12. Living as Exiles for Christ Together

Introduction

We’re going to finish 1 Peter today.

One of Peter’s main themes: How to live as a Christian in a non-Christian society.

One of Peter’s main points: Expect to be treated like an exile.

Suffering for Christ is not a mark of shame but a badge of honor.

Live as exiles together with other believers. In other words, belong to a church.

Part 1: To the Overseers

You are called by God shepherd his flock. (1 Peter 5:1-4)

1 Peter 5:1–4 ESV

1 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.

Lead by example

Leaders aren’t the smartest people in the room but the ones who are willing to go first. Your job is to be the first follower of Jesus.

Leaders get what they are, so be like Jesus.

Lead with humility

A shepherd’s goal is a healthy flock, not a higher status.

“Leader” in the Bible means “lead servant.”

Lead through love

Leadership everywhere but especially in the church isn’t about getting things done, casting vision, recruiting volunteers, hiring great staff, organizing efficiently, or raising money. It’s about loving the people in your care.

Love is giving yourself for the highest good of the other (like Jesus).

Part 2: To the Congregation

You are to be humble. (1 Peter 5:5-11)

1 Peter 5:5–11 ESV

5 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.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Submit to the leaders God has called to shepherd you.

The highest calling in God’s kingdom is the invitation given by Jesus, “Follow me” (John 1:43). In God’s kingdom, everyone’s a follower.

That’s what you’re agreeing to when you fill out your ballot at the congregational meeting.

Admit that you can’t do it alone.

You need God (1 Peter 5:6-7, 10).

1 Peter 5:6–7 ESV

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:10 ESV

10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

You need the church (1 Peter 5:9).

1 Peter 5:9 ESV

9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

Part 3: How can we as a church do what Peter says?

In order to do what 1 Peter 5 teaches, we needed to figure out how to accomplish two things:

How can Overseers shepherd a flock?

How can people belong to a fellowship of believers?

When you’re a small church less than 100, both of those things can be accomplished simply by coming on a Sunday morning. But when you’re a church of about 500, it’s a little more complicated.

Our solution was to establish Gospel Communities. These are fellowship gatherings, medium-sized groups of about 20-40 people (including kids) that meet monthly for a meal and prayer.

They’re led by Overseers, which allows the Overseers to shepherd their flock.

Imagine a team of shepherds looking out over a pasture of hundreds of sheep…

One thing we immediately realized: We have more people and not enough Overseers. So, we recruited some additional shepherds to care for Gospel Communities, and we’re hoping that those shepherds will be called by God to be Overseers at some point, too.

Our goal is for every household to have a shepherd, and for every Gospel Community to have an Overseer.

They meet monthly for a meal and prayer, which gives people the opportunity to belong to a fellowship of believers.

“What’s the point of these groups if all they do is get together for a meal?” The meal is the point. The people are the point. It’s like when you gather with extended family for a holiday meal.

“Is this going to be worth my time?” Sitting across a dinner table from someone, talking about what’s going on in our lives, and praying together is worth your time.

Part 4: Family Business

It’s not uncommon for letters in the New Testament to end with announcements or some family business, like 1 Peter 5:12-14.

1 Peter 5:12–14 ESV

12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. 13 She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. 14 Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

We have some family business to attend to as well.