Faithful Under-Shepherds

1 Peter 5:1-4

Immanuel – 9/26/21

We have finally come to the last chapter of Peter’s letter. Peter opened his letter by taking us on a theological expose of grace and faith and hope all found in Jesus Christ: things that angels and prophets longed to see. But we are the ones with these glories set before us. We, the church, are the possessors of such inexpressible joys.

Then we came to 2:11 and Peter began to show us how these joys govern our lives of exile, while we live this world filled with hostilities. How clear he is, we are called to live submissively and righteously within the institutions God has given us: the institutions of government, employment, marriage, and the church. And we are called to such submissive and righteous living even despite the suffering we may face – the suffering that is a gift to us.

As we will see today, Peter returns to one of these institutions – the institution that holds a very special place in his heart – the institution that the Lord commissioned Peter to build. Previously, Peter focused on how we are to live submissively to the authorities found in the institutions of man. In today’s passage, Peter focuses in on the authorities; instructing them on how to use their authority.

Purpose

What is the elder’s calling?

How are elders to think?

Read 1 Peter 5:1-4

Elder Defined

The first thing we need to do is define the term elder. There are two ways in which we must think about elders: first is in terms of the office, and the second is in terms of the man.

The office of elder is designated for leadership of the church through the teaching of the word. In other words, all the leadership, authority, and council given through the office of elder must be rooted and grounded in Scripture.

Therefore, the man who is an elder is to be of Christ-like character, a lover of Scripture, a gifted leader, sound in his teaching, and desires to profit the church spiritually. And to speak plainly, the office of elder is given to men – as Paul outlines in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.

It is these men – holding the office of elder – that Peter exhorts in our passage today. To exhort a person is to offer strong encouragement, an urging, a plea. But make no mistake, there are no suggestions offered here. Peter is charging elders with an apostolic command.

Context

Before Peter issues his command, we find in this first verse a whole mountain of context. And by digging through the context we can start to see the power, humility, and urgency of Peter’s edict.

Let us first recall that Peter has the authority to issue commands to the church. He is the leader of the apostles, he was Jesus’ closest companion, he is the first stone laid of the living temple of God. Jesus once said:

“I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” -Matthew 16:18

If anyone on earth has the right to say what happens with the church, it is Peter. But, though he wields the massive authority of being an apostle of Jesus Christ, how gently he applies his authority – not as an apostle, but as a fellow elder.

Read vs 1

How astounding that Peter would remind his fellow elders that he has witnessed the sufferings of Christ. Would it not have been better to say he witnessed the resurrection, where Jesus rose victoriously over death? Or the ascension, where Christ took His royal throne as the King of kings?

Instead, Peter says that he was a witness to Christ’s sufferings. Some witness. For any who know the context of the cross, Peter is recalling the most painful moments of his life.

It was during Christ’s sufferings that Peter ran like a coward, abandoning his Lord to men of darkness. Then, after sneaking around in the dark, trying to see what would happen, he denied Jesus with curses. A rooster crowed a sudden realization. Overcome with sorrow so great that he could not control the sobs, Peter runs once more into the night.

This is the one who witnessed Christ’s sufferings. To remind the churches of this is to remind them also of his own cowardly shame. Perhaps some of the elders in the persecuted churches have felt similarly. Perhaps some fear that they will not be able to withstand the sufferings to come.

So Peter reminds them that he is also a partaker in the glory that is to be revealed. This is a reminder that Jesus did not leave Peter in his shame, but restored to Peter all that once was, and added even more.

After Christ’s resurrection, He paid Peter a visit on the shores of Galilee – the same shores where everything began. Three times Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me.” And I imagine, with tears in his eyes, three times Peter says, “You know that I love you.” Three times Jesus says, “Feed my sheep.” And after the third time Jesus adds,

“Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This He said to show by what kind of death [Peter] was going to glorify God.) And after saying this He said to him, “Follow me.” -John 21:18-19

Once Peter was a coward clothed in rags of shame. But no more. Jesus Himself, fully aware of every failing, lifted Peter’s drooping head, calling him to love and build the church. And Peter would run no more, but would follow. He would follow all the way to his own Roman cross. And not thinking himself worthy to die like his Lord, he asked to be crucified upside down. The once coward would die courageously, glorifying God with his last breath.

At the time Peter writes this letter, his cross is only a few short years away. Then, when his eyes close to this life, his new eyes will open to receive praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:7). Yes, glory is going to be revealed; and this is Peter’s unfading inheritance.

So also is it the imperishable inheritance of all who faithfully follow Jesus; even if at times their faith has faltered. How desperately the elders of the church need to know this, need to look beyond the suffering and lock their faith upon the glories to come. How desperately they need to be followers of Christ, that they faithfully shepherd His flock.

All this Peter intends to call to mind in verse 1. But there is more that Peter is calling to mind.

Notice the “so” at the beginning of verse 1. Like “therefore,” it links this sentence with the one that came before it. So, look back at 3:19.

Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. -1 Peter 3:19

As we saw last week, suffering is a gift that God gives to His elect – to His flock. Through the pain He refines our faith, He puts on display the sufferings of Christ, and He affirms His great love for us. Each purpose is realized through Peter’s own sufferings. It is the gospel on display in Peter’s life. What treasures are found through the flames! We too can indeed entrust our souls to the Creator, even Him who creates hardship.

The elders of the church must entrust their suffering to the Creator, and take hold of such treasures. No matter where life has taken them, in the hour of their eldership they must share Peter’s loyalty and love for Christ the Lord. Their lips are to be filled with worship and their hands with righteousness.

But, not only is suffering – and God’s purposes for it – the context that colors Peter’s charge to the elders, but so also is the imagery from Ezekiel. Remember from last week’s passage, Peter draws heavily upon Ezekiel 9. There God sends six “executioners” to bring judgement upon the wicked in Israel. After sealing and protecting the faithful, the executioners are sent out.

[And the Lord said to them,] “Pass through the city…and strike. Your eye shall not spare, and you shall show no pity…and begin in my sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the house. -Ezekiel 9:5,6-7

Remember, suffering on earth is the purification of God’s people. But for the wicked, it foreshadows their eternity. Such fires of judgement fall first upon the elders, refining their faith, exposing any wickedness that might hide there. Then the Refiner moves out into the church, and then the world beyond.

Following the pattern of Ezekiel, after Peter talks about suffering and judgement, he directs his attention to the elders.

Elders, do not forget it; the Refiner begins with you! Your charge is urgent and carries with it the weight of eternity. These are the things that are to fill your minds. Carry these truths with you!

Now, let us remove the contextual language, and hear Peter’s bare command.

I exhort the elders among you: shepherd the flock of God that is among you.

Read vs 2

The Shepherd’s Calling

If the Greek is translated in an alternate way, verse 2 could begin with, “Tend the flock of God.” Peter uses the same imperative verb that Jesus once spoke to him. The command that the Lord gave to him, he now speaks to his fellow elders.

And they are to shepherd the flock that is among them. It’s clearly a reference to the local church. They don’t oversee flocks in other places, not a region of churches. Theirs is the flock in their midst, their own local church.

Peter then goes on to explain the calling of elders, starting with oversight.

(Parenthesis)

The word “bishop” is derived from the Greek word translated as oversight in this verse. So we see, all contained in a single sentence, words for elder, shepherd, and bishop. It is a pattern we find throughout the New Testament. Elder, shepherd, and bishop are titles used interchangeably, though each carries different connotations for the same office. At Immanuel, we simple refer to them as elders.

(Close Parenthesis)

Notice the pattern. Peter charges elders to shepherd and oversee their flock. This is the pattern of Christ for His flock.

For you were straying like sheep, but now have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. 1 Peter 2:25

The calling of the elder mirrors the Lord. He is the Chief-Shepherd and Overseer of the church universal. The elders are little shepherds that oversee the local church. And with such a parallel drawn, as Peter does, should it not be so blazingly clear that elders are first to be followers? Once more, the words given to Peter are words profoundly necessary for elders: Jesus’ words, “Follow me (John 21:19).”

And Jesus did not shepherd and oversee begrudgingly and unwillingly. No one obligated Him or forced Him. He loves to shepherd. It is His heart, His passion. Out of great desire for the good of His people, He oversees their souls.

So it must be for the elders with their flocks. It is good for elders to desire to oversee, to shepherd, to lead, to guide, to exercise loving authority; for that is God’s call upon them; and that is Christ’s example to them. Elders are to fulfill that calling willingly, because they sincerely want to, because it is a joy to do so; even if it is painful at times.

See that last word in verse 2: eagerly? Elders are to be eager to shepherd and oversee. It really does bring them joy.

As one of your elders, I can say this is true. It has certainly been challenging to oversee this church these past 2 years; with politics and viruses and opinions. But even though it has been hard, I can’t think of anything else I would rather be doing. It is my joy to lead and proclaim the word, even through tumultuous times. I know those that serve as elders with me would say the same.

See in verse 2 that elders are not to exercise their oversight for shameful gain. To be clear, Peter is not saying that elders should not receive compensation from their flock.

Paul writes that elders, whose full-time work is given to the flock, should be financially supported by their church.

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

A church that financially support its full-time elders is a good thing. What is not good is when those elders manipulate his flock for lavish gains. And elder motivated by money is a dangerous and deadly man, no matter how nice his smile and how authoritative his claims.

And in their greed [false teachers] will exploit you with false words.

-2 Peter 2:3

The prosperity gospel is a false gospel. Those who peddle it are exploiting people; sheering the flock and selling the wool right back to the naked and vulnerable sheep. Have nothing to do with them!

As Paul says, elders must not be greedy for gain (Titus 1:7) nor a lover of money (1 Timothy 3:3). Or, as Peter says, they must not exercise their oversight for shameful gain. And the counter to shameful gain is eagerness; see that in verse 2? Instead of being eager about money, the Christ-like elder is eager to follow Jesus, eager to lead through serving, eager to teach the word of Christ, eager to see his flock mature and grow.

And when shepherding and oversight are done with such eagerness, the work itself is payment enough. For it is better to eagerly follow Jesus than it is to – like a wolf – feed upon His flock.

And though he be eager to shepherd in such a way, his oversight must never be heavy-handed.

Read vs 3

Threats, emotional manipulations, power trips, or political muscle, have no place among the elders. It is not by force of authority that shepherds lead, but by the force of their example; just as we saw Peter demonstrating in verse 1.

A charismatic man, a dynamic speaker, one that success seems to follow; attractive traits in the world, but deceptive traits in the kingdom of heaven. Once again, if you are looking for a faithful elder, then look for the man that is striving with all he has, to follow Christ. That is the example you want to follow.

When Israel wandered in the dessert for 40 years, like a shepherd, God led His flock through the wilderness (Exodus 13:21-22). He leads them through the valley of the shadow of death and takes them to still waters and green pastures (Psalm 23). And, in love, He lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:15).

He indeed is the Chief Shepherd. We under-shepherds are just following Him. And as you follow your elders, and their example, you are ultimately following Jesus.

With such a structure, can you not see why God would first pass the elders through the fires of refinement, that they might not lead any of you astray? Christ’s love for His sheep burns with white hot intensity, and it will consume all that attempt to steal away His sheep.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” -John 10:27-30

If ever a man, calling himself an elder, tries to dominate those sheep, uses the sheep for personal gain, or lets his calling become a sour obligation; then what will the Shepherd have to say?

Unfaithful elder, either you will run, with bitter weeping, into the eternal night; or you will run to the shores of Galilee seeking your Savior, allowing Him to wipe away your penitent tears.

But even the best elder knows that he falls short. Greed for selfish-gain, frustrations with the flock, laziness, resentfulness, pride, and a host of other sins, constantly pull at our shepherding hearts. We little shepherds are marked by fallibility. How we need to run to Galilee, time and again! How we need to find and follow our Savior and Lord!

The elder that shepherds, with his eyes set on Jesus, that is the elder who will receive the reward.

Read vs 4

More than all others, this is what motivates the faithful under-shepherd. Seeing Jesus and receiving from Him the crown of glory.

Many places in the New Testament we read about the crown that every believer will receive at the resurrection. James calls it the crown of life (James 1:12). It is a crown that represents eternal life.

But Peter seems to be talking about something else, something peculiar, something given exclusively to faithful elders. He calls it the crown of glory. In reality and on this side of eternity, it doesn’t really matter what exactly that crown is. What matters is that it is given by the Bright and Morning Star, the Alpha and Omega, Jesus of Nazareth. In praise and glory and honor, He will set the crown upon your head, elder. He will.

This is the gain that the faithful elder seeks. This is what eagerly drives him. For this crown he passionately follows Jesus. His eyes are not set upon the possibility of riches, not upon the sufferings and frustrations of the day, but upon the inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading.

My brothers who are elders today, and my brothers who will be elders tomorrow,

Look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

-2 Corinthians 4:18

Immanuel, if your elders can see with those eyes, if their minds are fixed upon eternity, then know that you are blessed. If they are teaching not their own words, but the Word, know that you are cared for. If they are eager to faithfully shepherd you, then know that faith is growing here.

Follow their example, for they are following Christ’s. And you can entrust you soul to your Creator, knowing that the Chief Shepherd is indeed leading Immanuel through her elders.

Brothers and sisters, as an elder of this church, I urge you to do one more thing. Pray for your elders. How we need your prayers!

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. Pray for us…

-Hebrews 13:17-18