First Peter: Humility | Part 5: Leadership — Next Generation Leaders

Next Generation Leaders - 1 Peter 5:5-6

1 Peter 5:1-5, The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

To the next generation, the Apostle Peter is teaching you cannot be a great leader until you have learned to be a great follower. 1 Peter 5:5, “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders.”

The most important quality for those in positions of responsibility and authority is humility. Until you’re able to live under authority, God will not entrust you with a position of authority.

Abundant Life Staff Core Value Humility: Philippians 2:3-4

We reject anything done pridefully, selfishly, or with feelings of envy or jealousy. We will esteem, serve, and honor other team members more than ourselves. As a team, we don’t care who gets the credit as long as God gets the glory. 

People who lack humility will always breed rivalry, destroying a church’s unity! That’s why humility is essential for those God entrusts with great authority and responsibility. 

1 Peter 5:5, Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

God is looking for leaders who will choose mutual submission over competition, division, and self-promotion. Humility fosters mutual submission. Pride fosters insecurity and rivalry, division, and competition. 

God promises your eventual promotion if you’ll live and lead from humility and submission. 1 Peter 5:6 “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.”

1 Peter 5:7, “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

Peter tells us the key to leadership longevity—humility. God dependency instead of self-sufficiency.