Shepherds and Sheep

Click here for the audio message of 1 Peter 5:1-11

As we finish up our look at First Peter this morning, we find Peter is addressing the Church. He addresses the issue of suffering from the perspective of an elder and that of a member of the church.

We have found so far in Peter’s letter that we are to expect suffering in our lives as we follow Christ. God uses that suffering to make us the kind of people He wants us to be. Our suffering produces service, hope, humility, and patience. It strengthens us as followers of Jesus Christ.

During these times of suffering, we as sheep, as members of the church, as members of the body of Christ need faithful leaders. Peter refers to these leaders as elders. The term elder simply refers to the spiritual maturity of the person.

Each elder of the Church must be able to teach, to explain the gospel of Jesus Christ. They must also demonstrate a faithful lifestyle, meaning practice what they preach. We need to also keep in mind though, that the flock belongs to God, not the pastor or elders of the Church. Those people are just put in place by God to lead and care for them.

Being an elder or leader in the Church means more than just teaching the word of God though. It involves providing for the needs of the people. It involves protection from harmful things and that may include discipline if needed.

This ministry is to be performed in a positive manner. You are to be a leader in the Church for the right reason and in the right spirit. You should not be a leader in the church if you are coerced or forced into the position. You must be willing to do it because you feel God calling you to lead.

When you do accept a position of leadership you must do it faithfully. You cannot be lazy in your work for God. You cannot want the position just for the title or for the money or for the power. You must have the right attitude. You must truly want to serve God joyfully.

False leaders are almost always interested in the money or the power of the position. This is nothing new to us today. You can turn the television or the radio on and hear people saying send me money and God will solve all your problems.

Peter saw the same thing almost 2000 years ago. It is nothing new. Satan is still at work in this world. Don’t fall into his trap. Don’t let the title get to you. When you are a leader of the Church you certainly do have a responsibility to lead the people of God, but remember they are God’s people and you too are still a follower of Him as well.

We as leaders, as ministers of God, will be judged for our faithfulness when Christ returns. Many people forget that. They think, I am saved so therefore since God no longer holds my sins against my I will escape judgment.

While that is true that God forgives sins, as believers going on to eternal life with Christ, we still have a job to do on this earth. God gave us that great commission to go into all the world and proclaim the gospel.

Finally, Peter addresses the members of the Church. He says the younger are to submit to the elders. The members are to submit to the leaders of the Church. The members of the church are to respect the leaders and give honor to them.

Submission is a key aspect of the Christian life. We submit to authority with the government, at work, at home, and in the church. We are to humble ourselves and serve others. This is how God is honored and glorified.

It is during these times when we are submitting to others and humbling ourselves, that we will suffer. It is challenging to have this mindset today, but we must. We must trust God to truly live in peace.

God not only allows us but encourages and even commands us to cast all of our anxiety onto Him. He knows this life won’t be easy. He knows we will struggle. He knows we will suffer. But He cares for us.

He wants to take all of the bad stuff from us. He will take our discontentment. He will take our discouragement. He will take our despair. He will lift us up when we fall. He does it because He loves us.

God knows and allows Satan to continue to operate in this world today at least for now. Satan and his forces are always active and looking for opportunities to attack the believer. It might start as a minor temptation and then grow from there, but Satan will continue to attack us, Peter says, like a roaring lion.

We are told to resist Satan. How do we do that? By standing firm in our faith. This means to continue to live according to the Word of God. Satan’s goal is to separate us from fellowship with God and out of the service to God.

When we stand firm, we are not by ourselves. Not only do we have the rest of the body of Christ standing with us, but we have God Himself right there too.

And that is the point of Peter’s letter. We will struggle and suffer with all kinds of things in this world. But always remember that when we stand firm in our faith, we stand together with each other and with Christ.

Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for these encouraging words from your servant Peter. We thank you for standing with us and seeing us through our trials and temptations. Help us to be the people you want us to be.

Help our elders of this church to lead according to your Word. Guide them in their service to you and to the other members of your body.

In Jesus Precious name, AMEN.