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"God resists the proud"

Text: 1 Peter 5:5

THE PRACTICE OF SUBMISSION

The Apostle Peter taught “submission” earlier in 1 Peter. In quick review:

1. Submission to authorities 1 Peter 2:13-14

2. Submission to masters (to those who are slaves) 1 Peter 2:18

3. Submission in a marriage relationship 1 Peter 3:1

EXTENSION OF THE PRINCIPLE OF SUBMISSION

Peter went further to extend the practice of submission in Church relationships.

“Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders.
Yes, all of you be submissive to one another,
and be clothed with humility, for
‘God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.'”
1 Peter 5:5

1. “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders”

a) Younger people

i) Submission needs to be learned.

ii) It needs to be practised humbly.

iii) It must be done willingly and voluntarily.

b) Elders

i) In the immediate context, it would refer to shepherds.

ii) In the wider context, it would refer to people who are much older.

2. “Yes, all of you be submissive to one another”

a) Submission is never just “one day”.

b) Mutual submission must be given careful and due consideration.

i) There are times when one party needs to submit to another.

ii) Submission must be done wisely in the light of God’s word.

3. “And be clothed with humility”

a) Humility is of fundamental importance.

b) It is like a cloak that must be put on.

i) Humility will enable a person to be submissive.

ii) A person with a humble spirit will find it easier to practise submission.

4. “God resists the proud”

a) This truth is stated in numerous texts.

b) It is found, for example:

i) In the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 6:16-19).

ii) In the Prophets (Isaiah 28).

God hates the sin of pride!

5. “But gives grace to the humble”

a) This is offered as a contrast to the earlier statement.

b) Again, there are many texts in the Scripture concerning God’s regard for the humble (Psalm 51:17; Isaiah 57:15).