NT Fire Starters – Day 328: 1 Peter 5:1-14

READ: 1 Peter 5:1-14

THINK: Are you a self-motivated, driven and ambitious person? While those traits can be beneficial and productive, they must also be held in check by Jesus’ followers because of the potential dangers they present. In a drive to achieve success, many people get caught up in a destructive quest for wealth and power. The world system often seems to reward such a pursuit. But selfish ambition has no place in God’s kingdom, and those who follow Christ must take every precaution to keep their lives free from the love of money and earthly power.

RESPOND: Who are “the elders” (v. 1), and what are their primary responsibilities? (See 5:2 note and articles on The Ministry Leadership Gifts for the Church, p. 1714, and Overseers and Their Duties, p. 1560.) What attitude and motivation should ministry leaders have in serving the church (vv. 2-3)? What two dangerous desires must leaders–both in and out of the church–be cautious to avoid? (See 5:2 note.) What attitude and character trait can help a person overcome these dangerous tendencies? (See 5:5 note.) What does it mean to “clothe yourself with humility” (v. 5), and why must all of Christ’s followers be characterized by this trait? What will God do for those who humble themselves under His authority (v. 6)? Why should you not worry, but instead “cast all your anxieties on him”? (See 5:7 note.) Why must you “be self-controlled and alert” (v. 8), particularly regarding the devil’s activity? (See 5:8 note.) What hope and awareness can strengthen your resolve and inspire you to keep standing firm in your faith, even through suffering and opposition?

PRAY: Pray for your pastors and church leaders, that they would depend on God to help them serve effectively. Ask God to help you avoid the temptation to pursue money and power, and to always look for ways to honor Him and to help others with a humble attitude. Ask God to help you remain alert to the devil’s schemes and to depend on the Holy Spirit for wisdom and strength to prevail.

ACT: Find a way to help, serve or encourage one of your pastors or church leaders today. Also, if there is any aspect of your life in which you are being motivated by money, things, position or selfish power, then rely on God to help you make a distinct change in your attitudes, actions and priorities.