Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time,
1 Peter 5:6 AMP
We have considered the importance of grace, especially in a believer’s walk with the Lord (Read from here). So, we would be considering this verse for today, trusting God to give us understanding on ‘how grace comes?’. If we do not have this understanding, we are likely to make the mistake that can disqualify us from receiving God’s grace.
The preceding verse introduced an important matter which sets a ground of discussion for this verse:
Likewise, you who are younger and of lesser rank, be subject to the elders (the ministers and spiritual guides of the church)–[giving them due respect and yielding to their counsel]. Clothe (apron) yourselves, all of you, with humility [as the garb of a servant, so that its covering cannot possibly be stripped from you, with freedom from pride and arrogance] toward one another. For God sets Himself against the proud (the insolent, the overbearing, the disdainful, the presumptuous, the boastful)–[and He opposes, frustrates, and defeats them], but gives grace (favor, blessing) to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you,
1 Peter 5:5-6 AMPC
May I bring to your notice that this instruction is specifically for those who desire God’s grace, favour and blessing. So, when the bible says: “Therefore humble yourselves…” it is important that we realise that though it would be great for all to obey this instruction, however, this was mentioned to explain that which qualifies a man for God’s grace.
Humility is the opposite of pride. As pride consists in having high thoughts of oneself, humility consists in having low apprehensions of ourselves. To be humble is to have a low estimation of oneself. God resists, frustrates, and defeats a man who is proud, but humility qualifies a man for grace, favour, and blessing. Meanwhile, God does not sparingly gives grace.
In the same way, the younger ones should willingly support the leadership of the elders. In every relationship, each of you must wrap around yourself the apron of a humble servant. Because: God resists you when you are proud but multiplies grace and favor when you are humble.
1 Peter 5:5 TPT
The shortest way to exaltation is humility; quiet submission to God’s will; patiently bearing every affliction without murmuring; being still under the rod, and not despising the chastening of the Lord; mourning over sin, acknowledging one’s vileness and unworthiness.
