The Shepherd Leader

Surviving Times of Suffering

1 Peter 5:1-4

Leaders are to care for the suffering church with the same kind of servant leadership Jesus had.  The terms ‘elders,’ ‘shepherd,’ ‘pastor,’ and ‘overseer’ all refer to the office of pastoral leaders in the church.  Peter identifies himself with them as a “fellow elder” giving additional credibility to his words.  As fellow shepherds, answerable to Christ, the Chief Shepherd of God’s flock, they are called to nurture, lead, and protect God’s people with humility.

Genesis 4

Psalm 23

Isaiah 53

Romans 12:1, 2

The only time sheep are spoken of positively in Scripture is when they’re .

Peter has three main messages for shepherds:

1.   Have a vibrant with Christ (v 1)

·      Elder – presbyteros – mature, older, wiser, (OT – elders of the children of Israel)

·      Overseer – episkopos – bishop, overseer, responsibility

·      Shepherd – verb form here / often used in a noun form – poimen – care, lead, nurture, defend, protect

A witness is one who sees and hears something and then to others.

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18

2.   Have for God’s sheep  (v 2, 3)

John 21:15-17

2 Timothy 2:15

Ezekiel 34:2

1 Timothy 4:12

Three practical attitudes:

·      An attitude of (v. 2b)

·      An attitude of (v. 2c)

Titus 1:10, 11

1 Timothy 3:3, 6:10

·      An attitude of   (v. 3a)

Matthew 20:25-28

3.   Have an intense desire to (v. 4)

·      “Chief Shepherd” is one of the most beautiful titles for the Savior in all of Scripture.
·      Old Testament imagery of the Messiah: Zechariah 13:7 and Psalm 23:1
·      Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:2, 11-12, 16-27)
·      Jesus is the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls (1 Peter 2:25)

Peter heard Jesus talk about being the Good Shepherd, but here he says that Jesus is the Supreme Shepherd, and every pastor is an under shepherd.

Ephesians 6:6

Daily Meditations

Memory verse: “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” 1 Peter 5:4

Monday
Read 1 Peter 5:1-4.  To whom did Peter appeal in verse 1?

According to verse 2, what did Peter instruct elders to do?

How can you be an example to the people in your family?

Tuesday
Read 1 Peter 5:1-4.  What motivates people to be leaders in the church?

What instructions did Peter give concerning greed in verse 2?

How did Peter tell elders to lead (see verse 3) and what changes do you need to make in the way you lead?

Wednesday
Read 1 Peter 5:1-4.  How did Peter tell elders lead in verse 3?

How do you need to change your attitude toward those who are in positions of authority over you?

Thursday
Read 1 Peter 5:1-4.  According to verse 4, what reward were elders going to receive when the Chief Shepherd appeared?

Why do we sometimes find it difficult to be submissive to those in authority over us?

Friday
Read 1 Peter 5:1-4.  What were the young men encouraged to do in verse 5?

Why might we be tempted to “lord it over” the people we are leading?

Saturday
Read 1 Peter 5:1-4.  In what concrete way this week can you be a better example to the people who look to you for leadership?

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