Faith in the Crosshairs 1 Peter (Elders, 1 Peter 5:1-5) (Elders, 1 Peter 5:1-5)

Review …do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you

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:

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;

…not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away…

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders.

How to submit wellHow to submit well How to suffer wellHow to suffer well How to lead/be led wellHow to lead/be led well In all of these things, it’s about more than just actions. It’s about motivation and attitude

How to submit wellHow to submit well How to suffer wellHow to suffer well How to lead/be lead wellHow to lead/be lead well In all of these, Christ desires to sanctify us

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder Peter?Peter?

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder PeterPeter − Original 12 − Inner 3 − 1 st among equals − 1 st sermon − Fellow elder

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder Knowing Jesus well changes our view of position and powerKnowing Jesus well changes our view of position and power It is impossible to rise in position or power in a church while serving JesusIt is impossible to rise in position or power in a church while serving Jesus

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: − Fellow elder- now − Witness- then − Glory- soon

− Fellow elder- now − Witness- then − Glory- soon We minister: Because of Christ’s sufferings (Privilege)Because of Christ’s sufferings (Privilege) On the basis of the Call (Ministry)On the basis of the Call (Ministry) Looking forward to the glory of God (Reward)Looking forward to the glory of God (Reward)

To the elders among you, I appeal… Note: Elders is plural Biblical Norm= MultipleBiblical Norm= Multiple Elders: Vocational and Non-vocational (Aged and Wise)Elders: Vocational and Non-vocational (Aged and Wise)

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them… Shepherds- poimen- ones (plural) who tend, guide and take care of Watching over- episkopos- oversight with authority

Elders- teach, guide, rebuke, correct, protect, lead- out of love for God and his people

Elders- teach, guide, rebuke, correct, protect, lead Why?

Within every church: SheepSheep ShepherdsShepherds WolvesWolves

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them The biblical norm is not democracy, but accountability

Next: Only the right action with the right attitude is right in God's sight

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 Sanctification: Leaders learn to love wellLeaders learn to love well Believers learn to submit wellBelievers learn to submit well

S ubmit? Are you out of your ever- loving mind?

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 13:7 I want to make it a pleasure to pastor me and my family…not a pain

…not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve… Career-building?

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer deserves his wages”- 1 Timothy 5:17-18

Calm down- You’re 2 Tents!

Pastors shouldn’t take positions based on money. Nor should they do the minimum just to get paid

People shouldn’t serve themselves and let pastors languish If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? - 1 Corinthians 9:11

General Principle- Anyone who serves should see it as a privilege and an honor to serve God and his people

…not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock 2 Types of Leadership: − Power − Influence

Power − Comes from insecurity − Is full of pride − Needs to control − Produces fear − Cannot be challenged − Is antithetical to the faith

Influence − Comes from humble confidence − Desires their best − Gives freedom − Produces love − Is open to being challenged for the sake of Christ − Mirrors Jesus

…not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock Examples- tupos- form, manner, pattern 1 Tim. 3- Character qualities that apply to all Christians

Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self- controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money…

He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?

He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil- 1 Tim. 3

…not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock Examples − Kills the “hypocritical divide” − Ends unqualified leadership

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away Who’s the Senior Pastor?

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away Who’s the Senior Pastor? Jesus! Those who shepherd willingly, eager to serve, living as an example to the flock- can look forward Christ’s reward

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders Implies: − Church membership − Servant Authority − Willing Submission − “I don’t know it all. And I honestly desire growth in Christ”

Takeaways: In what way has scripture challenged my attitudes this morning? Am I willing to change?In what way has scripture challenged my attitudes this morning? Am I willing to change?

Takeaways: In what way has scripture challenged my actions this morning? What changes do I need to make? Will I?In what way has scripture challenged my actions this morning? What changes do I need to make? Will I?

Takeaways: Do I pray for and support the leaders at Layman? Will I?Do I pray for and support the leaders at Layman? Will I?

Takeaways: Do I know the Chief Shepherd?Do I know the Chief Shepherd?