Joshua and Judges: The doctrine of leadership part 13 - Insights on leadership from Peter; 1Pe 5:1-7.

Class Outline:

Title: Joshua and Judges: The doctrine of leadership part 13 - Insights on leadership from Peter; 1PE 5:1-7.

Announcements / opening prayer:  

6. Insights on leadership from Peter, 1PE 5:1-7.

Since we have studied 1PE 4:1-6 in this study I would like us to see 1PE 5:1-7 in the context of that.

1PE 4:1 Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh [gone through suffering for the sake of Christ] has ceased from sin [from sin nature dominance over their lives],

Passive: "has been released from sin,"

1PE 4:2 so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

1PE 4:3 For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousals, drinking parties and abominable idolatries.

1PE 4:4 And in all this, they are surprised [think it foreign] that you do not run with them into the same excess of dissipation, and they malign you;

1PE 4:5 but they shall give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

1PE 4:6 For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead [in heaven], that though they are judged in the flesh as men [unfair treatment from the world], they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.

No amount of persecution could stop the saints that have gone before us from producing fruit and going into heaven to be in the presence of the Lord.

1PE 4:7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be of sound judgment [sober minded] and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.

"sober spirit" - nhfw, [nepho] = free from intoxicants, to be calm and collected in spirit.

That is, a calm and collected spirit is conducive to the act of praying. It results in prayer. The Christian who is always on a tear, whose mind is crowded with fears and worries, who is never at rest in his heart, does not do much praying. This is why prayer becomes more frequent and effective with spiritual growth.

Peter sees here the heart of man, one that he knows well, in which if they were to hear that the end of all things is at hand they would go on a tear, get drunk, riot in the streets, and other reactions like these, whereas he commands that we be something else than that which is common. We are to be sober minded, calm and collected in spirit, and praying; being always at the ready to pray.

1PE 4:8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

fervent - evktenh,j [ektenes] = stretched out. Love is extended to reach the one loved. Instead of a self-centered life, he gives himself to others.

Love is a prerequisite to all proper exercises of Christian duty. Courtesy without love is a cold thing. Generosity without love is a harsh thing. Love makes all the other virtues what they should be, and that is why all other virtues can been found in the definition of agape love.

The reason for this exhortation to love one another is that love covers a multitude of sins. That is, when one Christian truly loves his fellow Christian, he will not publish abroad his failings, but will cover them up from the sight of others. Gossip is eliminated when we love each other.

1PE 4:9 Be hospitable [friendly to strangers] to one another without complaint.

At the time inns were few, expensive, and usually of a low moral character. Plus, Christians were often persecuted and denied services. When Christians travelled they were to be offered lodging with other Christians.

1PE 4:10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

"special gift" - ca,risma [charisma] = a gift of grace [charis]. Here it is the grace gift given by the HS at salvation for service in the common good.

Each one has received a charisma for the purpose of employing it in the service of one another. We do this as good stewards of the manifold, or various, grace of God. There is only one grace of God but it manifests itself in many, many ways. Manifold can be viewed as multicolored. There are a variety of gifts, ministries, and effects and in each the grace of God is manifested. Grace refers to all that God has done and given, which in every case is freely given.

"steward" - ovikono,moj [oikonomos; oiko = house; nemo = to arrange] the head of a particular branch of a great house. He is entrusted with the care of his particular branch.

This could be the house manager, the head cook, the head butler, the accountant, etc. Some even assumed the responsibility for the children of the house who had not yet come of age. It is interesting to note that they were often slaves; slaves with granted authority.

This emphasizes that they do not own anything yet they have been entrusted with the care of what is not theirs.

The grace of God, the gifts from God, the spiritual gift, and the entire inheritance in Christ given at salvation all belongs to God. Yet, you have been entrusted with the care of whatever it is that God has given you. If you love the Master of  the house, if you love His house, if you love His other stewards, if you love the things in His house that He has graciously gifted you with then you will strive to take excellent care of those things and to do so as one pleasing to the Master, obeying His commands.