23.067 | Shepherds of God | 1 Peter 5:1-4 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon

God’s Word For Today

- 1 Pet 5:1-4 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: 2 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; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

SHEPHERDS OF GOD
Peter, who was an ‘elder’ has made an appeal to the other elders. The term ‘elder’ comes from ‘presbyterous’ in the original Greek. This term refers to the same person adressed either as bishop or pastor. His role in the local church is referenced throughout the New Testament (1 Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:5–6). That is, they are spiritually matured, experienced Christians, in charge with leading the local churches.
Here, Peter made clear instructions to their fellow elders, who were shepherding the ‘exiles’. What was the basis of his authority to instruct them? He was an apostle. That is, he was a witness of the sufferings of Christ and assured himself as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed.

He pleaded with them to shepherd God’s flock from the heart. Let us recall that Peter had failed Jesus. But, he was wonderfully restored. As related by John in John 21, Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him. Each time, Peter affirmed that he loved Jesus, even grieved at the repeated question. Also each time, Jesus responded to Peter's answer with a command to feed or tend Jesus' sheep. Shepherding the flock of God was to be Peter's life work. This moment not only mirrored Peter's three-fold denial, it showed how Christ had accepted Him as an apostle.

Firstly, an elder should recognize that the community of believers belongs to God solely. An elder does not own the flock—only God does. Hence, the elder only provides leadership to redeemed people, owned and loved by the Father, even purchased by the blood of Christ [Acts 20:20].

His next role is one of overseeing. The word in Greek is ‘episkopountes’, which means to "take oversight," or "to look diligently after." In other words, the role of an elder is very much the same as a ‘bishop’ or an "overseer." He watches over and tends to the needs of the congregation. It's a role requiring awareness of what's going on in the lives of the believers, with an eye to helping and guiding them.

Third, he does his role willingly. Nobody should take on this role out of compulsion or coercion. God does require an elder to want or desire to be an elder, out of his own volition. A person forced into spiritual leadership cannot truly serve as God intended.

Finally, he must commit to serving for the sake of the calling of God alone. He must serve the flock of God without ulterior motives. He must not be motivated by money, power, or control. Otherwise, he would be prone to dishonest schemes such as overlording, embezzlement, or manipulation. Instead, his life should be a pattern of sincere, committed, and honest service before God.

In the light of future rewards, Peter’s instructions make sense. When the chief Shepherd appears, they will receive the unfading crown of glory. We're not exactly sure what this means. What is certain, however, is that Jesus will share His glory with those who served as the elders of His flock. That, they will reflect His glory with Him forever.

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