Exemplary Elder-ing
& Episcopal-ing from 1 Peter 5:1-4
Threatened, scattered sheep need strong, skillful shepherds of integrity. God’s flock – His church - deserves quality care and active oversight. Hirelings, mere hired-hands who flee at the sight of danger, will not provide the needed oversight God demands of His shepherds (see John 10; Ezk. 34; Jer. 23; 31 & 50). For the sake of the sheep, Peter addresses the Spiritual Fathers of the God’s sheepfold.
“So I exhort the elders among you, as a 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.
“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." [from Prov. 3:34] Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:1-7 - ESV).
Please Note: This passage is not just for Elders. Every believer should desire to be a godly servant-leader in the church (see 1 Tim. 3 & Tit. 1). Each disciple is to take part in the care of one another (Rom. 12:3-12 & Eph. 4:11-16).
Thankful for Elders,
Kerry
God’s Guide for His Sheep’s Caretakers
Exemplary Elder-ing & Episcopal-ing from 1 Peter 5:1-4
Pastor Peter, Shepherd Simon, is an Apostle – no small title. Yet here, he refers to himself as a fellow Elder. He encourages and exhorts the Elders, the Shepherds of these suffering, scattered sheep to stay on the job in a God-honoring way. “The going has gotten tough, don’t go away like a hireling; stay, serve and protect. God’s flock needs godly oversight. Tend the flock. Jesus, the Ultimate Shepherd, will reward your work.”
Shepherd-Elder’s God-given Titles & Tasks:
Ø Elders [Gk.: presbuteros]: older men, i.e. seasoned leaders of the community
Ø Shepherds = Pastors = “Pasturing” (Ps. 23, Acts 20:17-38; Tit. 1 & 1 Tim. 3)
Ø Overseer, “bishops” [Gk.: episkopos]. Watch over, oversight, eyes open!
Elder speaks of character, maturity, respectable
Pastor / Shepherd, Overseer refer to task: lead, feed, correct, protect.
Essential Ministry Motives: “not… but…”
Ø Not raw duty, forced, out of mere obligation
Ø Willingly, freely (like our giving – cf. 2 Cor. 8 & 9)
Ø Not out of greed: 1 Tim. 6; Phil. 4 & 1 Cor. 9:16-18
Ø Gladly, done out of “deep desire” (1 Tim. 3:1)
Ø Not lording it over the sheep: bossy, insensitive dictators
Ø Humble models, patterns: 1 Cor. 4:16; 11:1 & 1 Tim. 4:12
Rewards Awaiting Jesus’ Servants: (cf. 1 Pet. 2:25)
Stay ready for the Chief Shepherd’s glorious return (1 Thess. 4 & 5; Mt. 25)
Unfading crowns of glory! 1 Cor. 9:25; Jms 1:12; Heb. 12:1-12 & Rev 4:4, 10
· While this text is to Elders, every disciple should have their motives & live anticipating the Lord’s return & rewards. Do you serve willingly, eagerly, yet not for gain? Do you lead humbly, as a good example? Sheep need to be lead, not driven.
· To see Ultimate Shepherding, chew over Ps. 23 & what that Shepherd does for His people (& Ps. 80). The Prophets spoke often of Shepherds, leaders of God’s people. Many were abusive & neglectful, providing lessons from the negative (Ezk. 34; Jer. 23; 31; 50; Is. 40:11; 63:11). God promised His people that He would give them Shepherds after His own heart (Ezk. 34:23).
· Sheep have responsibilities too: to submit to their Elder’s lead (1 Tim. 5:17-22; Heb. 13:7, 17, 18). It is assumed that Elders will lead, Peter is addressing how they will do so (see Mark 10:35-45; John 13:1-13; Phil. 2:1-11).
· Pray for your leaders, they lived marked lives. Pray for young men to aspire to become servant-leaders of God’s flock (1 Tim. 3:1). Pray that each of us would honor the Chief Shepherd.
ALLEGHENY DISTRICT is A. L. L. in:
A - Aligned in and on Mission
L - Leading to Health and Multiplication
