Chapter CONTEXT MHCC: Peter ends Chapter 4 by saying; their trials were near at hand, that their souls were in danger as well as their bodies, and that the best way to preserve their souls is to commit them to God in well-doing. He goes on to Chapter 5 (and the close of the epistle) with: In which the apostle gives particular directions, first to the elders, how to behave themselves towards their flock (v. 1-4); then to the younger, to be obedient and humble, and to cast their care upon God (v. 5-7). He then exhorts all to sobriety, watchfulness against temptations, and stedfastness in the faith, praying earnestly for them; and so concludes his epistle with a solemn doxology, mutual salutations, and his apostolical benediction.
In a previous devotional, we looked at how Pride can destroy a nation and individuals. Today let us look at the opposite of pride, and humility. It must be noted that in context this is written to the younger (either in age or spiritual maturity) of the flock to submit themselves to the elders. However, the basic principle is applicable to ALL MEMBERS regardless of their stature in the church.
In verse 5 (AMP) we read: 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.” This is a quote from Proverbs 3:34 where God blesses the humble and scorns the prideful.
Our main text in the (AMP) reads: Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time,
Note first, the mighty hand of God for which we must submit. We do not submit to any authority but the ultimate authority. The King of Kings and the one who appoints all others.
Note what must be set aside, self-righteous pride, so humility is an attitude of the heart, not just a mindset. As noted yesterday there are two kinds of pride one acceptable to God and one He hates.
Note why we must Humble ourselves, so that He may exalt you, it is for our own benefit. This same theme is repeated in Matthew 23:12, Luke 14:11, Luke 18:14, and James 4:10.
Calvin comments on this quite nicely:
Humble yourselves, therefore. We must ever bear in mind for what end he bids us to be humble before God, even that we may be more courteous and kind to our brethren, and not refuse to submit to them as far as love demands. Then they who are haughty and refractory towards men, are, he says, acting insolently towards God. He therefore exhorts all the godly to submit to God’s authority; and he calls God’s power his hand, that he might make them to fear [stand in awe] the more. For though hand is often applied to God, yet it is to be understood here according to the circumstances of the passage. But as we are wont commonly to fear, lest our humility should be a disadvantage to us, and others might for this reason grow more insolent, Peter meets this objection, and promises eminency [a position of prominence, here meant a place in the the Kingdom of God] to all who humble themselves.
But he adds, in due time, that he might at the same time obviate too much haste. He then intimates that it is necessary for us to learn humility now, but that the Lord well knows when it is expedient for us to be elevated. Thus it behooves us to yield to his counsel.
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