this is that the elders have more depth and maturity in the Word of God. This was an important con sideration for leadership in the early church, and it should be in ours today also. The third exhortation is a com mand to the church in general. It is interesting that they are to be subject one to another. This can be done if they put on the garment of a slave. This suggests lowliness of mind as a part of one's attitude toward others. With people under going persecution it would be easy to think of one's own rights and possessions. Paul reminded the Philippians that we must ever be looking on the needs of others. The way to accomplish this is by being humble under the mighty hand of God, (vrs. 6). All of us are to recognize God's sovereignty. No matter what might become of us in the experiences of persecution or hardship, we must recognize that God Himself is behind every thing we do. God has promised to exalt us at His appointed time. This is why we can roll all of our wor ries and concerns upon Him. The third of these exhortations is in verse 7, "Be watchful, be sober, for your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, is seeking to swallow up someone." We must constantly be on guard for Satan's ensnare- ments and tricks. He seeks to come as an angel of light endeavoring to draw believers away from the truth. It is Satan himself who is behind the sufferings being brought to these believers (vrs. 8-9). The sphere of our steadfastness is not to be in our own strength. We could never out-fox the devil! Our only hope is the power of the Word of God and the indwelling Page 21
church. Next he tells us that he is awitness to the sufferings of Christ. The word "witness" in the Creek is that from which we get our term "martyr." It means one who not only has seen, but also one who has endured the things he has seen. Tradition has it that shortly after these words and those in II Peter were penned he met his death. The manner was by crucifix ion in the exact way that the Lord had come to death, except to be positioned upside down. Because of this Peter is also "a partaker of the glory which is to be unveiled." This great hope belongs to every believer. On the basis of these qualifications then he gives his commands to the leaders of the church. The first requirement is that they are to feed the flock of God. Such an office is to be that of elder- bishop. As such they are to exer cise the oversight of God's people. Service is not to be forced, but vol untary. It is to be the love of Christ which constrains them. Monetary gain must never be the motive. In their eagerness they are not to "lord it over" the flock. The pur pose is that they be examples to the flock. All of this, as we can see, relates to one's attitude, moti vation, and responsibility. Peter reminds these who have been called their service (vrs. 4). They will receive a crown of glory which will not fade away. What motivation for unfailing service for any church leader. They have been marked out by the Chief Shepherd with assured promises in glory. Young people are not overlooked in this epistle. They are to be in subjection to those who are lead ers in the church. The reason for
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