Shepherd, Cast, Resist 1 Peter 5 (ESV)

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. 13 She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. 14 Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

POINT #1: Shepherd and Submit 1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.

POINT #1: Shepherd and Submit ELDERS are to: Exercise oversight Willingly NOT under compulsion Eagerly NOT for shameful gain Being examples to the flock, NOT to be domineering Being humble (verse 5)

POINT #1: Shepherd and Submit 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

POINT #1: Shepherd and Submit THE FLOCK are to: Be subject/submit Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. (Hebrews 13:17)

POINT #2: Humble yourselves and cast your anxieties 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22) Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? (Matthew 6:25-26)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

POINT #3: Resist 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

POINT #3: Resist Person 1  Be aware and be prepared! 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

POINT #3: Resist Person 2  Use & improve your tactics! Be sober-minded Be watchful Get a battle plan Remember, you are not alone! Get a battle team

POINT #3: Resist Person 2  Use & improve your tactics! 4. Be firm in your faith—“defensive resistance” 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11)

POINT #3: Resist Person 2  Use & improve your tactics! 5. “Offensive/active resistance” “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

POINT #3: Resist Person 3  Repent! “For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:14)

POINT #3: Resist Person 4  Take heart! 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31-32)

God will: POINT #3: Resist RESTORE you CONFIRM you STRENGTHEN you ESTABLISH you 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Finally… STAND FIRM in the true grace of God! 12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. I keep my eyes always on the Lord.  With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)

Elders: Shepherd your flock well! Sheep: Be subject to your elders! CONCLUSION Elders: Shepherd your flock well! Sheep: Be subject to your elders! All brethren: Humble yourselves and cast your anxieties on Jesus! Resist the devil! Stand firm in the grace of God!