Holding On To Hope: 1 Peter
Monday, May 31
The Study of 1 Peter
Today’s reading: 1 Peter 5:1-4
So I exhort the elders among you, as fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
In this passage Peter is addressing the leaders of the church, encouraging them in how to oversee their flock. This passage is full of information that shows us how to be good leaders and examples to those around us. Today’s post is full of quotes from Warren Wiersbe’s book “Be Hopeful” simply because there is so much to say and he does it so well.
“Times of persecution demand that God’s people have adequate spiritual leadership.” (WW, p. 141). “Peter was concerned that the leadership in the local churches be at it’s best. When the fiery trial would come, the believers in the assemblies would look to their elders for encouragement and direction.” (WW, p. 142). What a great reminder that elders, which simply means “older”, were to set the example in leading .
“Peter wrote these words, inspired by the Spirit of God, out of his own personal experience with Jesus Christ. He had a vital and growing relationship with Christ, and this made it possible for him to minister effectively to God’s people.” (WW, p. 143). He was coming to these people not as a superior but as a “shepherd” which was exactly what Jesus asked him to do.His authority was based on service, not on power. Again, what a great example for how to lead.
Warren Weirsbe says on p.143, “If the leaders of the church are not moving forward, the church will not move forward … “If I have any counsel for God’s shepherds today, it is this: Cultivate a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, and share what He gives you with your people. That way, you will grow, and they will grow with you.” Isn't that what its all about ? The best way to live life on earth is to be one that is willing to give and grow which encourages others to do the same.
“A faithful shepherd not only protected his flock, but he also led them from pasture to pasture so that they might be adequately fed. The shepherd always went before the flock and searched out the land so that there would be nothing there to harm his flock. He would check for snakes, pits, poisonous plants, and dangerous animals. How important it is for pastors to lead their people into the green pastures of Word of God so that they might feed themselves and grow.” (WW, p. 144)
“You cannot drive sheep; you must go before them and lead them”…”It is by being an example that the shepherd solves the tension between being ‘among’ the sheep and ‘over’ the sheep.” (WW, 147). This is probably my favorite take away from today’s passage. Lead by example not by force and do it out of eagerness to serve not out of obligation. Remember last week when we talked about attitude? This is a perfect place to exercise attitude adjustment where needed.
“Since this is the epistle of hope, Peter brought in once again the promise of the Lord’s return. His encouragement in suffering (1 Peter 1:7-8) and a motivation for faithful service…Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd who died for the sheep (john 10:11), the Great Shepherd who lives for the sheep (Hebrews 13:20-21), and the Chief Shepherd who comes for the sheep (1 Peter 5:4). (WW, p. 148)
“We lead by serving, and we serve by suffering. This is the way Jesus did it, and this is the only way that truly glorifies Him.” (WW, 149)
Jesus, You are our living hope! You have given us so much to glean from today. Please help us to process and truly understand how and where this plays out in our lives. Give us hearts to serve not out of obligation but because we desire to. Show us the balance of being ‘among’ and ‘over’ at the same time. Show us how to ‘give’ and not be so concerned with ‘getting’. Help us to look to You as the great example of what a caring shepherd is and equip us to begin today right where we have been planted. Amen
This week please enjoy listening to Anne Ayers reading 1 Peter Chapter 5.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvNH40yR4nk&authuser=0
