Shepherding The Flock of God 1 Peter 5:1-4
I had a meeting with the Leadership Committee last Sunday after worship. Each year our Leadership Committee, which is made up of the board chair, chair-elect, the chair of the deacons, chair of the elders, church treasurer, pastor, and associate pastor, get together to pray about who we believe God might be raising up to fill the leadership positions that are opening up at our church. We have one elder position that will be open at the end of this year and it was my responsibility to call the person our committee named as a possibility. When I called the person he said, “I believe that serving as an elder is a calling from God so I will definitely pray about this with my wife and get back to you.” He is so right. Serving the Lord in a leadership position in the church is a calling, a calling to serve in humility as one who is accountable to the church, but even more importantly, as one who is accountable to the Lord. I share this story with you because of the Scripture we are going to take a look at this morning. If you would turn with me to 1 Peter 5:1-4.
1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ's sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them-- not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 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 crown of glory that will never fade away. (1 Peter 5:1-4 NIV)
Throughout Peter’s letter to the scattered exiles living in the Roman Empire, he has constantly reminded them of who they are and how they are to live as God’s chosen people living in the midst of a secular, pagan society. Do you remember what Peter wrote in 1 Peter 2:9? Let’s read it to refresh our minds.
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9 NIV)
God has acted on your behalf, He has redeemed you, rescued you, saved you, and chosen you in order “that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” Over and over again and in a variety of ways, Peter reminds the people of God, the persecuted people of God, that they are people on mission and their mission is to let His light shine through the way they live their lives.
This is important for us to remember as we take a look at our Scripture for this morning. In these verses, Peter singles out the spiritual leaders of the churches who received his letter. They are vitally important for each of the churches, but their importance is not found in their status in society, their IQ, or their material wealth. Their importance is found in their ability to shepherd the flock of God.
It is interesting that in the opening verse of this chapter, Peter appeals to these “elders” as a “fellow elder.” There are two things about this that we need to understand. First of all, the Greek word that is translated “elder” is the word, “πρεσβύτερος” (presbyteros) and it literally means “older.” The function of elders as shepherds of God’s people has a long history that goes back to the days of Moses. In Exodus 18, Moses was leading the people as God’s representative when his father-in-law, Jethro, came to him one day and pointed out that he was going to wear himself out shouldering such a heavy load. Jethro then said,
21 But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. 22 They should always be available to solve the people's common disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. 23 If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace." (Exodus 18:21-23 NLT)
Throughout the New Testament we find elders serving to help shepherd the people of God. When the church was spreading and growing in the book of Acts, Paul and Barnabas visited the churches and set up elders in each of the churches to help shepherd the people. In Acts 18, we find an example of what I’m talking about. Turn there with me.
21 After preaching the Good News in Derbe and making many disciples, Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia, 22 where they strengthened the believers. They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God. 23 Paul and Barnabas also appointed elders in every church. With prayer and fasting, they turned the elders over to the care of the Lord, in whom they had put their trust. (Acts 14:21-23 NLT)
The elders that Paul and Barnabas appointed were those who were mature in their faith. You can read about the qualifications of elders in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, but underlying all of the qualifications is spiritual maturity, a heart and mind that are rooted in biblical truth which translates into a Christlike lifestyle.
It is interesting that in every place where the Greek word for “elder” appears in the New Testament, it is in the plural form, except for when John calls himself “The Elder” (2 John 1:1; 3 John 1) and here where Peter refers to himself as “a fellow elder.” A plurality of spiritual leaders is so important for the health and spiritual growth of our church, and any church. The diversity of gifts present in our spiritual leaders deepens and broadens the care of the flock of God. Max Lucado wrote,
It is essential that the church be led by a plurality of godly leaders. It’s not optional. it’s not advisable. It is essential. Leaders set the pace and set the example for the church. There has never been a strong church without strong leaders. There has never been a prayerful church without prayerful leaders. There has never been a visionary church without visionary leadership. There has never been a growing church without growing leaders. If the leaders are weak, the church will be weak. But if the leaders are strong, the church will be strong. (Lucado, Max. Wanted: A Few Good Shepherds-A Biblical Study of Church Leadership.)
A strong, healthy church will always have a united, diversely gifted set of leaders. I can testify to this truth. I love to study God’s Word and to share with others what I am learning, but to be honest with you, my gifts are very limited. Each month, when I meet with our spiritual leaders, I am amazed at the variety of gifts in the room, their willingness to sacrifice their time in order to use the gifts God has given them to serve His people, and the unity we experience with one another. We are so blessed!
I want you to notice that Peter refers to himself as “a fellow elder.” That’s really interesting because Peter was an apostle of Jesus. Instead of pulling rank and commanding them from his position as an apostle, Peter refers to himself as a peer, “a fellow elder,” who has been given the responsibility by Jesus to shepherd the flock of God. There is no doubt that when Peter wrote these verses he was thinking about a conversation he had with Jesus, following Jesus’ resurrection. We need to remember that Peter had failed Jesus miserably after Jesus had been arrested and was facing the cross. Peter denied that he even knew Jesus, and he denied knowing Jesus not once, but three times. After Jesus’ resurrection, He came to Peter and the disciples. They were eating by the Sea of Galilee in John 21. Let’s pick up the story in verse 15.
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." 16 Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." 17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.” (John 21:15-17 NIV)
“Feed my lambs.” “Take care of my sheep.” “Feed my sheep.” What do the spiritual leaders of churches do? They “feed the sheep” and “take care of the lambs.” How are spiritual leaders to “feed the sheep” and “take care of the lambs?” First of all, it is important for churches to recognize that these are some of the primary needs of the church–to be fed God’s Word and to be cared for.
I remember many years ago when I was running around and trying to do too much. The elders of our church came to me and said, “The most important thing you can do for us is to teach us God’s Word. Why don’t you stay home every morning and spend time with God in His Word as you prepare for the sermon and the Bible studies you teach. Then, in the afternoon, you can do the other things you do.” I can’t even begin to tell you what a difference that made in my life. I teach three different Bible studies each week in addition to preparing for the sermon. There is no way I could do that if I still had to do everything I was doing before the elders came to me. I am so grateful our spiritual leaders recognize how important it is for us to be fed the Word of God.
How do spiritual leaders care for the flock of God? We can get a really good understanding by taking a look at what Peter wrote in verses 2-3. Let’s read it together.
2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them-- not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. (1 Peter 5:2-3 NIV)
Spiritual leaders are to “Be shepherds of God’s flock…” The Greek word translated “shepherds” is the word, “ποιμαίνω” (poimainō), and it means “to shepherd.” The word was taken from the fields where shepherds tended their flocks by providing oversight, protection, guidance, and feeding the sheep. The form of the word Peter uses let the spiritual leaders of the church know that this call was imperative. It conveyed a sense of urgency.
I don’t know any shepherds even though I have watched shepherds caring for their flocks during those times that I have visited Israel. I have also learned quite a bit about shepherds and their flocks by reading Phillip Keller’s book, A Shepherd Takes a Look at the 23rd Psalm. If you haven’t read it, then you really should because the Bible uses the imagery of shepherds and sheep in both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. Keller writes about his sheep.
They are creatures of habit that will follow a path through a desolate place and ignore excellent forage even though it is not far away. They are given to listless wandering. They have even been known to walk into an open fire. They can be timid and stubborn. At times they can be frightened by silly things and at other times they cannot be moved. They can be quite helpless. If a sheep accidently rolls on its back, it will be stuck there with its feet in the air. Someone has to roll it back over. Sheep are also defenseless and have no way of protecting themselves. …sheep need a shepherd—someone who will lead them to food and water, who will care for them when sick or injured. In this way, sheep are actually a lot like humans. At times, we prove to be helpless, defenseless and a bit stupid. That’s why people are compared to sheep so often. (Keller, Phillip. A Shepherd Looks at the 23rd Psalm.)
There are so many similarities between people and sheep. The Bible says we are prone to wander away from God just like sheep are prone to wander away from their shepherd. We are stubborn, or as God’s Word says, “people with hardened hearts” (Matthew 13:15). I could go on and on, but what’s most important is that we need shepherds who will care for us like shepherds are supposed to care for their sheep. I say, “supposed to care for their sheep,” because I read an article this week from 2005, reported by CBS Evening News, about a group of shepherds in Turkey who had left their flock to go and have breakfast. When they returned they found that 1,500 sheep had jumped off a cliff, killing 450 of the animals. One sheep jumped and the rest followed. The only reason more weren’t killed is because as the sheep piled up at the bottom of the cliff, the dead and injured sheep cushioned the fall for the others. Sheep left without a shepherd is a disaster in the making.
Peter gives us some great guidance about how our shepherds are to care for and feed us. Let’s read verses 2-3 one more time.
2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them-- not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. (1 Peter 5:2-3 NIV)
The first thing I need to point out is that this flock, those of you who are part of the flock at Britton Christian Church, you are God’s flock and not the shepherds. Did you notice that? Peter writes, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care…” Those of us who are spiritual leaders in this church, we are undershepherds of the Great Shepherd of our souls. We are accountable to God for the way we feed and care for His sheep. This is vitally important for all spiritual leaders to keep in mind. I read so many stories of how people have been so hurt and taken advantage of by church leaders. If you are a spiritual leader and you are constantly mindful of the fact that you will give an account of how you have cared for and fed God’s people, that will be a great deterrent for you ever taking advantage of one of God’s flock.
Secondly, spiritual leaders are to watch over the flock. Peter writes, “...watching over them–not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be.” The Greek word for “watch over” is the word, “ἐπισκοπέω” (episkopeō), and it means “to oversee, take care, or to watch carefully.” One Greek dictionary writes,
This verb is in the present tense which pictures these men as constantly, diligently, actively and responsibly overseeing the care of the sheep in their flock. They are constantly examining them for "spiritual parasites" and are ever on the lookout for the ravenous wolves in sheep's clothing (Precept Austin).
Spiritual leaders look after the flock. They care for them in every sense of the word. Even in a small church like ours, there are so many needs that arise each and every week. Someone loses a loved one, another goes into the hospital for surgery, a young couple welcomes a new baby, someone's marriage is struggling, and the list goes on and on. Spiritual leaders are attentive to the needs of those the Lord has placed under their care.
One of the important aspects of caring for the flock is to guard against those Jesus called “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” Paul met with the spiritual leaders from the church in Ephesus one final time and this is what he shared with them. Turn with me to Acts 20:28-31.
28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. (Acts 20:28-31 NIV)
What was true in Paul’s day is even more true today. There is so much “spiritual teaching” that is portrayed as biblical teaching today, but it is not. Our spiritual leaders are to keep watch over what I teach and what others teach so that none of us is led astray.
Third, spiritual leaders are not motivated by dishonest financial gain, but are eager to serve. We all know stories of how the flock has been fleeced by false teachers, greedy shepherds who use the sheep to feed themselves instead of caring for the sheep. Peter, in his second letter, writes about false teachers who were present in the communities where the churches were located in the Roman Empire. In 2 Peter 2:3 he writes,
3 In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction will not be delayed. (2 Peter 2:3 NLT)
There was a young pastor named Timothy that Paul had left in Ephesus to shepherd the flock of God. Paul wrote Timothy a letter in which he warned him to be on the lookout for false teachers. Paul wrote,
3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. (1 Timothy 6:3-5 NIV)
The people who use godliness as a means for financial gain are still with us today, but godly spiritual leaders will eagerly exhaust themselves in service to God and His people and never use people to line their own pockets.
Fourth, and last of all, spiritual leaders are not to dominate the sheep, but to set a Christlike example for those under their care. Spiritual leaders are not to “lord it over” God’s flock. Jesus used the same Greek word for “lord it over” in Matthew 20:25-28, when He taught His disciples a very important lesson. Turn there with me and let’s read together.
25 Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave-- 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:25-28 NIV)
What was true of the Gentiles in Jesus’ day is true of the Americans in our day. The boss rules, those in positions of power always have that trump card of authority in their back pocket, and those without power are trying desperately to get it. Jesus said of you and me, His followers, “Not so with you.” If you want to be great, be a servant. John Stott wrote,
The lure of power can separate the most resolute of Christians from the true nature of Christian leadership, which is service to others. It is difficult to stand on a pedestal and wash the feet of those below…Nothing distinguishes the kingdoms of man from the kingdom of God more than their diametrically opposed views of the exercise of power. One seeks to control people, the other to serve people; one promotes self, the other prostrates self; one seeks prestige and position, the other lifts up the lowly and despised.’ (Quoted by Stott, The Contemporary Christian, p. 291)
Jesus, though He was God incarnate, God who became a human being just like you and me, He came as a humble servant who came to serve and not be served. Spiritual leaders are called to take up the towel and the basin of water and follow in His steps.
Our time is about up, but we have to take a look at verse 4 before we go. As you are turning there you might be wondering, “If our spiritual leaders are not doing what they do for power or prestige or profit, why are they so willing to serve?” That’s a great question! Let’s take a look at verse 4.
4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. (1 Peter 5:4 NIV)
There are many reasons why those who serve as spiritual leaders do so. Some serve for the accolades of people, others serve to build their own ministry, and still others are working for a promotion. Those who truly see themselves as shepherds under the watchful eye of the Chief Shepherd serve for His glory and the building up of the Body of Christ. If they will focus on these two aspects of their service then one day, one great and glorious day, they will hear Jesus say, “Well done my good and faithful servant!” and a crown of unfading glory will be given to them. What an incredible day that will be! Just one more thing?
Do you know where all of our spiritual leaders here at Britton Christian Church started? They started by surrendering their lives to Jesus and saying, “Lord, I want to follow you.” As they became a follower of Jesus they began to grow and mature in their faith. The more they have grown the more they have recognized what a blessing and joy it is to serve the Lord by serving others. I want to invite you to take that step of faith this morning. Won’t you say, “Lord, I want to follow you, beginning this morning.”
Mike Hays
Britton Christian Church
November 10, 2024
