1 Peter 5:6

1 Peter 5:6 ‘Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,'

‘Humble yourselves'. ‘From humility before others, Peter passes to humility before God.' (Grudem p. 194) Seeing that God bestows blessings upon the humble and is dead set against the arrogant, humility is an essential virtue! Stresses that humility is something that one must voluntarily seek and want. ‘Among other things this will involve bowing to God's wisdom, accepting the twists and turns of his providence, and entrusting our concerns to him.' (Grudem p. 194)

‘under the mighty hand of God' -(Exodus 2:19; Deuteronomy 3:24; Luke 1:51). Points to Note: 1. This statement should remind us that God is still in control of this world. The same mighty hand that brought the children of Israel out of bondage (Exodus 2:19; Deuteronomy 9:26), is still active and working on the side of God's people even to this day. 2. ‘The Christian never resents the experiences of life, and never rebels against them…' (Barclay p. 322) 3. The expression ‘hand of God', would also infer God's protective care, that God is watching out for them, even during times of persecution. God is all-powerful and God never loses control of any situation.

‘that' -The benefits of humbling ourselves. Unfortunately, many people have convinced themselves that humility is. weak thing. In order to get what they need they must arrogantly assert themselves.

‘He may exalt you at the proper time' -‘Neither the specific time nor the kind of “exaltation” are specified, so it is best to understand the statement generally: “that in the time God deems best, whether in this life or in the life to come, he may lift you up from your humble conditions and “exalt” you in the way that seems best to him---perhaps only in terms of increased spiritual blessings and deeper fellowship with himself, perhaps also in terms of responsibility, reward, or honor which will be seen by others as well.' (Grudem p. 195)

Points to Note:

Jesus expressed the same truth (Matthew 23:12; Luke 14:11). 2. This means that we don't have to worry and fret about whether or not we are getting any credit for. job well done. 3. The verse also implies that we need to be patient. Stop worrying about not getting human recognition or glory. 4. Human praise is worth nothing, compared to the praise which God will bestow upon us. 5. God will make sure that His people are rewarded (Luke 18:14; Acts 13:17). ‘If one humbles one's self to suffer ignominy, abuse, and persecution in order to keep doing the will of God, then is the assurance that God will lift him on high…'(Hamilton p. 313) 6. This truth also enables the Christian to stop fretting about situations in which the wrong people are praised. (Ecclesiastes 2:10; Ecclesiastes 2:14)