. He deserves all they glory for the blessings here and to come in heaven.

Farewell and Peace

¹² By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand.

¹³ She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son. ¹⁴ Greet one another with a kiss of love.

Peace to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen. 

(1 Peter 5:12–14, NKJV)

Points to Ponder:

• Peter identifies his scribe, Silvanus.
• Peter sends a greeting from the elect lady in Babylon, and from Mark, Peter’s son.
• He instructs the believers to greet one another with a holy kiss, and offers a blessing of peace to all the believers.

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All Scriptures from New King James Version unless otherwise noted.

Join us this afternoon at 5:00 pm for a discussion of this chapter live online. Live@5 with Dr. Greg Sloop can be found on Facebook on the Dr. Greg Sloop page or on the Kannapolis Church of God Facebook page or Youtube page. Another blog will be posted each weekday at 6:00 a.m.