Faithful Steward Ministries and FSM Women's Outreach

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5 ESV)

Igualmente, jóvenes, estad sujetos a los ancianos; y todos, sumisos unos a otros, revestíos de humildad; porque: Dios resiste a los soberbios, Y da gracia a los humildes. (RVR 1960)

In verses 1-4  Peter has been exhorting the elders to carefully and dutifully shepherd the flock. When we get to our text he shifts gears and reminds the flock of our duty to humbly submit to the elders God has appointed over us. 

If this sounds familiar it should as it is very close to what we find in Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

I would note that this does not mean that you go off and blindly follow anyone who declares themselves an bishop, elder, minister, pastor, etc. The MEN you are to submit to must meet the qualification for a Shepherd  1 Timothy 3:1–7 Titus 1:6–9. It is God’s Holy Word alone that tells us these qualifications not something man has corrupted. 

If then God has led you to a local church (if you are not in one you need to be) that has a qualified elder, one who is committed to expository preaching and reaching out to the lost (Great Commission) then we are commanded by Hebrews 13:17 and 1 Peter 5:5 to cloth ourselves in humility and submit to the authority God has given them today. 

What Are the Requirements to Be an Elder?

How Do I Obey and Submit to My Leaders?