DCLM Higher Everyday 4 December 2023 — Submission To Elders
Topic: Submission To Elders
Text: 1 Peter 5:5-10
5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. 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.
6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
10But 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.
Key Verse: “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. 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” (1 Peter 5:5).
Message
According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, an elder is any person of earlier birth or greater age. Virtually every tradition and custom extol respect and submission to elders. To this recommendation, the Bible gives a nod. Esther is a good example – she was obedient and cautioned us: Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter (Ecclesiastes 10:20). Spoken words are powerful. Conversations are easily overheard and reported. And unfortunately, they are reported with distortions and modifications.
In this era of informants and dissemblers, be careful what you say and to whom you say it. Many have uttered words that they wish they could go back and “rewind the tape.” Unfortunately, our words cannot be unsaid and our actions cannot be undone. We may augment, clarify, apologize and re-state. But we cannot really withdraw our statements. Some precious lives have been lost due to unguarded statements. Mind your speech.
Quote: Spoken words are powerful.
Challenge: We cannot really withdraw our statements.
Prayer for today: Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
