1Pe 5:6-7 | KingComments | STEP | . In the test of your faith you can notice the powerful hand of God. Instead of resisting it, ”humble yourself”. That’s what He is all about. Humiliation is the harbinger of exaltation, in the same way as pride goes before destruction ( ). Though, you ought not to humble yourself under the hand of men, but “under the mighty hand of God”. If you’re facing difficulties, even if those difficulties are caused by men, then it is still His hand that you feel. Behind the hand of men you may see the hand of God. Behind the humiliation you may see the exaltation that will be your portion at God’s time. That will happen when the Lord Jesus comes. Then your position, with all believers, changes from that of a subject to that of a ruler. . It doesn’t mean that everything will be easy. Therefore God gives you a great encouragement: you are allowed to cast all your anxiety on Him ( ). He will take over your whole burden. The only thing you’ve got to do is to cast that burden of anxiety on Him. If you have done that, you’ve got rid of it. He has taken it over and will take care of you further. If you keep on carrying this burden of anxiety yourself, you will be absorbed by it and you will not see God Who loves to care for you. The fact that God cares for you means that He has great interest in each detail of your life. He not only wants to be involved, but He wants to take over your need. He brings you into tests and trials, so that you may learn to take it out of His hand and to put it into His hand ( ). . With this view you have the privilege to accept all tests out of the mighty hand of God and to submit everything to Him that goes together with it. Nevertheless you should not neglect that the devil also plays his part. Trust in God doesn’t mean that you have got rid of your responsibility and can therefore be passive. You always need to “be of sober [spirit]”, therefore not naïvely think that you can do everything without being bothered by the devil. He certainly is a conquered enemy, but only for those who go their way in the confidence of faith in God. Keep your eyes widely opened for the dangers that surround you. Sleepiness and laziness are an invitation for the devil to attack you. The devil is called “your adversary”. With everything that is in him he is against you because you belong to the Lord Jesus. There is nothing in the devil that in any way can be beneficial to you. He “prowls around like a roaring lion”, seeking for a prey. He is cruel, powerful and merciless. With his roaring he tries to frighten you. Make sure you do not get into his power. His only goal is to “devour” you, which means that he wants to completely destroy you. . If he comes at you, don’t be intimidated. Do not turn your back on him, but resist him. You must flee when he comes your way in the form of temptations to sin in case you encounter something that addresses your flesh to cause it to work. That regards to fornication, idolatry, money and the lusts of the youth ( ; ; ). When the trial comes from the outside, when the devil wants to frighten you and wants to cause you to deny your faith, you must resist him. You should not avoid the suffering, but endure it, firm in the faith for the sake of the Lord, looking on Him in the confidence that He supports you. You are not the only one who has to face this suffering. It is the experience of all ”your brethren”. They are all believers and not the limited circle of believers with whom you have contact regularly. The company of brethren is not a part of the world, but it finds itself in the midst of it. That company and the world have nothing in common. The world may be very friendly at times, but as soon as it is confronted with the dominion of the Lord Jesus, their tolerance directly turns into threat and hatred. Then the world shows its true face and that is that it hates all of those who belong to that company of brethren and everything that is theirs. . But there is a mighty fortress that repels all the attacks of the roaring lion. That fortress is “the God of all grace”. All believers know the God of all grace, meaning that God’s grace is experienced in all kinds and at all times. That also applies from the beginning to the end of your life and in all circumstances. All grace comes from God, in whatever way. He has called you “to His eternal glory in Christ”. Your future is totally fixed in God’s plan. The future is His and you are His. Nothing and no one is able to make a change in God’s call. Who could that be? It must be something or someone who is stronger than God. Would you know who that could be? There is not even one to be compared with Him, not to mention that there would be something that could be above Him. If He has called you for an amazing future connected to Christ, then you will also partake of it ( ). Opposite to this is “a little while” of suffering. In that little while He is preparing you for that future with Christ. 1. The suffering serves to “perfect” you, meaning to bring you to perfection and fullness, so that nothing lacks you. There will be no lack or shortage of anything anymore. 2. He will also “confirm” you through the suffering, meaning he will make you stand steadfast. 3. Thereby He will inwardly “strengthen” you, so that there will be no weakness anymore. 4. Finally He gives you a firm foundation, on which He will “establish” you. You see that God makes an end to all that is out of balance and that is weak. Instead, He gives a situation in which nothing can be changed anymore. . This all will end up in His glorification. From the mouth of all the redeemed the praise will sound that ascribes to Him all dominion. There is no dominion beside Him. The proofs that He alone possesses it, are abundantly delivered and seen in all the redeemed together. With an ‘Amen’ Peter concludes this praise. Each believer will wholeheartedly agree with that. That’s how it is and there is nothing else. . Peter still has some personal greetings. In order to deliver the letter to the readers, Peter gave it to Silvanus, after having possibly dictated it to him. Silvanus is the same as Silas, the journey companion of Paul. This Silas was familiar with suffering. He and Paul were scourged in Philippi and were thrown into prison ( ). Maybe Peter knew that and he therefore asked him to take his letter with him. Peter must have known him, for Silas was a leader among the brethren in Jerusalem ( ), where Peter also had served the believers. To introduce Silas to the readers of his letter, he says that as for him, Silas is a faithful brother. He tells his readers what his impression of Silas is, without arrogating himself a definite judgement about the faithfulness of Silas. Peter is aware of his own unfaithfulness. That’s what makes him careful. After all, the judgment about faithfulness is up to the Lord ( ; ). He has written a brief letter, but its effect is great and long lasting. It is to make them understand what “the true grace of God” is. By that Peter says that grace is the true nature of Christendom, that it is based on grace and not on the law. In that grace they must stand firm and hold fast to and not be drawn away from it. That also goes for you. By grace you are saved ( ) and in grace you stand before God ( ). That grace should characterize your life. If you have understood anything of what grace is, you will not be willing to place yourself under a law again or would want to participate in outwardly formal services. Grace means putting your whole life in God’s hand and to be guided by Him. . Peter also conveys the greetings of the “chosen together with” them. “She” possibly refers to his wife, whom he took with him on his journey ( ). He is writing from Babylon, where a large Jewish community existed and where he worked. After all he is the apostle of the circumcision ( ). He also conveys the greetings of his son Mark, the evangelist. Mark is probably his spiritual son. . Finally Peter gives them the order to assure one another of their love to one another by greeting each other with an intimate greeting. While Paul often concludes his letters with a wish that they may experience the grace of the Lord Jesus, Peter wishes his readers “peace”. Peace is the great character of the kingdom over which the Lord Jesus will reign and which is therefore also called ‘the kingdom of peace’. Peace is also the great blessing for the believers in their dealings with one another. The enjoyment of that peace is only possible when each believer himself is aware of his position in Christ, is living up to it and also sees the other one in that position. I wholeheartedly wish the same for you in your relationship with Christ and in your dealings with fellow believers. Amen. Now read 1 Peter 5:7-14 again. Reflection: Just explore how often God has already revealed Himself to you as the God of all grace.

‏ 1 Peter 5:6-7

The God of All Grace

1Pet 5:6. In the test of your faith you can notice the powerful hand of God. Instead of resisting it, ”humble yourself”. That’s what He is all about. Humiliation is the harbinger of exaltation, in the same way as pride goes before destruction (Pro 16:18).

Though, you ought not to humble yourself under the hand of men, but “under the mighty hand of God”. If you’re facing difficulties, even if those difficulties are caused by men, then it is still His hand that you feel. Behind the hand of men you may see the hand of God. Behind the humiliation you may see the exaltation that will be your portion at God’s time. That will happen when the Lord Jesus comes. Then your position, with all believers, changes from that of a subject to that of a ruler.

1Pet 5:7. It doesn’t mean that everything will be easy. Therefore God gives you a great encouragement: you are allowed to cast all your anxiety on Him (Psa 55:22). He will take over your whole burden. The only thing you’ve got to do is to cast that burden of anxiety on Him. If you have done that, you’ve got rid of it. He has taken it over and will take care of you further. If you keep on carrying this burden of anxiety yourself, you will be absorbed by it and you will not see God Who loves to care for you.

The fact that God cares for you means that He has great interest in each detail of your life. He not only wants to be involved, but He wants to take over your need. He brings you into tests and trials, so that you may learn to take it out of His hand and to put it into His hand (Psa 10:14a).

1Pet 5:8. With this view you have the privilege to accept all tests out of the mighty hand of God and to submit everything to Him that goes together with it. Nevertheless you should not neglect that the devil also plays his part. Trust in God doesn’t mean that you have got rid of your responsibility and can therefore be passive. You always need to “be of sober [spirit]”, therefore not naïvely think that you can do everything without being bothered by the devil. He certainly is a conquered enemy, but only for those who go their way in the confidence of faith in God. Keep your eyes widely opened for the dangers that surround you. Sleepiness and laziness are an invitation for the devil to attack you.

The devil is called “your adversary”. With everything that is in him he is against you because you belong to the Lord Jesus. There is nothing in the devil that in any way can be beneficial to you. He “prowls around like a roaring lion”, seeking for a prey. He is cruel, powerful and merciless. With his roaring he tries to frighten you. Make sure you do not get into his power. His only goal is to “devour” you, which means that he wants to completely destroy you.

1Pet 5:9. If he comes at you, don’t be intimidated. Do not turn your back on him, but resist him. You must flee when he comes your way in the form of temptations to sin in case you encounter something that addresses your flesh to cause it to work. That regards to fornication, idolatry, money and the lusts of the youth (1Cor 6:18 ; 1Cor 10:14; 1Tim 6:11; 2Tim 2:22). When the trial comes from the outside, when the devil wants to frighten you and wants to cause you to deny your faith, you must resist him. You should not avoid the suffering, but endure it, firm in the faith for the sake of the Lord, looking on Him in the confidence that He supports you.

You are not the only one who has to face this suffering. It is the experience of all ”your brethren”. They are all believers and not the limited circle of believers with whom you have contact regularly. The company of brethren is not a part of the world, but it finds itself in the midst of it. That company and the world have nothing in common. The world may be very friendly at times, but as soon as it is confronted with the dominion of the Lord Jesus, their tolerance directly turns into threat and hatred. Then the world shows its true face and that is that it hates all of those who belong to that company of brethren and everything that is theirs.

1Pet 5:10. But there is a mighty fortress that repels all the attacks of the roaring lion. That fortress is “the God of all grace”. All believers know the God of all grace, meaning that God’s grace is experienced in all kinds and at all times. That also applies from the beginning to the end of your life and in all circumstances. All grace comes from God, in whatever way.

He has called you “to His eternal glory in Christ”. Your future is totally fixed in God’s plan. The future is His and you are His. Nothing and no one is able to make a change in God’s call. Who could that be? It must be something or someone who is stronger than God. Would you know who that could be? There is not even one to be compared with Him, not to mention that there would be something that could be above Him.

If He has called you for an amazing future connected to Christ, then you will also partake of it (Rom 8:30). Opposite to this is “a little while” of suffering. In that little while He is preparing you for that future with Christ.

1. The suffering serves to “perfect” you, meaning to bring you to perfection and fullness, so that nothing lacks you. There will be no lack or shortage of anything anymore.

2. He will also “confirm” you through the suffering, meaning he will make you stand steadfast.

3. Thereby He will inwardly “strengthen” you, so that there will be no weakness anymore.

4. Finally He gives you a firm foundation, on which He will “establish” you.

You see that God makes an end to all that is out of balance and that is weak. Instead, He gives a situation in which nothing can be changed anymore.

1Pet 5:11. This all will end up in His glorification. From the mouth of all the redeemed the praise will sound that ascribes to Him all dominion. There is no dominion beside Him. The proofs that He alone possesses it, are abundantly delivered and seen in all the redeemed together. With an ‘Amen’ Peter concludes this praise. Each believer will wholeheartedly agree with that. That’s how it is and there is nothing else.

1Pet 5:12. Peter still has some personal greetings. In order to deliver the letter to the readers, Peter gave it to Silvanus, after having possibly dictated it to him. Silvanus is the same as Silas, the journey companion of Paul. This Silas was familiar with suffering. He and Paul were scourged in Philippi and were thrown into prison (Acts 16:19-23). Maybe Peter knew that and he therefore asked him to take his letter with him. Peter must have known him, for Silas was a leader among the brethren in Jerusalem (Acts 15:22), where Peter also had served the believers.

To introduce Silas to the readers of his letter, he says that as for him, Silas is a faithful brother. He tells his readers what his impression of Silas is, without arrogating himself a definite judgement about the faithfulness of Silas. Peter is aware of his own unfaithfulness. That’s what makes him careful. After all, the judgment about faithfulness is up to the Lord (1Cor 4:1-5; Mt 25:21 ; 23).

He has written a brief letter, but its effect is great and long lasting. It is to make them understand what “the true grace of God” is. By that Peter says that grace is the true nature of Christendom, that it is based on grace and not on the law. In that grace they must stand firm and hold fast to and not be drawn away from it.

That also goes for you. By grace you are saved (Eph 2:8) and in grace you stand before God (Rom 5:2). That grace should characterize your life. If you have understood anything of what grace is, you will not be willing to place yourself under a law again or would want to participate in outwardly formal services. Grace means putting your whole life in God’s hand and to be guided by Him.

1Pet 5:13. Peter also conveys the greetings of the “chosen together with” them. “She” possibly refers to his wife, whom he took with him on his journey (1Cor 9:5). He is writing from Babylon, where a large Jewish community existed and where he worked. After all he is the apostle of the circumcision (Gal 2:7). He also conveys the greetings of his son Mark, the evangelist. Mark is probably his spiritual son.

1Pet 5:14. Finally Peter gives them the order to assure one another of their love to one another by greeting each other with an intimate greeting.

While Paul often concludes his letters with a wish that they may experience the grace of the Lord Jesus, Peter wishes his readers “peace”. Peace is the great character of the kingdom over which the Lord Jesus will reign and which is therefore also called ‘the kingdom of peace’. Peace is also the great blessing for the believers in their dealings with one another. The enjoyment of that peace is only possible when each believer himself is aware of his position in Christ, is living up to it and also sees the other one in that position.

I wholeheartedly wish the same for you in your relationship with Christ and in your dealings with fellow believers. Amen.

Now read 1 Peter 5:7-14 again.

Reflection: Just explore how often God has already revealed Himself to you as the God of all grace.