How He Leads, How We Follow — 1 Peter 5:1–5
November 17, 2024 · Pastor Samuel Sutter
Introduction
"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.'… 'Take care of my sheep.'… 'Feed my sheep… Follow me!'" (John 21:15–17, NIV)
I. Christians Should Expect Suffering in This Life
"So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good." (1 Peter 4:19, NIV)
Trust God who is faithful, all-knowing, sovereign, and loves you. Do good by using your gifts, serving, and loving each other. And God helps people trust Him and do good through the church community.
II. God Helps Us Through the Church Community
"Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them." (1 Peter 5:2, NIV)
Shepherds help sheep know where to go, what to do, and provide for their needs. People need care and can't make it alone, just like sheep can't survive by themselves. Mature Christians should care for less mature Christians — with the right motives.
III. Serve with the Right Motives
"Not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." (1 Peter 5:2–3, NIV)
Shepherd because you are eager to serve, not for power or ego. The best shepherds aren't thinking "How can I be a shepherd?" but "How can I best look after these sheep?" Serve joyfully, with an eye toward the future reward of a crown of glory that will never fade away.
IV. Everyone Should Humbly Learn from and Help Each Other
"You who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'" (1 Peter 5:5, NIV)
If you've walked with Jesus, you have something to learn and something to teach. Have the courage to help each other and the humility to accept help. Whether leader or laity, whether old or young, Christians are to develop a deferential and humble attitude toward one another. (McKnight)
BBCC Verse of the Week
"All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'" (1 Peter 5:5b, NIV)
Study & Discussion Guide
What Peter is describing here is not leaders but shepherds. The focus of the good shepherd is not on his or her own qualities but on the needs of, and potential dangers for, those they are looking after. (Wright)
The thought of judgment beginning from the house of God (4:17) prompted Peter to focus on the need for purity of heart in relationships among those in the church, beginning with its leaders. Since purifying judgment is beginning with God's house — and especially with the leaders of God's house — Peter exhorts the elders to examine their own hearts and motives. (Grudem)
Peter sees the formation of the Christian community as a fulfillment of God's promise to seek out the scattered sheep and to oversee them (Ezek. 34:11). They are to follow the footsteps of Christ even as sheep follow their shepherd. (Jobes)
Discussion Questions
- What does it look like when leaders "lord it over" others? Why is it so common for leaders to act this way instead of serving?
- Consider what leadership or shepherding responsibilities you have. What is one way you can apply what Peter says to your situation?
- If you don't think you have any particular leadership duties right now, what can you do to prepare yourself to be the kind of leader Peter commends? (N.T. Wright)
Next week: Read 1 Peter 5:7–14
Pastor Samuel Sutter · [email protected]