The Shepherd and the Flock

Today’s Text:  1Peter 5

Introduction

In a difficult and challenging, not to mention dangerous time, the quality of leadership within the church is critical.  Peter begins this last chapter by addressing the quality of leadership within the church.  Here, using the Greek word presbuteros meaning presbyter or elder.  There are other words used to refer to this position in the New Testament, and they are used interchangeably.  Bishop or overseer come from the Greek word episkopos and shepherd and pastor come from the Greek word poimen. Thus we can say that an elder is an older man who oversees, shepherds, pastors and guides the flock. In short, these words were used interchangeably to refer to a different aspect of the task of the leader.  Also, please note that the older man or elder may not necessarily refer to a man’s age, but rather to his level of spiritual maturity in Christ, thus a man of lesser age may be a leader in the church while a man who is older may not be ready to serve in this fashion.

Points of Interest

1-4:                  Elders should shepherd and oversee the flock (note they are interchangeable here) because they have the will from God to do so.  This means that they are led by the Spirit to lead, and that they have proper motivation.  One must not want to lead for their own benefit, either in terms of money or fame or praise or power; they should desire to serve God by serving His people.  As a side note, they will not receive the praise of their flock, but more likely they will be criticized by their flock!

5:                     ‘Young men’ are those who are not ready, able and or willing to lead.  They must submit themselves to the leadership of the elders.  All must clothe themselves with humility.  Bear in mind that humility is the opposite of pride, and pride is the source of mankind’s continued rebellion against God.  It is opposed to God, and God is opposed to it.

6:                     Humble yourself under God’s mighty hand the he may lift you up to a position of maturity in Christ.  If we cannot humble ourselves in this way, we will never grow spiritually.  Of course, another way of saying this is to say: Get over your self!

8-11:                Be alert for the enemy is near!  The devil is waiting to strike, so we must be under control.  We may find ourselves in spiritual combat, and we may suffer from it; but take heart for our God will see us through the trials, and we will come out of them stronger and more forceful in the Lord’s service. Remain steadfast in your faith at all times and at all costs.