1 Peter: For His Glory, by His GraceSample

Everything comes together in the final act or scene of a play or movie, and the last chapter of 1 Peter is no different. In the first four chapters of Peter, we learned Christians should expect ridicule and persecution from the world, and by the grace of God, we will be able to endure it with humility and strength.

Peter concludes with instructions on how believers are to behave toward one another to build up the body of Christ. Peter calls you to be humble and account for your motives, whether you are a leader or not (1 Peter 5:5). He talks specifically about the calling of church leaders, but his advice can apply to all believers as well.

Even if you’re not in a leadership position, you are a leader. You may lead as an elder of the church, an employer, a parent, a teacher, a mentor, a coach, or something else. But whatever your leadership role is, Peter says there are several attributes of a godly leader that we can all follow.

One of the integral aspects of being a leader is having the right mindset toward those you are leading. The attitude you have toward others determines how you treat them within your role. Peter says you should lead “because you are willing,” not out of obligation (1 Peter 5:2).

As a leader, you have the unique opportunity to love your neighbor by “watching over them” and looking out for their best interests (1 Peter 5:2).

1. What do you think are some of the most important attributes of a godly leader?
2. Who has demonstrated godly leadership to you in your past? What would you like to emulate from their leadership?
3. What does rebellion against leadership look like? How about rebellion in leadership? Where have you experienced or witnessed rebellion in the body of Christ?