Tie on an Apron

579.  "Tie on an Apron"             August 7, 2012
1 Peter 5-Part 2
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. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:5-7


LET IT GLOW

As you may have figured out from previous posts, my mother was a wonderful cook. Before she began the task, she would tie on an apron. Of course, an apron prevented any spills from soiling her clean clothes. When the meal was prepared, she would take it off and be ready for her guests. It seems that this tradition has gone by the wayside as the years have passed. Perhaps it's because an apron is a symbol of a servant and we have strayed away from serving. We would rather be served than serve. Ouch! My toes got stepped on. Shall we see what Peter has to say about it?

Looking at verse 5, to whom does Peter say God gives grace? He gives grace to the humble.
Who does God resist? He resists the proud.
Do I want God's grace or His resistance?
How do I get His grace?

The word be clothed in the Greek, engkomboomai, literally means to "tie on" an apron; here the thing to be tied on is humility, which is the same word used by Peter in 3:8 in the same close connection with the word "submit." Humility is simply assuming the proper role in relationship to others. Peter draws upon the Old Testament to prove his ploint by quoting Proverbs 3:34. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

To "be clothed" lliterally means to tie something on oneself with a knot or a  bow. This term was often used of a slave putting on an apron over his clothes in order to keep his clothes clean. Humility is literally "lowly mindedness," an attitude that one is not too good to serve. Humility was not considered a virtue in the ancient world, any more than it is today.  (The MacArthur Bible Commentary)

Keep in mind that God will exalt us in due time, according to verse 6b. Due time (kairos) sounds like "by and by" or "after sufficient time has passed." It refers to God's time, namely the second coming of Christ, and at the Revelation. (Falwell)

Remember, God cares for you and me. He loves us so much that He came and died for us sinners. It is astounding to me.

If I want God's grace upon me, which I do, then I am to tie humility around me like an apron. I am to stay low minded, not proud, and be a servant of Jesus'. Now where's my apron?

LET IT GROW

To whom is Peter writing this principle? First, it is written to the younger men. Also, it is written to Christians in general, the congregation of the church. What is Peter telling us to do?

1. Submit to the elders. Younger me and Christians, submit to your pastor/leaders in the church.
2. Be subject one to another.
3. Be clothed with humility
4. Humble yourselves under the might hand of God.
5. Caste all your care upon Him, for He careth for you. We don't have to bear our anxieties. We are told to "toss them over to Him." Care means anxieties. God has such a meticulous, personal concern about us. He is interested in us and willing to carry all our anxieties if we are willing to do what He wants us to do. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

Am I willing to do what God wants me to do?
How often do I tie on humility and submit to others in authority, leaders of the church?
Do I dress with humility all the time?
Am I humbled to God?
Self-evaluation time, friends.

LET IT GO

As I put on the whole armor of God each day, I am going to tie on my apron of humility, too.

Daily submit and humble myself on my knees before God.

Give Him my anxieties.