Author Archives: Steve Hankins, Th.D.

“The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son. Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity.” (1 Peter 5:13–14, AV) Prior to entering the pastorate, I noticed that some churches are so cold that you could put on a pair of ice-skates and skateContinue reading “Expressions of Fellowship (1 Peter 5:13-14a)”

“By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.” (1 Peter 5:12, ESV) I spoke with an evangelist one time about preaching and communicating biblical truth. One of the things I distinctly remember himContinue reading “Stand Firm (1 Peter 5:12)”

“To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:11, ESV) A study of history provides a list of national rulers. Some of these were noble and some ignoble. Of these, some were on a conquest for world rule. Alexander the Great took the throne in 336 BC at the age of 20Continue reading “Supreme Authority (1 Peter 5:11)”

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” (1 Peter 5:10, AV) There are difficult times in every person’s life. Some will undergo persecution as were the recipients of Peter’s letter. OthersContinue reading “Joy Comes in the Morning (1 Peter 5:10)”

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” (1 Peter 5:8–9, AV) On occasion I have seen a nature show on televisionContinue reading “Fierce Adversary (1Peter 5:8-9)”

“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 5:6–7, AV) Many years ago, my daughter and her husband with their children came to visit us in Georgia. One morning, we decided to takeContinue reading “Dumping the Load (1 Peter 5:7)”

“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 5:6–7, AV) I heard a story regarding a young preacher. He went to preach one of his first sermons. He had been trained in theContinue reading “Being Humbled (1 Peter 5:6-7)”

“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.” (1 Peter 5:5, AV) I read a classified advertisement in the local for-sale shopping paper. It stated, “Encyclopedia Britannica set for sale.Continue reading “Humble Submission (1 Peter 5:5)”

“And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” (1 Peter 5:4, AV) I began competitive marksmanship at about 12 years of age. It was something that I could do well and continued with it through college. In college, I did well, coaching the rifle teamContinue reading “Pastoral Reward (1 Peter 5:4)”

“The elders which are among you I exhort . . . Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:1–3, AV)Continue reading “Noble Reminder (1 Peter 5:1-3)”