Tag: Humility

April 16, 2025

First Peter chapter 5, verses 6 through 10:
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”

VERSE CONTEXT

The author of this letter is the Apostle Peter, one of Jesus Christ’s closest disciples. He writes with the authority of an elder and eyewitness to the sufferings of Christ (First Peter chapter 5 verse 1), offering both encouragement and exhortation to fellow believers who are experiencing persecution, anxiety, and the burden of living faithfully in a hostile world. The original audience included believers scattered across Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), suffering under the weight of social rejection and looming state-sanctioned oppression during the reign of Emperor Nero. These believers were being marginalized for their faith, and Peter’s letter serves as a pastoral word of comfort and instruction.

Verse 6 begins a concluding exhortation to believers, emphasizing humility and trust in God’s sovereign timing: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God…” The phrase “mighty hand of God” evokes Old Testament imagery of God’s power to deliver (see Exodus chapter 13 verse 3: “By strength of hand the Lord brought you out from this place.”). Peter is reminding them that the same God who delivered Israel is the One who watches over them. Humbling oneself before God means submitting to His will, especially in times of trial, rather than attempting to escape or rebel against it.

Peter then says: “That he may exalt you in due time.” This points to the ultimate vindication of the believer—not necessarily in this life, but certainly in the life to come. It reflects the biblical principle that those who humble themselves will be lifted up by God (Luke chapter 14 verse 11: “For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”).

Verse 7 continues: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” The verb “casting” is active and deliberate, a command to transfer the full weight of our concerns onto God. The word “care” refers to our anxieties, troubles, and distractions. This echoes Psalm 55 verse 22: “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee.” The encouragement is personal—“for he careth for you.” God is not distant or indifferent. His care is not theoretical; it is active, intimate, and ongoing. His compassion is not just corporate but deeply personal.

In verse 8, the tone shifts to a serious and personal warning: “Be sober, be vigilant…” The word “sober” here is not confined to abstaining from alcohol—it refers to a state of clear, disciplined, and spiritually alert thinking. Likewise, “vigilant” means watchful, constantly on guard against subtle threats. Why must believers be this alert? Because, as Peter writes, “your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” The image is not gentle or abstract—it is savage and intentional. Satan is not playing games with believers. He is not roaming around to lightly annoy or inconvenience Christians, nor is he trying to “nibble away” some extra heavenly crowns or rewards. That interpretation, often put forward by the Once Saved Always Saved (OSAS) doctrine, radically downplays the gravity of Peter’s warning and misrepresents the seriousness of Satan’s intentions. The word “devour” means full consumption—total ruin. This is not about losing rewards; this is about destruction of the soul.

Peter is addressing believers here, not unbelievers. The command to be sober and vigilant is directed at those who already belong to the faith. And yet, if salvation were guaranteed without condition, regardless of how a person lives or responds to temptation, why would Peter—under divine inspiration—warn them so urgently? The answer is clear: the battle is real, personal, and eternal. Satan’s intent is to sever people from Christ, not simply diminish their heavenly prize. The phrase “your adversary” makes it unmistakably personal—each believer is being hunted. This is not metaphorical or symbolic of minor trials; this is a warning of spiritual warfare with eternal consequences.

The doctrine of OSAS claims that salvation, once received, cannot be forfeited under any circumstances. But that position must wrestle with verses like this one, which plainly describe a believer’s need to remain spiritually alert lest they be overtaken. At Believers of Biblical Truth, we hold firmly that salvation can be walked away from—not accidentally lost, as though it were a misplaced item, but willfully abandoned through deception, rebellion, neglect, or the allure of sin. When Peter says that Satan seeks to devour, we understand this as a threat to the whole person—their faith, their relationship with God, their eternal hope. This view does not diminish God’s power to save but upholds the biblical call to endure, to abide, to remain in the Vine (John chapter 15 verse 6: “If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered…”). True salvation bears fruit and perseveres, but Scripture makes it plain that apostasy is possible, and Peter’s imagery of a prowling lion confirms the danger.

Verse 9 instructs: “Whom resist stedfast in the faith…” This resistance is not passive endurance but active spiritual warfare through unwavering trust in God and His Word. The word “stedfast” means unmovable, like a tree rooted in bedrock. It is crucial that Peter ties this resistance to “the faith”, not merely feelings or personal effort. Then Peter offers a global perspective to encourage them: “Knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” In other words, suffering for Christ is not unique to them. Believers everywhere are in the same spiritual battle. This was a comfort to them then—and to us now.

Verse 10 is the hopeful conclusion: “But the God of all grace…” This is one of the most beautiful names of God in the New Testament. The phrase “all grace” emphasizes the total sufficiency and generosity of God’s mercy and power. This God “hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus”, reminding the readers that their hope is not merely deliverance from present trouble, but participation in eternal glory with Christ. The promise that “after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you,” gives depth and meaning to suffering. The word “perfect” means to restore or complete; “stablish” means to ground or root; “strengthen” means to fortify with power; and “settle” means to lay a foundation. God is not just pulling them through suffering—He is building something permanent and eternal in them through it. This entire passage holds together around the mercy and personal involvement of God. He cares. He protects. He restores. And He promises glory beyond the pain.

BROADER CONTEXT

First Peter is a letter written by the Apostle Peter likely around A.D. 64, during a time of increasing persecution against Christians under the Roman Empire—most likely during or shortly before the brutal reign of Emperor Nero. The letter was addressed to believers in “Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia” (First Peter chapter 1 verse 1)—all Roman provinces located in what is now modern-day Turkey. These Christians were living as spiritual “strangers” or exiles, not only because of their geographical dispersion but because of their identity as citizens of heaven living in a fallen world.

The theme of the entire letter is encouragement through suffering, with an emphasis on hope, holiness, and the example of Christ. Peter reminds his readers that trials are part of the Christian life, not a detour from it. He exhorts them to live in such a way that unbelievers will see their good works and glorify God (First Peter chapter 2 verse 12). He urges submission to authority, godly living in the home, and love within the Christian community. He teaches that persecution is an opportunity to share in the sufferings of Christ (First Peter chapter 4 verse 13: “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings…”), and he calls believers to respond not with fear or bitterness, but with humility and hope.

Chapter 5 marks Peter’s closing admonitions. He speaks first to the elders (pastors) of the church, charging them to shepherd God’s flock not for gain or with pride, but as willing examples (verses 1–4). Then he turns to the younger believers and exhorts all to mutual humility: “Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (verse 5). It is from this statement on humility that verses 6 through 10 flow. The progression is important:

• Humble yourself before God (verse 6)
• Trust His care for you by casting all anxiety upon Him (verse 7)
• Stay alert, because Satan is actively working to destroy you (verse 8)
• Resist him by remaining rooted in the faith (verse 9)
• Remember, suffering is not random or without end—it has purpose, and God will restore you (verse 10)

What makes this section especially powerful in its broader biblical context is that Peter himself knew what it was to fall under pressure. He once tried to resist the enemy in his own strength (drawing a sword in Gethsemane), only to later deny Christ three times (Luke chapter 22 verses 54–62). So when Peter says to cast all your care on God, or to be sober and vigilant, he is speaking as a man who once failed to do these things. And when he says God will “settle you,” he is speaking from experience—Christ restored Peter after his denial and commissioned him to feed His sheep (John chapter 21 verses 15–17).

This passage also resonates with the whole New Testament theme of God’s grace being sufficient in suffering. Paul echoes this in Second Corinthians chapter 12 verse 9: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” The sufferings of this present world, as Paul says in Romans chapter 8 verse 18, “are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Peter is harmonizing with this exact truth.

Finally, it’s worth noting that Peter uses the phrase “the God of all grace,” which stands in contrast to the “adversary the devil.” The devil seeks to destroy, but the God of all grace seeks to strengthen and restore. This duality underscores the reality of the Christian walk—we live between enemy attacks and divine aid. But in Christ, the victory is assured.

APPLICATION

Appreciating God’s Greatness

This passage invites us to marvel at God’s mercy in at least three profound ways. First, He is personally involved in our lives. He is not merely a distant King issuing decrees from heaven, but a caring Father who sees every anxious thought and invites us to cast every burden on Him. That is divine tenderness—“for he careth for you” (First Peter chapter 5 verse 7). Second, He is mighty to save and just to judge. His “mighty hand” is both a place of safety and a symbol of strength. He lifts up the humble in His perfect time and brings down the proud. Third, He is faithful to restore. Even after a season of suffering, God does not merely stop the pain—He transforms it into strength. He makes the believer perfect (complete), stablishes them (firm in conviction), strengthens them (empowered for endurance), and settles them (anchored on a foundation that cannot be shaken). What kind of God does that? A God of all grace. A God worthy of all trust, worship, and submission.

For the Believer

To the believer, this passage is both a comfort and a commission. It comforts us by reminding us that we are not forgotten in our trials. We may be mistreated, isolated, or worn down by spiritual battle—but the eyes of the Lord are ever upon the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry (Psalm 34 verse 15). Yet, this passage also charges us to take our faith seriously. Be sober. Be vigilant. These are not suggestions; they are survival instructions. The devil is not after your career, your house, or your finances—he is after your soul. He seeks to isolate, wear down, and finally devour. And if we are not watchful, we risk slowly drifting into apathy, compromise, or even apostasy.

Call to Action: Stay humble before God. Make prayer your first response, not your last resort. Cast every care on Him—no burden is too small or too shameful for His shoulders. But also, resist the devil. That resistance is not passive. You must actively stand in the faith, guard your heart, renew your mind with truth, and stay in fellowship with other believers. If you’ve grown spiritually sleepy, it’s time to wake up. If you’ve allowed fear, pride, or compromise to dull your vigilance, it’s time to repent. The fight is real—but so is the victory for those who endure in Christ.

For the Unbeliever

If you are reading this and do not yet know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior and King, understand this: you have an adversary too, and you are not currently under God’s protection—you are under judgment. The roaring lion, Satan, has no need to devour what is already dead in sin. But that doesn’t mean you are safe. It means you are already devoured unless God intervenes. And He has intervened—through the cross of Christ. Jesus died to break Satan’s hold on you, to forgive your sin, and to bring you into the care of the only One who can lift you up and settle you forever.

This passage is a warning to the lost and a plea from a merciful God: Come to Me. Humble yourself. You don’t have to be consumed by the enemy—you can be rescued, restored, and loved by the God of all grace.

FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT

This passage from First Peter chapter 5 verses 6 through 10 is a powerful blend of mercy, warning, and promise. It reminds us that the Christian life is not without trial, but neither is it without hope. We are called to humility, not because we are weak, but because God is mighty. We are called to cast our cares on Him, not because our burdens are small, but because His shoulders are strong enough to carry them all. And we are called to vigilance, because the battle for our soul is not theoretical—it is present, personal, and eternal.

Satan’s roar is real. His desire to devour is real. But the grace of God is greater. And for those who endure in Christ—humbled under His mighty hand, alert to the enemy’s schemes, and steadfast in faith—there is a promise of restoration that the world cannot match. God Himself will make you complete. He will establish you in truth. He will strengthen your resolve. He will lay a foundation in your soul that no storm, no devil, and no failure can shake. This is not the promise of once-saved-always-safe living. This is the promise of a living, breathing, persevering faith held by a merciful and mighty God—“the God of all grace.”

ENCOURAGING PRAYER

Merciful Father,
We come to You with humble hearts, thankful for Your mighty hand and tender care. Thank You for the invitation to cast our anxieties on You, knowing that You care deeply and personally for each of us. Lord, help us to stay sober and vigilant, aware of the enemy who prowls, yet confident in the protection and power of Your Spirit. Strengthen us to resist with a faith that does not waver. For every believer who is weary, restore them. For every heart that trembles in fear or discouragement, anchor them in Your truth. And for every soul who does not yet know You, draw them today by Your grace, that they too might know what it means to be settled in Your love.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our risen Lord,
Amen.

CLOSING

If you’ve found these daily verses encouraging, enlightening, or fruitful, please consider helping us spread the truth and light of God’s Word by subscribing to the blog and YouTube channels and liking and following the Facebook page. Most of all, share Believers of Biblical Truth and our links with others who may need the sermons and daily teachings just as much as we do.

You are loved—so much in fact, that we want you to know and be Believers of Biblical Truth.

Shalom Shalom.