1 Peter 5:5 Commentary

Please turn with me in your Bibles to our text, which comes from 1 Peter 5:5. Hear now the reading of God’s Word:
“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Thus far, the reading of God’s Word.

John Calvin comments on this verse, stating, “Peter intimates that no ornament is more beautiful or more becoming than humility.”

Let us begin by asking: if this is true, what is humility? If humility is key to the beauty of the church, shouldn’t we want to study and understand it so we can adorn it more fully and glorify our Father in heaven?

What is Humility?

Wilhelmus à Brakel defines humility as the humble disposition of a believer’s heart, both personally and toward others. It involves having a correct judgment of oneself, neither elevating oneself above one’s condition nor desiring elevation from others.

Humility as a Christian Virtue

True humility is peculiar to Christians alone. Why?

à Brakel explains that the humility of the unconverted is merely an appearance without substance, rooted in pride upon closer examination. Only Jesus Christ can teach true humility. Therefore, only those united to Christ by faith can display humility, even in small measure. Jesus says in Matthew 11:29: “Learn from me, for I am meek and lowly in heart.”

This verse reveals that humility begins in the heart. Though it manifests outwardly, it is a heart disposition belonging only to the regenerate. It is not inherent to man but proceeds from God.

By nature, we are not humble; humanity is proud and seeks its own glory. Humility is a grace that transforms our hearts, renewing our minds, and forming Christ’s character in us.

The Countercultural Message of Humility

We live in a society that celebrates pride and self-promotion. People boast of their accomplishments and seek recognition. This message of humility is countercultural but should not surprise us.

The church is a spiritual kingdom, drawn out from the world to love, serve, and worship God rather than ourselves. Without humility, the church risks resembling the world, losing its distinctiveness. God-given humility is necessary for the church to function as He intends.

Adorning the Church with Humility: Subjection to Elders

Peter teaches that we adorn humility through subjection to the elders: “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders.”

Understanding Subjection

This verse can be interpreted in several ways. Some believe it addresses young people submitting to older members of the church. However, the term “elders” here likely refers to church office bearers, as used in 1 Peter 5:1. Thus, Peter is addressing the entire congregation, calling all members to submit to their spiritual leaders.

The Necessity of Humility for Subjection

Can anyone truly submit without humility? While one might feign submission temporarily, pride will eventually rise, leading to conflict. Genuine humility recognizes the church’s divine institution and the God-given authority of its elders.

John Brown comments: “A Christian church is a voluntary society inasmuch as no one can be compelled to enter it. However, once connected to the church, members are bound to submit to the laws of its Lord and King, administered by the appointed office bearers.”

The Role of Elders

Elders are tasked with shepherding the flock, overseeing the congregation, preserving order, and administering spiritual discipline. Church members are called to submit humbly to their teaching and governance, provided it aligns with God’s Word. Submission includes attending services, listening attentively, and receiving correction with a teachable spirit.

Hebrews 13:17 reminds us: “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

Serving One Another

Peter continues: “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another.”

Humility as a Garment

The phrase “clothe yourselves” signifies binding humility around oneself as a garment, ready for service. Humility enables us to prioritize others, willingly perform even menial tasks, and emulate Christ, who washed His disciples’ feet.

The Effects of Humility

Humility fosters peace, prevents discontent, and allows us to bear with one another in love. It teaches us to think highly of others and lowly of ourselves, enabling the church to function in harmony. As Calvin notes, no ornament is more beautiful than humility, for it equips us to serve God and one another faithfully.

The Motivation for Humility: Pleasing the Lord

Peter concludes with a powerful motivation: “For God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

The Consequences of Pride

Pride provokes God’s opposition. Examples like Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4 and Herod in Acts 12 demonstrate how God humbles the proud. Pride leads to unhappiness, as God stands against it and ultimately punishes it.

The Blessings of Humility

Conversely, humility invites God’s grace. A humble heart, emptied of self-glory, is filled with God’s blessings. God loves to lavish grace upon His people, equipping them for good works and sanctification.

Cultivating Humility: Practical Exhortations

While none of us has mastered humility, we can take steps to grow in this grace:

Reflect on God’s Mercy: Consider His grace and kindness, which humble a proud spirit.
Examine Your Nature: Recognize your own sinfulness and dependence on God’s grace.
Remember Past Struggles: In times of success, recall times of need to remain grounded.
Look to Christ: Meditate on the Cross, where Christ bore our sin.
Give Thanks: Offer continual gratitude for God’s grace, acknowledging all blessings come from Him.

Conclusion

Humility beautifies the church and pleases the Lord. Let us seek to clothe ourselves with humility, adorning the church with this grace, and striving to glorify God in our lives together.

To hear the full audio of this article, visit https://covenantbaptistnb.com/sermon-audio/adorning-humility-in-the-church-sermon-1-peter-5-5/.