1. Under-Shepherds As Overseers Among the Sheep
1 Peter 5:1-4

2. Under-Shepherds As Overseers Among the Sheep
Their Designations
“Elders” (Greek presbuteros)
mature man with experience and wisdom (a.k.a. presbyter)
“Overseers” (Greek episkopos)
exercises oversight or rule (a.k.a. bishop)
“Shepherds” (Greek poimein)
emphasizing tender care and protection/feed (a.k.a. pastor)

3. Under-Shepherds As Overseers Among the Sheep
Their Position
“Among” the congregation (5:1, 2)
Elders must be “from” among their congregation
Elders must be “in” among the congregation
“Over” the flock (5:2)
Not as “lords” but as “servants”
“Under” the Chief Shepherd (5:4; cf. 2:25)
The flock is “of God” & not “of the shepherds”
“Under-shepherds” will give account to the Chief Shepherd (Heb. 13:17)

4. Under-Shepherds As Overseers Among the Sheep
Their Work
“Shepherd the flock of God” (5:2)
Feed – sheep could become malnourished
Guide – sheep could take a wrong path
Protect – sheep could be attacked by wolves
Restore – sheep can go astray and need to be found/rescued
“Oversee” the flock (5:2)
Superintend and direct the affairs of the church (Heb. 13:17)
Watch out for the souls in their care and under their charge
Calls for the church to recognize, respect and follow their direction
A position of “serving” and not “lording it over”
“Examples to the flock” (5:3)
Pattern or model for emulation, as elders emulate the Chief Shepherd

5. Under-Shepherds As Overseers Among the Sheep
Their Motivation
“Voluntarily” and “according to the will of God,” NOT in forced service or sense of duty
“Eagerly” and zealous to please the Father, NOT for dishonest/personal/selfish gain
“Exemplary” and humbly, NOT for the sake of power, arrogantly domineering over the church

6. Under-Shepherds As Overseers Among the Sheep
Their Reward
Now: Serving with and under the Chief Shepherd
Then: The unfading crown of glory – immortality (5:4; cf. 1:4)

7. Is Jesus the Shepherd of Your Soul?
Believe Jesus is God’s Son – Mark 16:16
Repent of your sins and turn to God – Acts 2:38
Confess your faith in Jesus – Romans 10:9-10
Be immersed into Christ – Galatians 3:27
God will wash away all of your sins – Acts 22:16
God will add you to His church – Acts 2:47
God will register you in heaven – Hebrews 12:23
Walk faithfully with the Lord – 1 John 1:7