Those who Shepherd the Flock

Posted on February 25, 2026 by Stephen Nielsen

1 Peter 5:1-3

5 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.

Peter begins here to address the elders (of the churches). He tells them that he too is an elder, and that he has witnessed Christ’s sufferings and will share His glory when He returns. Then Peter goes on to instruct them to be good shepherds to their flock (their people). He gives them three ways of good shepherding: 1) to watch over them willingly, according to the way God would be pleased; 2) to shepherd them eagerly and not for any selfish-motive; and 3) to not lord it over them, but lead them by a good example.

The Suffering of a Christian

Posted on February 24, 2026 by Stephen Nielsen

1 Peter 4:19

19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

The Christian, in his suffering, either by persecutors or by God’s just judgment, should always continue to do what is right, trusting God for their eternal soul.

Gods Judgment on the Saved First

Posted on February 23, 2026 by Stephen Nielsen

1 Peter 4: 17-18

17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?

The Christian is certainly judged for all that he does through suffering to make him stronger and pure, but God will not bring condemnation on him; for there is no condemnation on those in Christ (Rom. 8:1). But to those who do not obey the gospel, the “wrath of God abides on him” (Jn. 3:36).

As for verse 18, that the righteous are saved with difficulty, I think this is referring to all of the Christian’s efforts that will never be good enough. Yet he will be saved only by the grace of God through the righteousness of Christ.

Going on in verse 18, if none of the believer’s works are good enough, the godless man will most certainly not be saved; for if he does not believe in Christ, His grace and His blood will not cover his sins.

Be not Ashamed to Suffer for Christ

Posted on February 19, 2026 by Stephen Nielsen

1 Peter 4:15-16

15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.

Peter mentions previously suffering for sins (2:20 and 3:17); and for that we should feel ashamed. But if we suffer as a Christian (by persecution) we should never feel ashamed; rather, we should rejoice, and praise God because of the privilege of suffering with Christ. Also, as Jesus said (in Matthew 5:11-12), we should be glad for the reward we will receive in heaven.

Keep Rejoicing in Your Sufferings

Posted on February 17, 2026 by Stephen Nielsen

1 Peter 4:13-14

13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

When we suffer for Christ (for being a Christian) we share His sufferings. For that we can rejoice; and we will rejoice much more when He comes; for we will be greatly blessed because the Spirit of God and His glory will be upon us.It will be a great party!

We will be Tested

Posted on February 16, 2026 by Stephen Nielsen

1 Peter 4:12

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;

The fiery ordeal could be the burning of Rome (which Christians were blamed for), or generally, all the Christian persecution (which was happening at that time). Peter wanted them to know that God allows it, and even designs it, for their testing and to strengthen their character.

Do All things for God

Posted on February 13, 2026 by Stephen Nielsen

1 Peter 4:11

11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Peter here continues with the thought in verse 10, of being stewards of the manifold grace of God; here it is in speaking and in serving, all with the purpose of glorifying God through Jesus Christ; for all glory and power belong to God alone, forever and ever—because He is the almighty God.

Serve One Another

Posted on February 12, 2026 by Stephen Nielsen

1 Peter 4:9-10

9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint. 10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

Our hospitality to others indicates to us and them that we love them. And when we do it without complaining, that shows that we are genuine in our love. Peter also implores his readers to use their special gifts, as good stewards, to serve each other; and in so doing God’s grace will flow out of them to others.

War with the Devil

Posted on February 11, 2026 by Stephen Nielsen

ICE operations in this country is war with the Devil. Everything they do—whether they know it or not—is to reduce evil in this country and to make room for God’s peace and goodness.

So why are so many people unhappy with them and protesting them? Here are a few points.

1. They don’t fully realize what ICE is doing—their mission: to rid the country of evil.

2. They are unhappy with ICE because they are disrupting their carefree lifestyle. Many don’t care about what others are doing, even if it is criminal. They just want peace for themselves, even if it involves sins. And they don’t want anyone around spying on their so-called freedom.

3. They don’t want to have any part in or be influenced in any way in what ICE is trying to do—to clean up the country.

4. Many are choosing neutrality over war. They may be thinking that no evil influence will come their way. At the beginning of WWII Norway went that way. They knew that Hitler was coming, but they thought they were safe. They were wrong. Hitler’s war machine came right in at night and easily overran them. If they had built up their defenses and strengthened their military, WWII would have been over much earlier—and would have saved a lot of bloodshed. Peace through strength is always a superior strategy when dealing with evil forces. Trump, with his ICE troops, are doing so much good by destroying evil, even if people are being disrupted from their easy lifestyle. We need to support them and pray for them. It’s not an easy job, but it’s got to be done for the good of the country.

Keep Fervent in Your Love

Posted on February 11, 2026 by Stephen Nielsen

1 Peter 4:8

8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

Here Peter indicates that love for one another (in the body of Christ) is most important, especially in these last days—at “the end of all things.” We don’t want to be guilty of any sin against our brothers—especially when He comes. Hence, love will help us to end any sin we have toward another.