We all know the enemy is out to steal, kill and destroy (see John 10:10). He will continually throw temptations onto our paths in an attempt to bring down everything God has allowed us to build—our ministries, our families and our relationships. It would be wise for each of us to continue to heed the words from 1 Peter 5:1-11. Keep them near you at all times, especially when dangerous situations arise:
Shepherd the Flock
“The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by constraint but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away” (vv. 1-4).
Submit to God, Resist the Devil
“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’” (v. 5).
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (v. 6)
“Be sober; be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (v. 8).
“Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (v. 9).
“But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you” (v. 10).
“To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (v. 11).
A former senior editorial adviser of Ministry Today, Jack Hayford is the founding pastor of The Church On The Way in Van Nuys, Calif., and founder of The King’s University.
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