1 Peter 5:5

1 Peter 5:5 ‘You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'

‘likewise, be subject to your elders' -‘Likewise'-‘equally, in the same way' (Thayer p. 445); ‘in your turn' (Alford p. 1666). ‘Be subject'-‘to subject one's self, to obey' (Thayer p. 645)

Points to Note:

When Peter uses the phrase ‘your elders' in this verse is he talking about the ‘elders' just mentioned or has he shifted to respect for older members? 2. Those who believe that Peter is now talking about respect towards the older men in the congregation cite 1 Timothy 5:1 which seems to parallel 1 Peter 5:5 in many respects. In addition, they point out the contrast between ‘elder' and ‘younger', noting that the contrast is one of age. The thought would then be that younger Christians need to be respectful, kind, courteous and thoughtful in respect to older Christians. God has always demanded respect for the aged (2 Kings 2:23; Leviticus 19:32; Proverbs 16:31; Proverbs 20:29; Lamentations 2:12). 3. Yet, coming on the heels of instructions to elders, this verse could be. specific command to younger Christians. ‘Likewise', as is true of all other members in the congregation, you also need to be in subjection to the elders. 4. The temptation that has faced every generation is to second-guess and resent those in positions of authority. At times younger men become impatient because things aren't moving as quickly as they would like. It is easy to second-guess when you are not the one being called upon to make the decision. 5. Unfortunately, our society tends to glorify the dark side of youth, i.e. rebellion and unwillingness to listen. The myth seems to be that young people always have the better ideas or that they have. clearer view of reality, they see things that older people can't see. Such is false. Each generation thinks that it has stumbled upon an insight that no other generation has seen. We need to be careful that we don't make excuses for our children. Rebellion and disrespect are not mere stages, they are sins! (Romans 1:30)

‘and all of you' -All the members. ‘Even so, the question remains why Peter spoke only to “you that are younger”, and not to the whole church, in commanding submission to the elders. It is probably because the younger people were generally those who would most need. reminder to be submissive…This would not imply that the others were free to rebel against the elders, but quite the opposite: if those who are likely to be most independent-minded and even at times rebellious against church leaders are commanded to be subject to the elders, then it follows that certainly everyone else must be subject to the elders as well.' (Grudem pp. 192-193)

‘clothe yourselves' -‘Clothe'-‘fasten or gird on oneself…apron of slaves' (Thayer p. 166). ‘The corresponding noun, was the name of an apron worn by slaves, which was tied round them when at work, to keep their dress clean…The association of the slaves apron seems also to suggest that Christians should be ready to submit to the humblest works of charity for others, and to point back to the lowliness of the Lord Jesus, when he girded himself, and washed the feet of the apostles, John 13:4.' (P.P. Comm. pp. 207-208). ‘Hence the figure carries an exhortation to put on humility as. working virtue.' (Vincent p. 668) ‘Used figuratively here, the meaning is, “Tie on humility like. slave's apron.” The saints were thus to array themselves in humility; to tie it securely like. garment so that it might never fall away. So arrayed, they were to regard no service too menial or lowly, no task too small for them to perform.' (Woods p. 129) Jesus gave us an example of this truth in John 13:10.

‘with humility' -‘humble opinion of oneself, modesty, lowliness of mind' (Thayer p. 614) Humility happens when we realize our own short-comings. Understand that everything that we have comes from God. And that others are just as important before God as ourselves. True humility doesn't produce pride (look how humble. am), rather, it produces gratitude. One never outgrows the need for humility, ‘all of you'. ‘No one is exempt, for Peter includes….young and old, new Christians and mature believers..' (Grudem p. 193) Consider the following passages (1 Peter 2:2; Matthew 11:29; Romans 12:3).

‘toward one another' -‘to serve one another' (ASV); ‘in mutual service' (TCNT). Pride and arrogance prevent us from being effective servants. When we allow ourselves to become infected by pride, we start thinking that everyone should serve us or that we are too busy and involved in too many “important” things to assist others. Humility enables us to get our mind off ourselves and think about those are in need (1 Peter 2:2). In addition, the proud may be seen ‘serving', but they do so for the wrong reasons.

‘God is opposed to the proud' -Quotation from Proverbs 3:34. ‘Opposed'-‘a military term, range in battle against, set oneself against' (Vine p. 286). ‘The whole quotation applies well to daily Christian living, since the present tense verbs give the sense “God is continually opposing the proud but continually giving grace to the humble”.' (Grudem p. 194). ‘Proud'-the haughty and arrogant. Including the ideas of treating others with contempt. See (Romans 1:30; 2 Timothy 3:2; James 4:6)

Points to Note:

God is opposed to the proud because: 1. The proud trust in themselves and their own resources. Arrogance is viewed as the complete opposite of faith (Habakkuk 2:4). The humble trust in God. 2. The proud refuse to admit their need of God. 3. The proud refuse to own up to their sins and how they have hurt others. 4. The proud are intend upon bringing glory to themselves, rather than bringing glory to God. 5. The proud only see themselves and their own needs. 6. The great commandment for the arrogant is, ‘Thou shalt love thyself with all thy heart, mind and strength.' 7. Pride also brings about contention and strife (Proverbs 13:10; Proverbs 28:25). 8. The arrogant person refuses to listen or learn (Proverbs 15:12). God is definitely against such people (Proverbs 18:12; Proverbs 6:16; Proverbs 8:18; Proverbs 16:5; Proverbs 21:4).

‘but gives grace to the humble' -‘Grace'-favor, help (Luke 18:13) ‘Only the humble are in. position to receive the spiritual blessings and kindness offered by God.' (Oberst p. 235)