Final Words to the Leaders of the Church
Wyr]in Q0skyr Ygy.yxii
>ygawarnyrovn Ov..ova/
1 Peter 5:1-11
Today I would like to finish
the sermon series on 1st Peter.
Chapter 4:12-19 can be
summarized in verse 19:
“So
then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to
their faithful Creator and continue to do good.”
I
will not be elaborating on this issue because we discussed it extensively in
the previous sermons. “Christians, you will face persecution intimidation and suffering.
Learn from Christ. He did suffer before us, for us. See that your suffering is
not due to your sinful decisions. Do not be ashamed for your faith. There is an
end for everything. Meanwhile continue your life as we discussed in the
previous chapters.”
Moving to chapter 5
Peter
moves on to his final words advising the elders of the church (the leadership
of the church) about how to behave and why- style and motivation of leadership.
Historical
background of the word “elder”:
When
Moses was leading his people in wilderness to the Promised Land, he was exhausted
and needed help. God gave him seventy
elders. They were set apart to serve and granted a share of the Spirit of
God (Numbers 11:16-30). We read in the Old Testament how elders were friends of
prophets (2 Kin g 6:32); they were advisers of kings (1 Kings 20:8; 21:11); they
took over responsibilities in the administration of the nation (Ezra 10:8).
Every village and city had elders. Even in the New Testament, we find them next
to the Chief Priest, rulers and Scribes. (Matthew 16:21; 21:23)
On
his mission trips, Paul ordained elders in the churches all over. We read, “Paul and Barnabas
appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting,
committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.” (Acts 14:23)
The
elders were the council members and administrators of the church. They performed
many services for the community. They even took part in the Council of
Jerusalem beside the apostles.(Acts 15:2; 16:4)
To be an elder is a serious matter. Elders are part of
leadership that have been serving for the Kingdom of God throughout the
centuries. In our church, elder means the Council and the Deacons. I would like
to add also all the leaders of Christian Education, Bible studies, VBS, music ministry...
All of us are called to use our charisma
for the Kingdom of God. (Refer to last Sunday’s sermon)
What
qualities should the elders (the leadership) have?
Be shepherds:
“Be
shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers.”(2)
The
primary work of the shepherd is to lead
the flock to green pastures. This means to feed the flock with the Word
of God. A hungry shepherd cannot lead well. So the shepherd should be fed
daily in order to feed others.
As
your pastor, I am watchful that I am fed spiritually and intellectually from the
Word of God, so that I can give.
Peter
learned this from his teacher Jesus. Jesus asked Peter three times “Do you love
me?” And Jesus challenged him saying, “Feed my people”.
We
read in Ephesians describing the work of leaders of the church: “to prepare
God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
(4:12)
If you are a shepherd, a council member, a deacon, or have any position
in the church, take the time to be fed by God so you can be a “shepherd” for
His flock.
We will continue in English.