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1 Peter 5

Led to be a Marvelous Light by a Merciful God
(Following Our Great Shepherd)

Followers of the Great Shepherd

VERSE 1  Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed

"...witness of the sufferings of Christ"

Question: In this passage about shepherding the flock, what is the relevance of Peter being a witness of the sufferings of Christ?

Peter's qualifications to exhort his fellow elders comes from the great strides he has made in following Christ. Peter had become a faithful witness to the truth of Christ just as Jesus was a  faithful witness to the truth of His Father.

Jesus - the faithful witness

 "I am He who testifies about Myself, and the Father who sent Me testifies about Me...I have many things to speak and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and the things which I heard from Him, these I speak to the world...I speak the things which I have seen with My Father...But as it is, you are seeking to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth, which I heard from God."  John 8:18, 26, 38, 40 [Jesus suffered because he was a faithful witness to the truth of the Father---a truth which centered on Himself as the savior from God's judgment on Sin.]

...Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth... Rev 1:5 [Jesus was crucified because of His faithful witness to the Father---setting the stage for His resurrection and exaltation above every name]

Peter - the once unfaithful witness

Simon Peter said to Him, "Lord, where are You going?" Jesus answered, "Where I go, you cannot follow Me now; but you will follow later." Peter said to Him, "Lord, why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for You." Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for Me? Truly, truly, I say to you, a rooster will not crow until you deny Me three times.  John 13:36-38 [This passage has a double meaning, 1) Peter cannot follow Jesus into heaven until a later time and 2) Peter cannot even truly follow Jesus on earth until he denies himself rather than deny Jesus---having done the latter while he witnessed the actual sufferings of Christ].

Peter called to follow Jesus as a faithful witness

"Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go." Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me!" ... Jesus said to him, "If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!"  John 21:18-19, 22  [Peter lived the rest of his life knowing that each day brought him closer to that death which the Lord revealed to him---the death of a faithful witness, tending the Lord's flock.]

Jesus is our example of a faithful witness

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Heb 12:1-3 [The testimony of those in Hebrews chapter 11 confirm that God's power and blessing is conferred on those who walk by faith according to God's word of grace. And now we have the example of Christ Himself (the one in whom, for whom and toward whom we walk by faith) who faithfully followed the word of His Father through suffering----being motivated by the glory that awaited him]

 

"...a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed"
   and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed (NIV)

Question: What is the glory believers will share with Christ in?

1) As covered in chapter one, Christ shares his inheritance with believers.

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, Eph 1:18

2) Our inheritance also includes rewards to those who faithfully help to accomplish the work of Jesus, thereby glorifying Jesus.

 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. Col. 3:23-24

"Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. Rev. 22:12

 

Examples of the Great Shepherd

VERSE 2-4  (2)shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; (3)nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Attitude and motivation of an elder 

	God's Way	Way of the Flesh
What are outside influences to becoming an elder?	Desire given by the will of God.	Pushed by will of man or motivated by self gain
What is the expected reward of an elder?	Maybe suffering on earth but imperishable reward in heaven when Chief Shepherd appears	That which passes away
What is the daily attitude of an elder to be?	Watching and waiting. With one eye as a stewards over God's property as in a dangerous place at night. With the other eye waiting for our Lord's return.	Satan watching as a prowling devourer
Daily Duties?	Tending the flock by exercising gifts and leading by example	Lording over. Leading in ways of Balaam---the flesh

 

He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Tend My sheep. "Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go."John 21:17-19 [ Having gone from denying Christ to denying himself and following Christ, Peter stands as an example of an elder with proper motives and attitude---following and loving Christ by feeding and loving his flock, even though it may lead to persecution by the world].

 

The Love of the Flock

VERSE 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.

"You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders"
  Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder (KJV)

Question: Why are young men not to be elders?


Because an effective feeder of the flock must first be built up in the word so that he is able to teach and lead by example, especially the humility of placing others above oneself:

...and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil 1Tim. 3:6 [despite the brotherly love that accompanies the new spiritual birth, there must be a  maturing of the faith, into outstretched love, before one is qualified to be an elder. Pride must be replaced by humility---and that spiritual growth doesn't happen overnight]

 

"...clothe yourselves with humility toward one another"
  Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility (KJV)

Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and everyone that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 1Jn 5:1 [God purposes that believers show their love for Him by loving His people. In the same way, we know we are subject to God when we are subject to one another]

Question:   How are we to be subject to other believers?


Peter answers this in chapter four; by meeting one another's spiritual needs with our spiritual gifts---as parents meet the needs of their young child, whether they like and appreciate it or not, so will the greatest among the saints be the servants of their brethren.

As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1Peter 4:10-11 [by serving each other with our spiritual gifts we become stewards of both our gifts and His house]

But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift... for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,  from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.   Eph 4:7,12; 15-16 [We show our love for God by building up his body in the truth through our various gifts]

 

"God is opposed to the proud"

Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.Prov. 3:34

Question:   What are some reasons why God is opposed to the proud?

1) Pride prevents the heart from humbling itself under the word of God. God's way runs contrary to the way of pride:
The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. Ps. 10:4


2) Pride exalts itself above others---the of the above---which naturally leads to strife:
Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. Prov. 13:10

"...but gives grace to humble"


Question:   What is God's grace, when do we receive it and how do we receive it?

Grace defined:
Grace is the blessing of God that is engaged by faith and obedience to His word. In other words, grace is fruit of the land and God's word is the gate and walkway of that land.

The Land of Grace - Past, Present and Future	Grace Engaged - Eph 1:6-11 KJV
Past We have received the grace of justification in Christ (For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God Eph.2:8)	To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Eph 1:6-7
Present We are receiving the grace that abounds through sanctification in Christ (Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 2 Peter 1:2)	Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:  Eph 1:8-9
Future We will receive the grace of our promised inheritance in Christ The extent to which we participate in Christ's inheritance depends on our faithfulness during our walk on earth.	That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:In whom also we have obtained an inheritance,being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: Eph 1:10-11

 

Question: Why can't God's ongoing blessings of grace be realized when Christians are proud?


Because pride indicates a walk of the flesh. God's sanctifying grace to believers is engaged by the indwelling Holy Spirit as they walk according to the words of Christ:

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery....You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace, For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love. You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?... For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." Gal 5:1, 4-7, 13-14 [Apparently, the Galatians had obeyed the truth of the gospel, but  were subsequently walking according to the flesh as evidenced by their obeying the law of circumcision rather than faithfully walking by the law (i.e. the truth) of love. They were then cut off from the grace of the Spirit that flows in those that walk according to God's word].

 

Trusting the Great Shepherd

VERSE 6-7 (6)Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, (7)casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

 

Exaltation by God is everlasting but exaltation by the world is futile and fades away

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 14:11 [the point of this passage in Luke is that those who seek to exalt themselves do so on shifting sands. Those exalted by the Lord are lifted to a place of strength for today and hope for tomorrow---Great is His faithfulness!)]

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. James 4:10

 

"Humble yourself under..."


Question: How do we humble ourselves under the hand of God?

By meekly willing to be led where his word leads us.

 

"...the mighty hand of God"
The hand represents God's power to:

1. protect us as we walk through this dark and dead world
2. provide for our needs amid the world's spiritual wasteland
3. Exalting us by lift us up to glory at the end of time which is the proper time, appointed time and the time if visitation.

"casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you"

Question: Can we have confidence in humbling ourselves under a God who cares but is not all mighty? No!


Question: Can we have confidence in humbling ourselves under a God who is all mighty but who does not care? No!

Question: Can we have confidence in humbling ourselves under a God who both cares and is all mighty? Yes!

Psalm 23 God shepherds us by His word that leads our hearts as if on elevated tracks ---rising above the perishing and trouble filled roads of this world---on the way to our destination, heaven

1Peter 5:6-7 paralleled with Psalm 23

Symbolism of Ps. 23

Humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God who cares means to submit to His word rather than to the ways of the world	The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Psalm 23 1-3	Water = God's word that satisfies and sustains paths of righteousness = God's word as the way for our heart and mind to walk Soul restoration =salvation, making the soul whole
Casting all our anxiety on the mighty hand of God who cares for us means to look to God for comfort and protection as He shepherds us through the wilderness of death, rather than looking to the perishing world for these things.	Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Psalm 23 4-5a	Valley of shadow of death = the fallen world whose ways lead to destruction Rod = Protected along path Staff = Led along path Prepared Table = Fellowship around food (God's word) Enemies = Spiritual enemies of God (World, flesh, Satan) are also enemies of God's children.
Being exalted by the one who is mighty and cares means to be lifted up above the anxiety and spiritual dangers of the fallen world in this life as well as being lifted up to heaven in eternity	You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.  Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23 5b-6	Oil = Holy Spirit Head = Mind Cup = Heart House of Lord = Heaven

 

Matthew 6:31-33 God shepherds us by His word that becomes for us like elevated tracks leading to heaven---rising above the perishing and trouble filled roads of this world

Casting our all our anxiety on Him - the soul becomes troubled when seeking safety and satisfaction from things of the world	"Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?'  "For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things;
Because He cares for you - Earthly Fathers care for their children, even more so our heavenly Father.	for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
Humble yourself under - We seek God's Kingdom and righteousness when we receive and keep His words	But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness,
The mighty hand of God that he may exalt you - The God who cares is also able to provide and lift us up from the anxieties of the world	and all these things will be added to you.

 

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me". .."Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. You have heard Me say to you, 'I am going away and coming back to you.' If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said,  I am going to the Father, for My Father is greater than I". Jn.14:1, 27-28

The Enemy of the Great Shepherd

VERSE 8-9a  Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith

"Be of sober spirit, be on the alert"
Our tranformed mind is one of love toward the brethren (vs. 5), obedience toward God (vs. 6-7) and prepared and alert toward evil (vs.8)---all wrapped in humble faith

Believers need to be awake and alert to our spiritual adversaries.
But we also need to be prepared for battle

(click on the verse link to learn more about being sober and alert)

 

Question: Why are we to be sober and alert?

"Your adversary, the devil"
We need to know who the enemy is in order to be properly prepared. A believer's main adversary is the devil. Satan and his unseen demon minions are the ones we ultimately contend with. I

Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Eph 6:11-12 [we need the armor God provides in order to be protected from spiritual enemies we can't see. Mad made armor made from the wisdom of man fails us]

 

"prowls like a roaring lion"
A hungry roaring lion is focused, stealthy and looking for the opportunity to pounce. If we had such wily dedicated enemies of flesh and blood, we would surely be alert and prepared. How much more watchful should we be if our enemy is of the unseen spiritual world?

Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Eph 6:13 [we need to have the full array of equipment on. Being partially equipped leaves us vulnerable to the unseen enemy]

 

"seeking someone"
Satan seeks to devour those who God has left unprotected. As we see in the book of Job, Satan's seeking includes petitioning God to remove or partially remove a hedge around a protected one.

Satan Seeks Job
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. The LORD said to Satan, "From where do you come?" Then Satan answered the LORD and said, "From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it." The LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil. Then Satan answered the LORD, "Does Job fear God for nothing? "Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. Job 1:6-10 [those who trust and obey God have a hedge about them. Satan seeks those who are walking out from underneath God's hedge, so that he might weaken and destroy their faith and so accuse God's people before God---his favorite pastime]

Believers Seek the Way of Peace
In chapter three, Peter had exhorted believers to seek the way of peace.
For, "THE ONE WHO DESIRES LIFE, TO LOVE AND SEE GOOD DAYS, MUST KEEP HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING DECEIT. HE MUST TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD; HE MUST SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT." "FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE TOWARD THE RIGHTEOUS, AND HIS EARS ATTEND TO THEIR PRAYER, BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EV IL." 1 Peter 3:10-12 [the way of righteousness is the word of God. When we trust and obey God's word, we are best positioned to be protected by the hedge of God]

Jesus provides the way of peace
Because of the tender mercy of our God, With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us, TO SHINE UPON THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS AND THE SHADOW OF DEATH, To guide our feet into the way of peace. Luke 1:78-79 [the "shining" and the "guiding" refers to the words of God that Jesus carried into the world. They are words that provide a way of peace. When we receive and keep those words, we receive peace with God and are kept by the peace of God']

 

"to devour"
very similar to 'sifting like wheat'

If we had spiritual eyes to see spiritual things, we would see that those who are reaching toward things of the world are moving toward the wide open mouth of the lion who seeks to devour.

Satan seeks to sift Peter like wheat
Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:31-32 [Satan is driven to devour by a desire to make shipwreck the faith of God's people]

Satan seeks to sift Job like wheat
"But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will surely curse You to Your face." Then the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him." So Satan departed from the presence of the LORD Job 1:11-12 [When Satan devours it's like sifting wheat; The faith gets blown away in the winds while the remaining chaff is thrown up in God's face, with Satan at the ready to accuse]

 

Question: How are we to be sober and alert?
Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Eph

"resist"
We resist by standing against Satan's temptation to sin. The Bible often refers to sinning as "falling" or "stumbling" and not sinning is referred to as "standing" or "being upright".

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. 1Cor. 10:12 [this verse follows several OT examples of God's hatred of sin and comes before Paul's encouragement that when temptation comes, God is with us to provide a way to remain standing]

Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.1Tim.3:6-7 (kjv)  [elders are not to be new converts since they are most susceptible to pride which will lead to sin and accusations of guilt before God by 'The Accuser'. Neither should an elder's heart be 'trafficking with the world' wherein lies all manor of enticements that lead to sin]

"firm in your faith"
In Ephesians chapter six, Paul expands on being firm in faith as being wrapped in the word of God as our spiritual armor.

Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

 

And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren."  Lk. 22:31-32

Following into Persecution

VERSE 9b-11  ...knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen

Here at the end of the letter we have a one verse summary of 1st Peter---> Led to be a marvelous light

"same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world"
As we have noted previously in our study of 1st Peter, there are various trials that believers go through in this world.


1) General slander and murmuring by the world against believers 
2) Job type sufferings where we the Lord permits the physical health, emotional or financial trials to befall us.
3) Sufferings brought about by Satan as he inspires the persecution of believers. This third type is the most far reaching since it was the predominate suffering of our Lord, whom we seek to follow, and who promised the highest of eternal rewards for those who faithfully endure persecution for His sake.

It's important to be aware that we are going through these trials as a people of God, not individuals. The marvelous light we are led to be is the light of a holy nation, a redeemed people. Therefore, we are to pray for each other, and remain firm in the faith for each other---encouraging and being examples for each other:

"After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ"
Peter exhorts us right up to the end up his letter to humbly submit to these various trials, for it is God that is leading us through them, as He did Jesus. And through these trials he is pruning us so that the light of Jesus might grow brighter in us---shining eternally.

"will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you"
In this last verse, Peter describes how it is that the work of God is accomplished through trials:

Believers grow in grace as God uses trials to accomplish four phases of progress in our souls. The first two phases relate to eliminating the negative while the last two accentuate the positive.

1) Perfect = kartizo = to mend, make whole and useable. God prunes and purges us through trials so, like trimmed and cleaned wicks of a candlestick, we might more brightly shine the light of Christ. "It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? ...but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness." Heb 12:7-10 2) Confirm  = sterizo = stability God continually works in us through trials so that we become more and more stable in our walk---relapsing into the flesh less and less. "...for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God." 1Peter 4:1-2     3) Strengthen = sthenoo = build up God's work in us does not end with a stable shining light but an ever increasing light of Christ likeness "Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God." 1Peter 1:23-24     4) Establish = themelioo = grounded and rooted A believer's growth occurs from being rooted in our foundation, Christ "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." John 15:5

Apart from Christ we fall apart and are nothing

"To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen"
God's power creates and rules over all creation. He will reach down inside a sinner and transform a dark heart of stone into a marvelous light of the lord in we will humbly submit under His word--watching and waiting.

Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you...But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. ..These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.  Jn.15:20-21, 16:33

How True Grace Works

VERSE 12-14 Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it! She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and so does my son, Mark. Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to you all who are in Christ.

"true grace of God"
God's grace is received by trusting and obeying His words. First we receive the grace of forgiveness of sins and eternal life by submitting to the words of the gospel. Then we receive the grace of joy and other fruitfulness by following Christ in holy service, ministering God's word to others. So ends this letter with Peter's exhortation and personal testimony of  how true grace works.

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