Crumbs from the Master ‘s Table 53
Youth
Scripture 1 Peter 5: 5-10NIV 5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,“God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Crumbs Special advice is given for young people but it starts with the phrase “ in the same way”. Peter is saying that advice given to the ekders apply to the youth too, Avoid pursuing cash and throwing your weight around apply to young people as well as to the more mature. Two big ideas about behaviour follow;
1. Humility ( verses 5-7) Peter urges that humility be tied on in a determined way. Humility increases vulnerability; Peter records this great promise about God’s caring if we abandon our concerns to Him
2. Self Control (verses8-9) Satan can be resisted Victory is possible and part of the answer is to keep holding on to the faith at the centre of which is our Lord Jesus Christ.
We may think that we alone suffer in the way we do; but no our pains and temptations are suffered in a similar way by our fellow Christians. These struggles are not the end game. Eventually come Victory and Glory.(verse10)
Queries ( for private thought or joint discussion) 1. Why are humility and self-control urged on young people ? 2. How do we cast all our anxiety on God ? 3. How do we help each other in the pursuit of humilty and self-control ?
