Q29. Adversary

[Pastor Ralph]

Q29. (1 Peter 5:1-7) Why does pride make God our adversary? Why is the power of example preferable to the power of one’s office? What might God “lifting us up in due time” look like?

[Jewells]

Q29. (1 Peter 5:1-7) Why does pride make God our adversary? Why is the power of example preferable to the power of one's office? What might God "lifting us up in due time" look like?

God sets himself against the pride.  Actually when one is proud, they are at odds with the way God created all to live graciously together.  Since we oppose all he created, God opposes us until we can humble ourselves into the plan he has to live in the fruit of the Spirit.  The power of example is what Jesus did when he was on earth and he leads by example.  We contrast him to the Pharisees and religious leaders of the day who were proud and represented God but did not know God or his ways.  If you lead by example, you have to know God.  You can only give away what you have, you cannot give away what you don't have.  Jesus was just full of the power of God, the wisdom of God, the love of God, the virtue of God and people sat and listened at his every word.  He commanded them to go and do likewise.  The Pharisees said no one has ever spoken with this authority.  The authority was God's and so were the words.  When we see people who truly know God we know something is different about them.  We realize they are God's workmanship and they have humbled themselves and we must do likewise.  Only God can produce these qualities and character in us.  It is a process of humbling before God, just as we are and letting him develop these qualities and character in us as he will.  

[Brother Clifford wilson]

One must chose between self glory and Godly Glory.  I cannot serve two masters.  God in his absolute power and grace rules from above and within the heart and core of all men.  We must seek his will and ask him to open our hearts so that we can taste and see that God is good.  We are called to his service for a reason, more than not, that reason belongs to God.  Deut. 29:29 The secret things belong to God.  Our journey requires that we follow Jesus and Gods secrets are revealed along our walk.  We are an example to all men even those in higher office.  We have the power of Christ in us, the power to change others as he has changed us.  The light of Christ shines in the way we walk and carry ourselves.  This is our calling, be prepared.

[hanks]

Q29. (1 PETER 5:1-7) 
Why does pride make God our adversary? Why is the power of example preferable to the power of one's office? What might God "lifting us up in due time" look like?
Proud people tend to be friends of the world, by contrast humble people know that they are completely dependent upon God. A person cannot be friendly with the world and with God at the same time (James 4:4). The world does not tolerate friends of God, for they are considered enemies. The reverse is also true. God regards “a friend of the world” as an enemy. “The person who meets God as his enemy stands alone, for the world cannot help him (John Knox). “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). Pride shuts out grace, but the believer who lives in constant fellowship with God, who desires to do God's will in all things, and who demonstrates the love of the Lord Jesus is the recipient of God's abundant grace. Leaders should be leading by example, not by force, not like dictators, or like high-and-mighty know-alls. Godly leaders do not command from the rear but rather leads as an example from the front. They should be walking ahead, not be driving from behind. Pride should not prevent them from doing this. This humility is to be shown not only in relation to others but to God as well. Humbly obeying God, whatever our present circumstances, will result in Him honouring us – all in His good and perfect time. 
Although we do not deserve God's favour, He wants to lift us up and give us worth and dignity, despite our human shortcomings. 
 

[Clelie]

Pride from satan has caused his downfall and the fallen world. God hates anything that rises up against the knowledge of Him,and being proud is  opposition to His authority and that causes Him to take measure against the one who acts rebellious with chastisement . .
Jesus was the very example of humility . All His disciples understood and followed after His example after his death . Example comes from above , from the leader or parents . To set good examples is to show the right way to achieve the purpose  of Christ to save mankind. 
when we humbly submit ourselves to God, we allow Him to use us for His glory and we are lifted up as a servant worthy fir his kingdom.

[Zanele Tlhakanelo]

Pride makes God our adversary because it makes us not to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God. It makes us think we are self-sufficient and do not lack anything forgetting that the mercy of God gives us the strength to have all that God wills us to have. It blinds us in thinking that we do not need God as we are able to achieve without Him. Pride puts God far away from what we think are our own doing and not even thanking Him for minute and big things we have in life.

Power of example states that God has entrusted us to feed His sheep and not to manipulate His people by using gimmicks to entice them in believing miracles that elders use to attract people to believe that they are called by God to perform. I may be controversial here because I may not know how God has called each one of us but there are instances where an elder can ask women to pay a certain amount and have their ring fingers blessed for them to get married. This is manipulation of the office and nowhere has Christ done such a thing. 

God "lifting us up in due time" means waiting for God's appointed time to answer our prayers. When we have made known our requests to Him, let not fear and anxiety creep in and think that God does not care in answering our petitions and supplications because we know that God's timing is perfect. In Isaiah 55: 8-9 the Word of God says "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways." Rest assured that God will lift you up as you humble yourself and acknowledge Him as the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.

[Nicolaas A.P. Mostert]

Q29. (1 Peter 5:1-7)

Why does pride make God our adversary?

GOD hate pride.

Why is the power of example preferable to the power of one's office?

There must be a link, as we received it pass it on to GOD were it belongs.

What might God "lifting us up in due time" look like?

Glorious!!!

[Mama Eve]

Q.29 1 Peter 5:1-7 Why does pride make God our adversary?

It is opposition to God's will by refusing to acknowledge our dependence on him and seeking to exalt ourselves instead.

Why is the power of example preferable to the power of one's office?

We are leading in a time in which we need to bring out the best in all and give it all to God.

What might God lifting us up in due time look like?

Experiencing a positive change, often after a period of struggle or waiting where God provides opportunities for growth, new perspective and a sense of purpose all according to His plan!

 

[Brenda Joy]

Q29. (1 Peter 5:1-7) Why does pride make God our adversary? Why is the power of example preferable to the power of one's office? What might God "lifting us up in due time" look like?

Pride places us contrary to God, His ways, His purposes and precepts.  Pride is completely against God.  Pride is rebellion to God.   The power of example is low self focus and that causes others to grow, advance, learn, and encounter God.   The power of office elevates position, ie self.     Lifting us in due time means that if we remain humble He will open doors for  us when we are ready to handle what is behind the door so that He can be glorified.  

[George L]

Q29. (1 Peter 5:1-7)

1. Why does pride make God our adversary? We would be placing our ‘self’ thoughts and understanding above God’s. What a dangerous pathway. God the perfect father will be quick to apply correction out of his love for us.
2. Why is the power of example preferable to the power of one's office? Example disconnects the ‘you’ from the cause and effect. Scripture followed by example allows the word to speak to the hearers heart.
3. What might God "lifting us up in due time" look like? Trusted with more delicate missions, where listening to the still small voice in the midst of termoil, and not dispising the small but important clues have become your normal path.

[Lisa Wolf]

Q29. (1 Peter 5:1-7) Why does pride make God our adversary? Why is the power of example preferable to the power of one’s office? What might God “lifting us up in due time” look like?

As you said in the opening information for this section, "because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” " We are all clear about God's meaning in this first Peter passage quoting Proverbs 3.  No one wants God as an adversary.  Pride is an idol; lifting self--higher than the place due to the Living God, our Precious Lord.  

1 Peter 5:1-3 states, "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: 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; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock."  When I think of the power of example, I think of Jesus washing feet. 'Go and do likewise.'  Jesus never presumed or demanded the best; He always served.

'Lifting up in due time' may mean that resolve of the issue happens quickly, or it may mean far into the future. "And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away." (1Peter 5:4)

 

[Janzie]

On 8/12/2024 at 10:41 PM, Pastor Ralph said:

Q29. (1 Peter 5:1-7) Why does pride make God our adversary? Why is the power of example preferable to the power of one’s office? What might God “lifting us up in due time” look like?

God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.  Pride makes God our adversary when we think we can do everything ourselves and that we don't need Him.

It is important that elders and those under them act with humility towards one another. But especially before God himself, we must shred our pride and humble ourselves.

God lifting us up in due time is when we are struggling and find no way out, we finally submit to God and let Him have His way. and He brings us out.

[Krissi]

Humility is an inward posture toward circumstances and others.

• Some people in humble circumstances – not wealthy, noticeable or powerful are nevertheless proud. But we assume they must be humble because of their circumstances.
• The converse is also true: Some people who are successful, powerful and well-known are quite humble but we assume they are proud. The Bible tells the stories of many powerful individuals who were humble … kings, generals, priests, leaders. These are the biblical “greats.”

It’s easy to assume that a person who is successful, powerful or talented must be characterized by hubris. The mannerisms and accomplishments of the talented warrior, for example, who comes back to his city laden with spoil could make other men, particularly those who held back, quite envious. I can imagine these men accusing the successful warrior of pride. But this would be wrong. Humility must be read or discerned from the inside out; we must know someone deeply enough to make thoughtful and accurate judgments. Sadly, in spite of all the church rhetoric about loving each other, we know very few people well. Still, on the basis of external mannerisms, demeanor or accomplishment, we judge. The irony is that those who think of themselves as worthy of accusing another person of pride and arrogance have themselves taken a less-than-humble stance! What would be our reaction to a contemporary David or Moses in our small group or congregation? Would we assume they were proud? Could we contain our envy and suspicion?

What I really want to write about here, however, is the phrase “in due time.” This is hope deferred – it feels like a suspended state, a time when God seems to hold back or withhold the answer to prayers I most desire. I have three long-term, increasingly desperate prayers, none of which have been answered. As years pass, I’m tormented by the thought that God could never answer these prayers even though they are biblical, morally healthy and uplifting to others. Although I know I shouldn’t, I question His goodness toward me (not His power). Obviously, He could answer these prayers. He must choose not to.

Thus, I cling to the hope, the fading hope, that maybe, IN DUE TIME, He will lift me up.

The phrase “in due time” has become a salve for my disappointed and broken heart. I don’t understand His delay. I don’t understand why some people experience instant miracles and others seem to suffer unto death.

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Gal 6.9