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As we consider the character of the church in the last days, we see Peter showing this character revealed in the dangers confronting the church in the last days. The dangers facing the church in the last days are not EXTERNAL but INTERNAL.

The great dangers to the church are not problems that arise from government, although that may be a problem. It will not come from the skeptical. It will not come from the scoffers. The greatest dangers facing the church in the last days are internal. In this chapter, Peter lists for us three perils to the church in the last days.

I. PERILS OF COVETOUSNESS (vs 1-4)

Peter begins by warning the leaders, the elders concerning covetousness. He warns the leaders to watch out for desiring selfish gain.

A. Don’t be covetous of position. (vs 2)

“Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint......” You earn respect; you don’t demand it. Too many pastors have fallen from trying to climb the ladder for position. Looking for a church with larger membership, greater influence, more prestige. The warning is to all of us; don’t be covetous of position.

B. Don’t be covetous of possessions.

“Not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind.” The scripture teaches us not for reward or filthy lucre, but willingly.

C. Don’t be covetous of power. (vs 3)

“Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” There is always a danger in coveting power. It is at its worst in the church, whether it be pastor or people. No person or group of people is to be lord over God’s heritage. Pastors should not only have right met- hods, and the right message, but right motives.

A conceited person thinks he is better than others. Peter says “submit your- selves unto the elder. All of you are to be subject one to another.....” (vs 5). The antidote for conceit is here given in three doses:

A. Submission

When we place ourselves in the place of humble service.
1. Submission to God
2. Submission to elders
3. Submission to others

B. Humiliation

“Be clothed with humility” (vs 5). “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God.” (vs 6) Don’t seek to be great; seek to be good. Be a servant. Humble yourselves before God as He guides us through life’s experiences.

C. Relaxation (vs 7)

Perfect faith is perfect humiliation.

Peril of giving way to Satan. Cast your care on Christ, but be on guard against Satan. Perfect trust; careful vigilance.

A. Don’t compromise doctrine.

Some things are essentials. Some things are incidentals. There are some things I’d die for; some things I’d fight for; and some things I’d just argue for. Don’t forget who the enemy is!

B. Don’t compromise your duty.

Some people stand the test in doctrine and come out with an A+ but fail in duty. James 1:21-27; 2:8-9; 3:8-16; 4:17. Tithe, read your Bible, witness, pray, be faithful to church.

C. Don’t compromise your devotion.

Get your priorities in place.

How do you deal with the devil? “Resist the devil.” Be courageous “in the faith”. “Having done all.....STAND!” “After ye have suffered awhile, make you perfect, stablish you, strengthen you, settle you.” These are the products of suffering. WHY? “To Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (vs 11)

Ernest M. Lundy, Evangelist (1 in a series of 7)