A Call to Be a Humble Subject

READ: 1 Peter 5:5-7

KEY THOUGHT:

In this section of Scripture, Peter calls the Christian to demonstrate behavior that would represent Christ, first as a subject to His Lordship and second as a subject to God-given authority, especially the authority in the church. Although this passage begins by addressing the young members of the church, it quickly moves to all members regarding the matter of humility. This is a meaningful follow up to the first four verses of the chapter that dealt with leaders and ushers us toward a concept of servant leadership and mutual submission between members. This behavior is rarely found in the church today as we tend to engage more in the business of self-promotion, me-too and me-first. We ignore and offend one another without realizing it because we lack humility and esteem ourselves above others. Rather than humbling ourselves before God and waiting on His provision, we use social media and fashionable cliques to lift ourselves up… rarely anticipating a fall. But the call here is to be humble, to bow a knee, to step aside for others to pass, and to offer a hand to those in need. When we put God first, then others, and reserve the last place for ourselves, we will see the mighty hand of God at work in ways we could only imagine.

CONSIDER:

1. How do pride and selfishness relate to each other?
2. Is your response to teaching and correction humble or prideful? How does subjecting to one another in the matters of the church strengthen the church?
3. Read Proverbs 11:2, 13:10 and 16:18. What do each of these verses say about pride compared to humility?
4. What would make you a humbler subject in the kingdom of God?

APPLICATION:

Receive teaching and correction with a humble spirit.