Anglican Daily Fountain Devotional 11 May 2022
TOPIC: Exemplary Christain Living
TEXT: 1 Peter 5:1–14(NKJV)
Patterns of exemplary Christian living for elders, youths and others, are set forth in this 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 flock, 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)
Daily Fountain Quote of the Day: God says: My Spirit will help you in your weakness. Romans 8:26
