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1 Peter 5:1-5
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am. There is an old saying, “as the leadership goes, so goes the organization.” For the most part that’s true! However, we must remember that when we come to the matter of the local church as presented in the NT, the ultimate leader is perfect; because the ultimate leader is the Lord Jesus Christ, God in the flesh. Unfortunately, the organization has not yet reached the perfection of its Leader. We will someday but haven’t yet. Let’s consider first Peter’s exhortation to the elders. Notice Peter’s exhortation was first:
- PERSONAL! Peter refers to himself in 3 ways. He is a “fellow elder. Peter was well known and established as an Apostle. It is interesting to note here Peter does not refer to himself as an apostle, but rather as a co-elder. Peter also identified himself as a witness to the sufferings of Christ. Third, Peter identified himself as a partaker in the glory that is to be revealed. Peter is speaking of a time future – the glory that is going to be revealed. Throughout this entire letter Peter has talked about future glory that will follow current suffering. An exciting truth is that you and I will all get to share in that future glory Peter is addressing here. As the songwriter has correctly said, “oh what a day of rejoicing that will be!” Now notice that Peter’s exhortation is:
- POIGNANT! V. 2, 3 Peter does not mince his words nor does he pull his punches when addressing the elders concerning their leadership responsibilities. He tells them they are to shepherd God’s people. If a person had never in his or her life read the Bible, and read these verses they would immediately understand the congregation of the true NT local church does not belong to the elders – it belongs to God. Two very familiar verses that teach exactly that are found in 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20. Also read 1 Cor. 3:17; Psalm 119:73; Ephesians 2:10; and Colossians 1:18. Beloved, here is something we don’t often think about. Just to be saved is a high and holy privilege that originates in the heart of God, and solely by His mercy and grace God calls us to be His adopted children. The Holy Spirit inspired Peter to teach us that those who lead do so as shepherds and overseers. Now notice Peter’s exhortation was:
- PROMISING! V. 4. Peter has taught that the shepherds who have oversight of God’s flock are there because God calls them there to be about His business, which is guiding the church to spiritual maturity.The promise is to those leaders who have been faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ and His way of ministry, will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. Just exactly what the crown of glory is will remain a mystery until Jesus Christ reveals it. Finally, notice that Peter’s exhortation is:
- PROTECTIVE! V. 5Here is another place where God’s divine wisdom in creation is being brought to the forefront. This is also another place where a library of information has been written on the word “younger.” The word “younger” in this, and many other passages, has a twofold meaning. First, Peter is addressing all those who are younger in chronological age. Second, “younger” refers to those who are less experienced and knowledgeable in their spiritual understanding. No matter what your position or title in your family or your church family– Peter has told you, you are you are ultimately responsible and accountable to God for properly administering God’s grace to you in all its various forms.
If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us at (574) 643-9419.
