We will discuss this verse by verse.

Introduction. This letter was written by Peter, written to elders and young men. To us all.

5:1-3. Elders in church are commanded to shepherd God’s flock. They re called overseers. Must not be forced, but willing to serve. Not greedy for money. Not lording over them. The best way to influence your flock is life example. Is our life a blessing to the flock? Are we examples to them in terms of faith, love, patience, purity, sacrifice, humility, obedience. serving. These become their model and encouragement. So leaders, let's allow God’ Word to change our lives, through the Holy Spirit, because others are looking at us. And they will follow our example, as we follow Christ.This is true leadership.

5:4. If we have these characters above, we will surely get a reward when Christ comes. The reward is eternal, it will not fade away.

5:5. This is for the young men. Young men, be submissive to the older in faith. Submissive in terms of attitude and spirit. Whatever complains we have, we need to share it with respect and humility. God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humility in our relationship within the members of the church. Pride causes division. Humility cause peace and understanding.

5:6. To be humble, first we should humble before God. He is perfect, but He loves us. So we can approach Him anytime, humble our self, ask forgiveness from Him, and relate to others in love and humility. In His time, as we do this, the Lord will bless us. Example, Joseph. Even if his brothers maltreated him, he forgave them, and in His time, God raised him as a ruler in Egypt, saving the whole Israel clan from famine.

5.7-The Lord knows we , leaders, have many struggles and cares in life and ministry. God wants us to give all these to Him, because He cares for us .All cares- including sins and weaknesses, we can give to the Lord in prayer.

5.8-9 Our real enemy is not our brethren or people. It is Satan, who is preparing to trap and tempt us. We should discern his strategy. We can always claim God’s victory, we can resist Him by claiming God’s Word, the Holy Spirit to help us, because greater is Christ in us, than Satan who is in the world. I Cor. 10:13.Claim this always. God will make a way for escape in any struggle or temptation.

5.10- A very precious promise for leaders who are shepherding God’s flock, and for young men who are growing in their spiritual life. The God of all grace, (meaning all the grace we need are available to us), who called us ( He called us first to be His children, gave Jesus to pay for our sins), and called us to share in His eternal glory in Christ.

Have you heard His call? Have you responded to His call? If you do, you are His, and He will use you to help others, shepherd others. For now, you might have suffered some difficulties- but compared to eternity, its very small or little.

Cheer up. Soon, He will restore you, strengthen you, make you firm and steadfast. God’s strength is available daily.

To Him be power forever and ever AMEN.