1 Peter Chapter 5 KJV – Dos and Don’ts

Here are the recommendations for things to do and not do mentioned in 1 Peter Chapter 5 of the King James Version (KJV):

Things to Do:

  1. “Feed the flock of God” (1 Peter 5:2): This instructs leaders or shepherds to faithfully care for and nourish the believers entrusted to their care, providing spiritual guidance and sustenance.
  2. “Be examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3): This encourages leaders to set a positive example in their conduct, attitude, and character, serving as models for others to follow.
  3. “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God” (1 Peter 5:6): This advises believers to cultivate an attitude of humility and submission before God, acknowledging His sovereignty and relying on His strength.
  4. “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7): This recommends entrusting all worries, anxieties, and burdens to God, knowing that He deeply cares for His children.
  5. “Be sober, be vigilant” (1 Peter 5:8): This emphasizes the need for believers to be alert, self-controlled, and watchful, guarding against spiritual dangers and temptations.
  6. “Resist steadfast in the faith” (1 Peter 5:9): This urges believers to stand firm in their faith, unwavering in the face of trials, tests, and opposition.
  7. “The God of all grace… make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” (1 Peter 5:10): This expresses the hope and prayer for believers to be perfected, established, strengthened, and grounded in God’s grace.

Things Not to Do:

  1. “Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:3): This cautions against abusing or misusing authority in the Church, but rather leading by example and with humility.

These are the recommendations and warnings given in 1 Peter Chapter 5 of the King James Version of the Bible. Also see: 1 Peter Chapter 4 KJV – Dos and Don’ts

1 Peter Chapter 5

As I delved into the riches of 1 Peter Chapter 5 in the King James Version, I couldn’t help but be struck by the profound wisdom and guidance it offers for living a life of purpose, humility, and spiritual growth.

This chapter provides the dos and don’ts for both leaders in the church and believers in general, offering a roadmap for how to navigate our faith journey with grace and steadfastness.

I hope to unpack the treasures of this chapter and illuminate its significance for our lives today.

The call to freedom resonates deeply within each of us, and 1 Peter 5 speaks powerfully to this yearning. It teaches us to cast our cares upon God, to be vigilant and steadfast in our faith, and to trust in His divine plan for us.

This chapter also reminds us of the importance of humility, both in our relationships with others and in our submission to God’s will.

In exploring the dos and don’ts of 1 Peter 5, we’ll uncover the keys to unlocking our own spiritual freedom and growth, and learn how to better serve God and one another in love and unity. Also see: 2 Peter Chapter 1 KJV- Dos and Don’ts

Feed the flock of God (1 Peter 5:2)

As a shepherd, you’re called to feed the flock of God, providing them with the spiritual nourishment they need to grow and thrive in their faith.

This responsibility isn’t something to be taken lightly, as the well-being of the flock depends on the guidance and wisdom imparted by the shepherd.

To effectively feed the flock, it’s essential to invest time in studying and understanding the Scriptures, seeking to know the heart and mind of God in order to communicate His truth accurately.

This means delving deep into the historical, cultural, and literary context of the biblical text, as well as engaging with various theological perspectives to grasp the richness and complexity of God’s revelation.

Feeding the flock also requires a genuine love and concern for the individuals under your care. This love must be demonstrated not just through words, but through actions that reflect the sacrificial and servant-hearted nature of Christ.

As a shepherd, you must be willing to walk alongside your flock, helping them navigate the challenges and struggles of life, as well as celebrating their victories and joys.

You must be a source of encouragement and hope, as well as a guiding light that points them towards the path of freedom, growth, and maturity in Christ.

By faithfully feeding the flock of God, you’ll not only equip and empower them to live out their faith, but you’ll also experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from being a faithful steward of the mysteries of God.

Examples:

  1. Jesus’ Commission to Peter (John 21:15-17): After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to Peter and asked him three times, “Do you love me?” Each time Peter responded affirmatively, Jesus instructed him to “feed my lambs,” “tend my sheep,” and “feed my sheep.” This interaction highlights the call for leaders to provide spiritual nourishment and guidance to God’s people.
  2. Paul’s Exhortation to Elders (Acts 20:28): In his farewell address to the Ephesian elders, Paul urged them to take heed to themselves and to the flock over which the Holy Spirit had made them overseers. He emphasized their role as shepherds, responsible for feeding and caring for the church of God.
  3. The Image of the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-18): Jesus refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. He contrasts the Good Shepherd with hirelings who do not genuinely care for the sheep. This image highlights the sacrificial and nurturing nature of leadership, providing guidance, protection, and provision to the flock.

Be examples to the flock (1 Peter 5:3)

You’re called to be examples to the flock, and interestingly, research suggests that people are 65% more likely to follow a leader who leads by example.

As a follower of Christ, it’s essential to understand that your actions, attitude, and demeanor have a significant impact on those around you.

In 1 Peter 5:3, the Apostle Peter exhorts church leaders to be examples to their congregations and not to rule over them with force or out of greed.

This lesson isn’t just for church leaders, though; it applies to every believer, as we’re all called to be salt and light in this world (Matthew 5:13-16).

To be an effective example to the flock, it’s crucial to focus on key aspects of your spiritual walk. Here’s a simple table to help you remember these important areas:

Spiritual GrowthRelationshipsService
Daily devotionsForgivenessServing others without expecting anything in return
PrayerEncouragementSupporting your local church and community
Studying God’s WordBuilding others upUsing your God-given talents for His glory
Living a life of worshipDemonstrating love to othersSharing the Gospel with those around you

By intentionally focusing on these aspects, you’ll be well on your way to being a Christ-like example to those around you. Remember, we’re not called to be perfect, but to strive to live a life worthy of our calling (Ephesians 4:1).

Embrace the freedom that’s found in following Christ and be the example He’s called you to be.

As you do, you’ll inspire and encourage others to live lives that are pleasing to God, ultimately fulfilling the great commission to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).

Examples:

  1. Paul’s Exhortation to Timothy (1 Timothy 4:12): Paul encourages Timothy, a young leader, to set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. This instruction highlights the call for leaders to embody and demonstrate the qualities and behaviors that reflect Christ’s character.
  2. Jesus’ Teaching on Servant Leadership (Matthew 20:25-28): Jesus teaches His disciples about servant leadership, contrasting it with the leadership style of the world. He instructs them to follow His example of humility, service, and self-sacrifice. This teaching emphasizes that leadership is primarily about serving and setting an example for others.
  3. The Call to Follow Christ’s Example (Philippians 2:5-8): Paul urges believers to have the same mindset as Christ, who humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death. This passage emphasizes the call for all believers, including leaders, to imitate Christ’s selfless and sacrificial love, setting an example of humility and servanthood.

Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God (1 Peter 5:6)

In humbling yourself under God’s mighty hand, you’re allowing Him to take control and guide your life in the direction that best aligns with His perfect will.

This requires you to surrender your own will, plans, and desires, and trust in His divine wisdom and guidance.

It’s a conscious decision to submit to His authority, acknowledging that He knows what’s best for your life, even when you don’t fully understand it yourself.

As you humble yourself, you’ll experience a sense of freedom and peace that comes from knowing you’re in the hands of the Almighty, who has your best interests at heart. When you choose to walk in humility, you’ll discover that God is faithful to lift you up in due time.

In the meantime, there are several practical ways to cultivate a humble heart:

  • Pray for God’s grace to help you remain humble. Recognize that you can’t do this on your own and need His strength to guide you.
  • Study the Word of God. By immersing yourself in Scripture, you’ll gain wisdom and insight into God’s character and ways, deepening your understanding of His perfect will for your life.
  • Serve others. Actively look for opportunities to serve those around you, putting their needs before your own. This helps to keep your focus off of yourself and on the well-being of others.
  • Be teachable. Be open to correction and willing to learn from others, acknowledging that you don’t have all the answers.
  • Practice gratitude. Focus on the blessings God has given you, rather than dwelling on what you don’t have or what you think you deserve.

By practicing these disciplines, you’ll find your heart becoming more aligned with God’s will, and you’ll experience the joy and freedom that comes from living a life of humility under His mighty hand.

Examples:

  1. Jesus’ Example of Humility (Philippians 2:5-8): In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he encourages them to have the same mindset as Christ, who humbled Himself, taking on the form of a servant, and obediently went to the cross. This example highlights the call to emulate Christ’s humility and submission to the Father’s will.
  2. The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14): Jesus tells a parable about a Pharisee and a tax collector praying in the temple. The Pharisee exalts himself, while the tax collector humbly acknowledges his sinfulness before God. Jesus teaches that the one who humbles himself will be exalted, emphasizing the value of humility before God.
  3. Peter’s Exhortation to Clothe Yourselves with Humility (1 Peter 5:5): In the same letter, just before the verse you mentioned, Peter instructs believers to clothe themselves with humility toward one another. He emphasizes that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. This passage reinforces the call to embrace humility as a fundamental virtue in our relationships with others and before God.

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you (1 Peter 5:7)

Isn’t it ironic that we often try to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders, when all we need to do is cast our cares upon the One who truly cares for us?

In 1 Peter 5:7, the apostle Peter encourages us to do just that: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

In the context of this verse, Peter is addressing Christians who are undergoing various trials and suffering. He understands the heavy burden that life can bring and offers divine wisdom to alleviate our anxieties and worries.

The Greek word used for “care” in this verse is “merimna,” which signifies anxiety, worry, or concern. By casting our anxieties upon God, we are not only acknowledging our reliance on Him but also recognizing His divine providence and love for us.

The theological interpretation of this verse is that God, in His infinite wisdom and love, wants us to surrender our worries and anxieties to Him. He desires our trust and dependence on Him, knowing that He is more than capable of handling whatever life throws our way.

We are reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:25-34, where He teaches us not to worry about our lives, highlighting that worry does not add a single hour to our lives. Instead, we should seek first the kingdom of God and trust that He will provide for our needs.

So, how do we cast our cares upon God? We begin by humbly acknowledging our need for Him through prayer, confessing our anxieties, and trusting that He will work all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

By doing so, we experience the peace of God, which transcends all understanding and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

So let’s embrace the freedom that comes with surrendering our worries to the One who cares for us deeply and wants the best for us.

Examples:

  1. Jesus’ Teaching on God’s Care (Matthew 6:25-34): In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches about God’s provision and care for His children. He encourages His followers not to worry about their needs, reminding them that if God cares for the birds of the air and the flowers of the field, how much more will He provide for them. This teaching emphasizes the importance of entrusting our cares and worries to God’s faithful care.
  2. David’s Confidence in God’s Care (Psalm 55:22): David expresses his trust in God by encouraging people to cast their burdens on the Lord and to trust in Him, knowing that He sustains them. This example highlights the act of relying on God’s care and provision for our needs.
  3. Paul’s Teaching on Anxiety (Philippians 4:6-7): In his letter to the Philippians, Paul urges believers not to be anxious about anything but to present their requests to God with thanksgiving. He assures them that God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. This passage emphasizes the invitation to bring our cares to God in prayer and experience His peace and comfort.

Be sober, be vigilant (1 Peter 5:8)

It’s essential to remain alert and vigilant in our spiritual lives, as 1 Peter 5:8 reminds us. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

This verse urges us to maintain a clear-minded focus on our relationship with God and to be watchful of the enemy’s schemes. The devil is constantly seeking opportunities to lead us astray, so we must be on guard against his tactics.

To be sober and vigilant means to exercise self-control, discipline, and discernment in our thoughts, words, and actions.

One way to approach this concept is to consider three key areas of our lives where we need to be sober and vigilant: our thoughts, our relationships, and our actions. This table illustrates how we can apply these principles in each area:

AreaBe SoberBe Vigilant
ThoughtsMeditate on God’s WordGuard against negative influences
RelationshipsPrioritize relationships that honor GodBe discerning in choosing friends
ActionsMake decisions based on biblical principlesBe aware of the enemy’s tactics

By focusing on these three areas, we can cultivate a mindset that is grounded in God’s truth and resistant to the enemy’s attacks.

Through constant prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit, we can develop the discernment and wisdom needed to navigate the challenges of life with confidence and grace.

It is only when we are mindful of the enemy’s schemes and equipped with the knowledge of God’s Word that we can experience true freedom in Christ and walk in the abundant life He has promised.

Examples:

  1. Jesus’ Teaching on Watchfulness (Matthew 26:41): In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus urged His disciples to watch and pray, so that they would not fall into temptation. He emphasized the need for vigilance in the face of spiritual challenges and the importance of seeking God’s strength through prayer.
  2. Paul’s Teaching on Spiritual Warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18): In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul describes the spiritual battle believers face and encourages them to put on the full armor of God. This includes being vigilant and prepared to stand against the schemes of the devil.
  3. Peter’s Warning against the Devil (1 Peter 5:8): In the same letter as the verse you mentioned, Peter warns believers to be sober-minded and watchful because the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. This passage highlights the need for spiritual alertness and readiness to resist the enemy’s attacks.

Resist steadfast in the faith (1 Peter 5:9)

As you face life’s challenges, remember to resist the devil’s temptations steadfastly in your faith. Much like a seasoned warrior in an epic battle, clothed in the armor of God and wielding the sword of truth.

This exhortation from 1 Peter 5:9 is a powerful reminder that our faith is not a passive, weak, or timid thing, but rather a strong, active, and vibrant force that can withstand the attacks and schemes of the enemy.

As believers, we’re called to stand firm, and unswerving in our commitment to Christ and His teachings, and to be relentless in our pursuit of holiness, righteousness, and godliness.

To resist steadfastly in the faith means to be deeply rooted in the Word of God and to have a solid understanding of our identity in Christ.

So that when trials, tribulations, and temptations come our way, we can stand strong, confident in the knowledge that we’re more than conquerors through Christ who strengthens us (Romans 8:37).

Furthermore, it means actively engaging in spiritual warfare, through prayer, worship, and the continuous application of God’s truth in our lives.

By doing so, we not only resist the devil’s advances but also experience the freedom, joy, and peace that come from living in obedience to God’s will and purpose for our lives.

So, dear friends, let’s be steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord. Knowing that our labor isn’t in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Example:

  1. Jesus’ Teaching on Perseverance (Matthew 10:22): Jesus tells His disciples that they will be hated by all because of Him, but the one who endures to the end will be saved. This teaching highlights the need for steadfastness and perseverance in the face of opposition and challenges to one’s faith.
  2. Paul’s Encouragement to Stand Firm (Ephesians 6:13): In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul urges believers to put on the full armor of God and to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. He emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast in faith and resisting the enemy’s attacks.
  3. The Example of Job (James 5:11): The book of Job tells the story of a man who endured great suffering and trials, yet remained steadfast in his faith. Despite everything he faced, Job did not waver in his trust in God. His example showcases the importance of steadfastness and trust in God even in the midst of challenging circumstances.

The God of all grace… make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you (1 Peter 5:10)

In your journey of faith, remember that the God of all grace is actively working in your life to perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you, even amidst life’s most trying circumstances.

This powerful statement from 1 Peter 5:10 serves as a reminder that our heavenly Father is continually working to refine and mold us into the people He desires us to be.

It is important to recognize that this process is not one of instant transformation, but rather a gradual shaping of our character, faith, and resilience.

As we face various challenges and trials, we can find comfort in knowing that God is using these experiences to develop our faith and ultimately draw us closer to Him.

The phrase “the God of all grace” is a profound reminder that God’s love and mercy are unending, and His power to heal and restore is limitless.

This verse encourages us to persevere in our faith, trusting that God is working to bring about our spiritual growth and maturity.

By relying on His strength and grace, we can overcome the obstacles and adversities that we encounter in life.

As we submit to God’s will and allow Him to work in us, we will be perfected, established, strengthened, and settled – a beautiful picture of the believer’s journey toward spiritual wholeness and stability.

Embrace the process, knowing that your loving Father is at work in you, guiding you toward freedom and a deeper relationship with Him.

Examples:

  1. Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Maturity (Ephesians 3:16-19): In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul prays for believers to be strengthened with power through God’s Spirit in their inner being. He expresses his desire for Christ to dwell in their hearts through faith, that they may be rooted and grounded in love and comprehend the love of Christ. This passage echoes the desire for believers to be established, strengthened, and filled with God’s grace.
  2. Jesus’ Teaching on Abiding in Him (John 15:4-5): Jesus teaches His disciples about the importance of abiding in Him as the vine and bearing much fruit. He highlights the need for believers to remain connected to Him, relying on His grace and strength to grow and mature spiritually.
  3. The Example of Timothy (2 Timothy 1:7): Paul encourages Timothy, his protégé, by reminding him that God has not given him a spirit of fear but of power, love, and self-discipline. This example illustrates God’s grace at work in Timothy’s life, empowering him to live according to God’s purposes.

Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock (1 Peter 5:3)

Embrace your role as a shepherd, not lording over those entrusted to you, but rather serving as a shining example for others to follow, illuminating the path towards God’s love and grace.

As a leader in faith, it is essential to understand the difference between guiding the flock with humility and compassion, versus asserting power and control over them.

1 Peter 5:3 serves as a reminder to honor the responsibility given by God to tend to His people with a servant’s heart, rather than seeking personal gain or dominance.

To be effective in ministry, we must live our lives as an embodiment of the Gospel, allowing our actions to speak louder than our words.

In order to better understand the contrast between proper spiritual leadership and the pitfalls of domineering control, consider the following table:

Dos of Spiritual LeadershipDon’ts of Spiritual LeadershipBiblical Example
Serve with humilityDo not lord over othersJesus washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17)
Be an example of godly livingDo not seek personal gainPaul’s selfless ministry (Acts 20:33-35)
Care for the spiritual well-being of othersDo not manipulate or controlPeter’s instruction to elders (1 Peter 5:2-3)
Empower others to grow in their faithDo not suppress the gifts of othersBarnabas encouraging Paul (Acts 9:26-28)
Be accountable to God and othersDo not disregard the needs and concerns of the flockMoses appointing leaders (Exodus 18:13-26)

By embracing a leadership style that is rooted in love, humility, and service, we not only honor God but also help foster an environment where the hearts and minds of those under our care can experience true freedom in Christ.

As shepherds of God’s flock, let us strive to be living examples of His grace and mercy, guiding others toward the abundant life that He has promised.

Examples:

  1. Jesus’ Teaching on Servant Leadership (Mark 10:42-45): Jesus teaches His disciples that true greatness lies in being a servant and that He came not to be served but to serve. He sets an example of humility and selflessness, showing that leadership is about serving and caring for others.
  2. Paul’s Example of Humility (Philippians 2:5-8): In his letter to the Philippians, Paul encourages believers to have the same mindset as Christ, who humbled Himself and became a servant. He highlights the importance of selflessness and humility in leadership, exemplifying Christ’s example.
  3. Peter’s Exhortation to Elders (1 Peter 5:1-4): In the preceding verses, Peter addresses the elders and urges them to shepherd the flock willingly, not for selfish gain but with eagerness and as examples to the flock. This passage emphasizes the call for leaders to lead with a servant’s heart and to be role models in their conduct and character.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it’s clear that God’s Word is a guiding light for our lives, illuminating the path we ought to follow.

As we feed God’s flock, humble ourselves, and cast our cares upon Him, we’ll experience the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Let us be steadfast in our faith and diligently pursue the wisdom found in 1 Peter 5.

Like a masterful tapestry, may our lives weave together the dos and don’ts of this chapter, showcasing the beauty of God’s grace and purpose for our lives. Also see: 1 Peter Chapter 1 KJV- Dos and Don’ts

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Allan Wilson is the creator of the Scriptural Thinking Affirmations Package. Featuring over 200 minutes of mp3 audio Bible affirmations complete with background music. The package comes with the original affirmations PDF ebook and many bonus affirmation Bible studies as well. The affirmations are designed to help you call to remembrance all of the wonderful benefits of being in Christ and the marvelous privilege of being a child of God.