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1 Peter 5:1-5 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: 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; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 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.”
I. ITS NOT ALL ABOUT THE MONEY (1)
A. Elders or pastors are individuals called out by God to lead, serve, and shepherd the church.
B. This can be a paid position but does not have to be.
II. THE ROLE OF A SHEPHERD (2)
A. Sheep are not dumb but defenseless and need a shepherd to protect them. (Matthew 9:36)
B. Shepherds exercise oversight by watching over the whole flock.
C. To watch the whole flock a pastor needs help from a network of shepherds that all answer to him.
III. DO IT BECAUSE YOU WANT TO (2-3)
A. Shepherd because you want to, not because you have to.
B. We are called to shepherd, not to just pastor or just preach. Must do both to honor the call to shepherd.
C. Don’t shepherd for fame and fortune but set the example of selflessness in your church. (Matt 20:28)
IV. HAND IT BACK OVER TO JESUS (4)
A. Pastors hand the people they have been loaned back over to the Chief Shepherd, Jesus on His return.
B. The church belongs to Jesus since He bought it.
C. Pastors will answer to Jesus for what they have done with His sheep.
V. FOLLOW THE LEADER (5)
A. Spiritual leadership is hard. Rather than fight your leaders, follow your leaders.
B. Choose to humbly follow over proudly resisting.
C. We can’t hold onto our pride and take hold of God’s grace at the same time.
NEXT STEPS:
1. Pray for your pastor.
2. Support your pastor.
3. Show much love to your pastor.