Shepherds and Sheep
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Context
Context
“Therefore” (1)
“Therefore” (1)
Reason #1 for Peter’s exhortation to the elders (see 4:12)
Reason #2 for Peter’s exhortation to the elders (see 4:13)
The Shepherds (1-4)
The Shepherds (1-4)
The qualities of a shepherd (1-3)
The qualities of a shepherd (1-3)
Partner (fellow elder)
Aware of the continued need for the Savior
Peter recalled the most painful and humiliating episode of his life in declaring himself to be a witness of the sufferings of Christ
Peter demonstrates that restoration from sin is possible with Christ, and this would have encouraged the elders to be humble and quick to repent of their sin.
Courageous
Peter’s recollection of this low point in his life reminds us of the need for resolute commitment to our convictions in the face of threats and opposition. We need this in our elders.
Clear on his status in Christ
Peter understood that he had been fully restored in recognizing that was a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed. He seems to be referencing the future glory that will be revealed when Christ returns.
Leader (exercising oversight - not in some manuscripts)
oversight is the word from which we get our word bishop
Counselor & protector (shepherd the flock)
a play on words in the greek: poimano (shepherd) the poimnion (flock or sheep) - shepherd the sheep
Eager & willing (not under compulsion but willingly)
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.
Servant (not for shameful gain)
not earning money shamefully
Humility (not domineering)
Shifts from the inward concern (not under compulsion, not for shameful gain) to the outward concern
domineering means forcefully ruling over, subduing, harsh and excessive use of authority
Examples of righteousness (being examples to the flock)
The Functions of a Shepherd (1-2)
The Functions of a Shepherd (1-2)
Elder
Shepherd
Overseer
Elders are overseers who shepherd: Paul addressed the Ephesian elders in
Acts 20:28 (ESV)
Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
Elders shepherd by exercising oversight: Peter echoes Paul’s exhortation
1 Peter 5:1–2 (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: 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;
The Reward of a Shepherd (4)
The Reward of a Shepherd (4)
when the Chief Shepherd appears
a reference to the visible return of Christ
crown
used of a victor’s crown or wreath in athletic contests (see 1 Cor. 9:25)
a signal of special honor
1 Peter: An Introduction and Commentary 1. Elders: Shepherd God’s Flock Rightly (5:1–4)
this unfading crown of glory specifically when speaking to ‘elders’, and when speaking of a reward which is given in the age to come, following after a description of righteous conduct in the exercise of the office of elder during this life. Moreover, the term glory carries the nuance of an outwardly visible evidence of honour.
eternal rewards
But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”
If elders believe that when Christ appears, He will give them a crown of glory, then they will have hope even when their ministry of shepherding is grueling and thankless.
We need men who possess this kind of hope. Not looking for reward in the here and now, but looking forward and longing for the day when our Chief Shepherd will return and reward His followers wit joy beyond imagination.
The Sheep (5-7)
The Sheep (5-7)
Likewise: Peter now shifts his attention to a different group of people, but continues to focus in the same subject matter.
The Identity of the Sheep: you who are younger
The Identity of the Sheep: you who are younger
Possibilities
Those who are young in the faith
Young in age because in their inclination to independence and to reject authority
The entire congregation as the contrast to the elders. In support of this is what the author of Hebrews said:
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.
The Characteristics of the Sheep: Submissive & Humble
The Characteristics of the Sheep: Submissive & Humble
Submissive (5a)
Peter has already addressed the responsibility of believers to be subject to those in positions of authority (see 2:13, 18; 3:1, 5)
Not unreserved submission - keep in mind Peter’s exhortations for elders to not mishandle their authority
be subject is a military term that means to line up under. In part, it’s a call for respect and honor.
Humble (5b-7)
clothe yourself with humility
clothe means to tie a knot. The noun form of the word was the white scarf or apron that was attached to the girdle of the vests that slaves wore in those days. This is what distinguished slaves from freemen.
What this makes clear is that humility is one of the key distinguishing characteristics of believers in the world. Humility shows our subjection to Jesus, our Chief Shepherd.
with all humility toward one another
this humility that is to distinguish the children of God from the world is also to be expressed within the church… among the church. Certainly towards the elders in the church, but towards the rest of the church as well.
And the fact that humility is to be expressed toward one another makes clear that it is meant to be reciprocal. So this apron of humility is a one-size-fits-all garment. We are called to clothe ourselves with humility towards one another.
Peter quotes the OT in the 2nd half of verse 5:
Toward the scorners he is scornful,
but to the humble he gives favor.
The Greek of this text compared to the LXX is virtually identical.
The point here is motivation. The reason we clothe ourselves with humility is because God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble.
Pride comes from a belief that we are sufficient in our own strength and are not in need of anything or anyone including God.
humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God (6a)
And expressing humility towards one another reflects humility towards God
Flow of argument:
The church is to be subject to the elders (line up under)
Clothing ourselves with humility towards one another is the vehicle that gets us to the place where we are of the mind and attitude tp relate tp our elders this way
But now as we consider humility, the fact that God hates pride but honors humility, we can see a connection between how we relate to one another and to God.
Our attitudes towards one another is indicative of our attitude towards God. If we resist the idea of submitting to our elders and to one another, then ultimately we will resist submitting to God.
Let’s pause and consider what it means to humble ourselves. Humility means lowly mindedness. We don’t think of ourselves as too good to serve others if we are humble. Humbling ourselves reflects an attitude of the heart.
under the mighty hand of God (6b)
An OT reference that recognizes the complete sovereignty of God in and over all things.
But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless compelled by a mighty hand. So I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt with all the wonders that I will do in it; after that he will let you go.
So this is a call to recognize that God is far above us and in control f everything around us, including everything that occurs in our lives.
so that at the proper time
God is not a tyrant who rules His people and callously demands their humility. He calls for it in connection with His desire to bless us - exalt us.
The proper time is God’s time. His perfect time. He is sovereign over time and everything that occurs within time.
who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
Just as God knew when to send Jesus, He knows when to send us what we need. So until God chooses to bring this to fruition, we are to humble ourselves before Him and towards one another.
casting all our anxieties on Him because He cares for you
this speaks to the manner in which we humble ourselves.
casting means to throw upon. This is a call to not attempt to handle our anxieties on our own. It is making clear that we need Jesus, and recognizing this fact can be seen in the way we handle our anxiety.
Attend to me, and answer me;
I am restless in my complaint and I moan,
So the way this all works is that as we throw our burdens on Christ, He in turn sustains us.
The Devil & Suffering
The Devil & Suffering
Be Ready: 3 Commands (8-9)
Be Ready: 3 Commands (8-9)
1. Be sober-minded
to be calm and collected in spirit
having a clear mind, which is essential to being alert
keep in mind that this command (and the others) are connected to suffering - this connection was already made in 1:13
As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
2. Be watchful
give strict attention to - keep awake - take heed in order to avoid calamity
Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.”
b. Perhaps Peter is reflecting on this exchange here.
3. Resist him
a. Not only do we need to be aware of the fact that Satan cold attack us, but we need to be prepared to resist his attacks
b. take a stand against
Know Your Enemy: The Devil (8)
Know Your Enemy: The Devil (8)
Our adversary
pictures someone who accuses someone in a court of law
Jesus used this word when teaching about how we should handle conflict with one another that resulted in legal action (Matt 5:25)
This is one way in which Satan is at work in the world today. He accuses Christians before the throne of God (See Rev 12:10)
And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.
2. A prowling lion
i. Satan was a snake in the garden… tricky, crafty, sneaky.. twisting the word of God
ii. Nothing subtle about a lion. Keeping the idea of suffering connected to this discussion, in our suffering we may be vulnerable, and Satan is waiting in the tall grass to pounce on us. Our suffering can be an obstacle for our faith. And Satan will attempt to use our suffering to doubt the promises of God. The suffering is not the main concern. It is our response to our suffering, and Satan seeks to facilitate our failure.
Be Encouraged (9b-14)
Be Encouraged (9b-14)
We’re not alone (9b)
Our suffering is not unique or unexpected. It is part and parcel of the Christian’s experience (see 4:12)
this also speaks to the bond that exists between the children of God.
Our counterattack (10-11)
suffering is for a little while. Our suffering does not feel short. But we must remember to understand and feel our suffering in light of eternity.
God’s calling is effectual. In other words, when He calls someone to Himself, he or she comes. But this calling does not cease to be active in His peoples’ lives. His call remains on His people until they are united with Him in glory.
Look at what God will do for all His people
restore
establish
strengthen
confirm
This is what is behind Peter command back in chapter 1
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Summary Purpose Statement
Summary Purpose Statement
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.