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(ii) Advice To The Sheep (1 Peter 5:5-9)NKJV / KJV / NIV / ASV / Overview Chart.
Read Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Peter 5:5-9.
(1) Submit yourselves to the elders (younger people) (1 Peter 5:5a).
Those who are youthful or new in the flock are to submit (hupotasso- come under rank) to the elders .
These are the ones who tend to have rebellious streaks and that is why Peter singles them out (See Hebrews 13:17).
(2) Be submissive to one another (all congregation) (1 Peter 5:5b).
This submission must also be to one another within the flock.
(3) Be clothed with humility (1 Peter 5:5c).
Literally this means to prepare yourself for labour (girding oneself) by having a mind of humility (or modesty).
Related Scriptures on being clothed with humility.
The last part of verse 5 is a quote from Proverbs 3:34. He urges the Christians to have a humble attitude to receive grace and not pride which God resists.
1 Peter 5:6 - This is a Biblical principle (See these Scriptures). If we humble ourselves (NB. it is our responsibility not God's) then He will exalt us in His timing (kairos - a season pregnant with divine opportunity).
(4) Cast all your cares upon Him (1 Peter 5:7).
We are to cast (used of casting robes on the colt Jesus entered into Jerusalem on) our anxious thoughts (literally 'to be drawn in all directions') on Jesus for He cares for us (this word for care means "something is an object of care," especially the care of forethought and interest, rather than anxiety).
(5) Be Sober (1 Peter 5:8a).
This means to have a mind of self-control - not being intoxicated on things of this world.
(6) Be Vigilant (1 Peter 5:8b).
This literally means 'to awaken', 'to collect ones faculties'. To be watchful and alert in the spirit, aware of the enemy's tactics.
We must be alert as the nature of Satan is as a devouring lion roaring for it's prey. He is a counterfeit of the real Lion of Judah (Jesus).
(7) Resist the devil (1 Peter 5:9).
We are to actively stand against the devil, withstanding and opposing his attacks. Also we must be steadfast
(literally 'strong', 'abiding', 'in covenant') in our faith (trust in God).
Knowing such sufferings are experienced by Christians all over the world exposes a main strategey of satan (making us guilty thinking we are the only ones suffering in such a way).
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