Under God’s mighty hand

1 Peter 5:5-6
October 29th 2023, 5th Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Following the elders, Peter now tells to the younger people. Not only that they are younger in age, but they can be regarded as the brothers and sisters of the church.

The first is to clothe ourselves with humility toward one another. A pastor humbly shepherds souls assigned to him, and the brothers and sisters humbly follow the pastor who was set up by the Lord. We need to put on humility toward one another. Jesus walked in humility more than anyone else. We need to be getting more like Him.

The second is to humble ourselves under God's mighty hand. The word "mighty hand" is used here deliberately. Almighty God's powerful hand protects and guides us. It is important to be aware of His hand and rely on it.

The third is to believe in God's time and promises. God sees those who walk humbly before Him and will bless them at just the right time. It is important to walk believing in God's promise that there is God's due time and that He will lift us up on high.

Those who are humble will humble themselves under the mighty hand of God. Let us not rely on our own strength, but trust in the Lord and always humble ourselves under God's mighty hand!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

1 Peter 5:6 (NIV)

Be shepherds of God’s flock

1 Peter 5:1-4
October 22nd 2023, 4th Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

This is a teaching for elders, that is, pastors, evangelists, and teachers. However, since we are in contact and fellowship with somebody in the church, we can say that this teaching is beneficial to all Christians.

The first is to shepherd the flock of God's sheep. Just as a shepherd feeds, leads, protects, and heals his sheep, so does a pastor. But it should be the work of all Christians in the church, not just the pastor.

The second is to pastor with integrity of heart. We are taught to do this not under compulsion, but voluntarily, not seeking lowly gain, but with all our hearts, not dominating, but setting a good example. People tend to be self-centered, so they should do so with a right heart.

Thirdly, we must remember that souls are assigned to us. God has led us to Yokohama Bible Baptist Church at this time in His plan. And He has entrusted us with souls.

Let us have in mind that we have been entrusted with the important task of shepherding God's sheep, and let us do it with all our hearts and minds!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve;

1 Peter 5:2 (NIV)

Witnesses of Christ's sufferings

1 Peter 5:1
October 15th 2023, 3rd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Let us learn about what we Christians should remember from the beginning part of the section to the elders.

The first is to humble ourselves before God. Peter was an apostle, the one who walked closest to Jesus, but he says he is one of the same elders. His humility is shown here. Our humility expresses our spirituality, and the Lord gives blessings to the humble.

The second is to be witnesses to Christ's suffering. It is to testify that He suffered and died on the cross in place of our corrupt sins. It is not a matter for others. All Christians are given this position and mission.

The third is to be aware of the time to receive the glory of God. The Lord will come again in time. Or the time will come when we will meet Him in heaven. And then, we will be able to receive the glory of God. It is important to be aware and assume the time as we walk through our lives.

Let us be aware of our position and walk with the assumption what will take place in the future!

<The Verse of the Bible>

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:

1 Peter 5:1 (NIV)

Committing ourselves to our faithful Creator

1 Peter 4:15-19
October 8th 2023, 2nd Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

Continuing from last week, let us confirm what we need to keep in mind as we prepare for fiery (burning) trials.

The first is to check ourselves to see if there is anything we need to change in ourselves. We have a weakness that makes it difficult to be aware of our own sins. It is important to check ourselves first to see if we are walking righteously.

The second is to keep our eyes on the blessings of salvation. Certain hardships may come our way, but we have already received salvation which is indispensable and the most fortunate thing we can have. We must fix our eyes on the grace of salvation.

The third is to commit ourselves to our faithful Creator and to do good. It is to the truthful God, who alone has the power to create heaven and earth and all things by His Word alone, that we can commit our souls to. It is important to serve the Lord and His Church.

Jesus went through many hardships, but He always trusted in God the Father, endured them, and walked in doing good. Let us follow the Lord's example, entrusting ourselves to the Creator of Truth in the midst of burning hardships, and walk faithfully to the end!

<The Verse of the Bible>

So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

1 Peter 4:19 (NIV)

When we are at a fiery ordeal (painful trial)

1 Peter 4:12-14
October 1st 2023, 1st Holy Day of the month
Rev. Tadashi Nagae, pastor

At the time this letter was written, terrible persecution of Christians was taking place. So, Peter told the readers of this letter how they should respond when a fiery ordeal comes to them.

The first is not to be suspicious. It is important to recognize that Christians surely face persecution. We must not have the false perception that there will be no suffering if we believe in Christ.

The second is to rejoice. Three reasons are given for this: One is that trials produce faith so that we can grow in faith. The next is that we can participate in the sufferings of Christ, and then we can join the glory of God. And the last is that we can experience the help of God's Spirit.

Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. Let us keep in mind what we have learned today in preparation for painful trials to come. Let us look at suffering from an eternal perspective, endure it, and rejoice in the Lord!

<The Verse of the Bible>

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal (painful trial) that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

1 Peter 4:12 (NIV)