By Nathan S. Kang
1 Peter 5:5-7
Peter was writing to Christians across the world who were persecuted for their faith. In 1 Peter 5, he encourages the elders to lead the church and the younger to submit to the elders. To the rest, he says to be clothed in humility. Peter knew a thing or two about being humbled by the Lord. The phrase “be clothed” is a Greek word which describes a serving slave tying a knot on a garment or an apron. He was identified by it. Likewise, Christians ought to be clothed with humility. The mark of a Christian life is humility. Why? Peter gives the reason which is that God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. It’s the same phrase found in Proverbs 3:34 and in James 4:4-6.

In Proverbs 6:16-17, the first abomination to God is a proud look. In verse 6 he calls upon the believers to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God. The Greek word “humble” indicates one to bring themselves lower. How do we humble ourselves? We bring ourselves lower and under the mighty hand of God. Remember God’s mighty hand. He is a sovereign God and in control of everything. It is when we humble ourselves that God would exalt us according His time. Then Peter concludes this portion of his letter by stating in verse 7 to cast all of our care to God for God cares about us. What are we casting? Our anxiety and worries. Remember he was writing to persecuted believers. He encourages them to cast their anxieties and sufferings to God because God cares about them.

God cares about you. The Psalmist in Psalm 55:22 says we can cast all of our burdens unto Him. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, we can come unto Him to find rest. In Hebrews 4:16, believers can come to Him and find mercy. It all begins with humility. If we are prideful, we won’t cast our cares upon God because we think we have it all figured out. We don’t, we must be humble. That is why in verse 8-11, we see that through humility, we can resist the Devil, remain steadfast in faith, and be strengthened by Jesus through the gospel. We were humbled when we accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior, likewise let us continue in humility!

Hillcrest Baptist Church Pastor Nathan S. Kang Website: visithillcrest.org . Meets at Vandermolen Elementary School on Sundays at 10:30am 6744 Carenlian St. Mira Loma, CA 91752