Grace in Focus – January 16, 2026

Episode: Who Will Receive the Crown of Glory That Does Not Fade Away – 1 Peter 5:1-14?
Hosts: Bob Wilkin & David Renfro
Duration: 13 minutes

Episode Overview

In the concluding episode of their 1 Peter series, Bob Wilkin and David Renfro discuss 1 Peter 5:1-14, focusing on the biblical "crown of glory" and who is eligible to receive it. The conversation covers the different admonitions Peter gives to elders and young people, spiritual warfare, the role of suffering in the believer’s life, and the nature of eternal rewards. Throughout, they clarify distinctions between justification, sanctification, and eternal rewards from a Free Grace theological viewpoint.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Structure of 1 Peter 5 (00:48–01:36)

• Verses 1-4: Instructions to church elders.
• Verses 5-7: Admonitions to young men (and possibly all young people).
• Verses 8-9: Warnings about the devil’s schemes.
• Verses 10-14: Concluding remarks and encouragement.

2. Instructions to Elders (01:36–03:18)

• Elders as Shepherds:
  • Peter, identifying as a fellow elder and eyewitness to Christ’s sufferings and glory, exhorts elders to shepherd the church willingly and eagerly—not for dishonest gain or power.
  • Key instruction: “Nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” — Bob Wilkin (03:06)
• On the “Crown of Glory”:
  • The “crown of glory that does not fade away” is promised to elders who serve faithfully.
  • Crowns in the New Testament often refer to status or reward, not salvation.
  • Memorable Quote: “Elders who serve well are given a crown of glory, meaning status. So you serve for status.” — David Renfro (03:18)

3. Glory Through Suffering (04:10–05:31)

• Humility and Submission:
  • Young people are urged to be humble and submit to elder leadership: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (04:10)
  • Humility is both difficult and essential, especially for the young.
• Suffering Before Glory:
  • “Suffering precedes glory. That’s the same point Peter’s making here.” — Bob Wilkin, citing John Walvoord (05:25)
  • Jesus’ teaching and Peter’s experience illustrate that suffering comes first, then exaltation.

4. Practical Encouragement & Promises (05:36–06:29)

• Casting Cares on God:
  • “Casting all your care upon him, for he cares for you.” (05:55)
  • Believers are encouraged to bring anxieties and concerns continually to God.

5. Warnings Against the Devil (06:29–08:49)

• Vigilance and Resistance:
  • “Be sober, be vigilant… because your adversary, the devil, walks about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.” (06:44)
  • Spiritual warfare is real; the enemy wants to divert believers from the path of suffering-for-Christ.
• Job as Example:
  • The devil seeks to attack not just any believer, but especially the righteous, as seen in Job’s story (07:18–08:11).
  • Notable Insight: Even when everything is taken away, Job remains faithful, defeating Satan’s plans.
• God’s Protection and Perspective:
  • Remaining focused on Christ provides protection and correct perspective during spiritual attacks.

6. Sharing in Christ’s Glory (08:49–10:33)

• God’s Call to Eternal Glory:
  • “But may the God of all grace, who called us to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus… after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” (08:57–09:14)
  • The experience of Christ’s glory is promised to those who persevere through suffering.
• Salvation of the Psuche (“Soul”/“Self”):
  • The book, according to Zane Hodges’ interpretation (cited by the hosts), is about the salvation of the inner self through triumph in suffering.
  • “As Christ won glory through suffering, so do we through our suffering. If we triumph in it as he did, we save our souls.” — David Renfro (10:33)

7. Distinction Between Rewards and Eternal Salvation (10:53–11:18)

• Not Salvation from Condemnation:
  • Suffering for Christ does not save us from eternal condemnation but enriches our experience of the eternal life and rewards.
  • “We don’t save our souls from eternal condemnation by suffering for Christ… We know we are saving our fullness of life.” — Bob Wilkin (10:53; 11:15)

8. Preparing Believers for Suffering (11:30–12:23)

• Expecting Mockery and Trials:
  • Believers should be prepared for mockery, slander, and opposition—especially for not engaging in worldly behaviors.
  • Blessings and affirmation ("Well done, good and faithful servant") await those who endure for Christ.

Memorable Quotes with Timestamps

• “Elders who serve well are given a crown of glory, meaning status.”
  — David Renfro (03:18)

• “Suffering precedes glory. That’s the same point Peter’s making here.”
  — Bob Wilkin (05:25)

• “Casting all your care upon him, for he cares for you.”
  — David Renfro (05:55)

• “As Christ won glory through suffering, so do we through our suffering. If we triumph in it as he did, we save our souls.”
  — David Renfro (10:33)

• “We don’t save our souls from eternal condemnation by suffering for Christ... We know we are saving our fullness of life.”
  — Bob Wilkin (10:53; 11:15)

• “It’s a blessed thing if we experience suffering for Christ. And all believers should be steeled for that and prepared for that. Because we long to hear him say those blessed words, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’”
  — Bob Wilkin (12:05)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Instructions to Elders: 01:36–03:18
• Admonitions to Young People: 03:50–05:31
• Suffering Before Glory: 04:44–05:31
• Casting Cares on God: 05:36–05:55
• Warning about the Devil: 06:29–08:49
• Sharing Christ’s Glory and Soul Salvation: 08:49–10:33
• Distinction between Rewards and Salvation: 10:53–11:18
• Preparing Believers for Suffering: 11:30–12:23

Summary & Tone

The episode is clear, practical, and pastoral, blending scriptural exegesis with encouragement for believers to persevere through suffering with humility and faith. The tone is friendly and instructive, emphasizing assurance of salvation, the value of eternal rewards, and the necessity of enduring hardship for Christ’s sake.