The Demands of a Christian

The Demands of a ChristianPreached 2-23-26 AM | 1 Peter 5:1–5; Philippians 2:1–8In 1 Peter 5, the Holy Ghost lays out the spirit required of both shepherds and sheep. The elders are charged to “feed the flock of God… not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind.” Leadership in the church is not about position—it is about responsibility. It is not about authority—it is about accountability. A true servant of Christ leads by example, not by force.Then in verse 5, the command widens to every believer: “Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility.” Christianity demands submission. It demands humility. It demands that we put on lowliness like a garment. God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. Pride invites resistance from heaven; humility invites grace.Philippians 2 deepens the call. “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory.” The Christian life forbids selfish ambition. We are commanded to esteem others better than ourselves and to look not only on our own things, but also on the things of others. That is not natural—it is supernatural.Then we are brought face to face with the supreme example: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” He made Himself of no reputation. He took the form of a servant. He humbled Himself. He became obedient unto death—even the death of the cross.The demands of a Christian are clear: humility instead of pride, service instead of self, obedience instead of rebellion. The world exalts self-promotion, but Christ calls for self-denial. The pathway of the believer is the pathway of the cross.