1 Peter 5 - SHEPHERDS. STRUCTURES. SHADOWS.
1 & 2 Peter • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
0 ratings
· 13 viewsNotes
Transcript
Handout
1 I exhort the elders among you as a fellow elder and witness to the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory about to be revealed: 2 Shepherd God’s flock among you, not overseeing out of compulsion but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed for money but eagerly; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. All of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you. 8 Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. 9 Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.
SHEPHERDS + STRUCTURES + SOBER-MINDS
SHEPHERDS + STRUCTURES + SOBER-MINDS
When ever you go to learn something, who is best to instruct you on topic?
Peter is writing to instruct in christian living, as modeled by Jesus, anchored to Scripture.
Peter is writing to believers in Asia minor, who are scattered and facing suffering (including persecution) under Roman Emperor rule.
Suffering = hardships, pain, affliction, emotional impact (things occuring against your will or desire)
SHEPHERDS
God establishes elders to oversee His Church, shepherding His flock.
God establishes elders to oversee His Church, shepherding His flock.
What is an elder?
The governing office of an overseer in a church
role of shepherding (care, teach, protect, equip)
1 This saying is trustworthy: “If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work.” 2 An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not an excessive drinker, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy. 4 He must manage his own household competently and have his children under control with all dignity. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and incur the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the devil’s trap.
Leaders are to be an example of the rule not an exception to the rule.
My goal is to live a compelling example of a flourishing life. Not be self-righteous in my life.
Yes, Jesus is the CHIEF SHEPHERD….which leads us into Structure
God establishes authority structures for our benefit.
God establishes authority structures for our benefit.
[1Pt 5:4-5]
Every thing God ordained, has a structure…
Healthy, organized structures are God’s idea.
God > Human Authority > Humans
illus: church, family, govt, work, etc.
This is God’s design…to reject authority, is to reject God.
“I think we are all equal and not leaders in church are needed”
what is church (ekklesisa)?
gathering with more than 2 people
ministers to each other (praying, serving, caring, laying hands, anointing,)
generous
ministers to God thru worship
has elders
gatherings are orderly
baptizes
shares communion
disciples…maturity (gifts, understanding, obedience & character) and multiplication
Authority structures are a stewardship with strict accountability to God built within.
Authority & influence are a stewardship; we are accountable.
no matter how big or how small, there is a structure required by God...church is essential and it has a structure.
Authority over us, is a gift to us.
frees us
informs our actions and attitudes, relieving us of weight we don’t carry
obedient support and humble attitude (ie “subject yourself”)
illus: walking into a room, i know my role
when you assume an assignment NOT given to you…
protects us
spiritual protection that comes…we either submit to authority or rebel. God resists the rebel.
When leaders lead well, safety is created for those they oversee.
Safe environments protect…humility and submission put us in safety of God and leaders who protect us.
helps us grow
planted we grow
we are free agents; hoping church to church
online can be supplement to your life, but you need to be all in ONE place, not multiple.
4. makes a beautiful sound.
Think of a choir; each singer must follow the conductor's lead for the music to come out beautifully. When we submit to authority, we harmonize with others around us, creating a symphony in our communities. Just like a conductor brings out the best in a choir, God uses authorities in our lives to guide us to our fullest potential.
Are there exceptions???
I think there could be and a valuable question
But might I offer a different vantage point; Scripture is primarily concerned with helping you see the Christian Ethic and Standard clearly, not give you all the caveats.
If your first reaction to these standards and structures is, “ya, but what the exception to that”.. you need to check your heart, because you likely are really asking, “whats the minimum? when is it okay walk with world?”
The standards are the direction we head with our life, not a line we try to get close to with out crossing.
SOBER-MINDS
God wants you sober-minded about what/who is lurking in the shadows.
God wants you sober-minded about what/who is lurking in the shadows.
(1pt 5:6-9)
A carefree life is not a careless one, and the Christian must be watchful as we are involved in a constant spiritual warfare
Devourer comes to trap you and trick you.
we’ve been redeemed from the curse, but the enemy can still corrupt you.
The pussy-cat with bullhorn is still on the prowl lurking in the shadows…gaining access to your soul.
Peter warns shepherds to be an example for the church to follow, not falling into the trap of greed or power.
Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever…so is satan
He will devour you if you have not surrendered your body to God, submitted to authorities clinging to power instead, or if you refuse to steward money His way.
1 Peter 5 is a condensed reminder of Matthew 6.
pray + give = non anxious life.
prayer keeps you submitted in authority to God
giving to the storehouse, stores up affection for God
not worry about impressing others keeps you free from anxiousness in your body.
he wants you trapped in worry and anxiousness
He will use past pain to keep you trapped.
Now, i realize some have experience abuse.
we are distrusting of churches with money because leaders in places didn’t..not all though
proper use is needed and can be trusted again
Here are the words of comfort and promise:
10 The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while. 11 To him be dominion forever. Amen.
God will restore your pain and trust.
God will restore your pain and trust.
__________________________________________________________
Talk it Over (being honest & open with friends, a spouse, or your Group)
The message was about shepherds, authority structures, and being sober-minded. What is one idea from Sunday’s message that impacted you?
Read 1 Peter 5. What truths do you notice?
What does Peter mean when he refers to himself as a fellow elder and witness to the sufferings of Christ?
How can you practice humility in your relationships with others, as taught in 1 Peter 5?
What does the term 'chief Shepherd' signify in the context of church leadership?
How can you cast your cares on God in your everyday life?
Read Matthew 6. What do you notice?
What actions can you take to remain sober-minded and alert in your spiritual life?
