The Daily Fountain Devotional Wednesday, May 11, 2022
The Daily Fountain Devotional Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
TOPIC: EXEMPLARY CHRISTIAN LIVING
TEXT: I Peter 5:1 – 14
1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall
appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand. 13 The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son. 14 Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
The Daily Fountain Devotional Wednesday, May 11, 2022
INTRODUCTION TEXT
Patterns of exemplary Christian living for elders, youths and others, are set forth in (his passage. An elder, such as a priest, pastor, parent, teacher or mentor, should care for those placed under him by God. This should not be done grudgingly, or because of possible material benefits but because of Christ who is the Great Shepherd and ultimate rewarder (vv. 1- 4). Elders should not lord it over the /lock, exploit them or take undue advantage of them. As the Good Shepherd, Christ ensured that none of those given to Him was lost (John 17:12). Paul followed this example (Acts 20:18-"21,27-28, 32-35).
Be an exemplary elder, not a hireling (John 10:11-13). In verse 5, youths, and indeed all of us, are encouraged to submit to our elders and to one another. This should be done in humility and out of reverence for Christ (Eph. 5:21). Since God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble, we should be models of humility. Verses 8-10 emphasise the need for vigilance against the devil's efforts to "devour" the Christian. The key to victory is to "resist the devil" and stand firm in the faith (v.9; James 4:7).
Prayer: O God, help me to be a good example to believers in my faith and conduct in Jesus' name. Amen. (1 Tim. 4:12)