The Crown of Glory
Notes
Transcript
Intro; We come to the final reward/crown that is available to the believer. This reward is a special reward that is for the faithful, obedient, God-called pastor. Even though it is specific to the role of the pastor, every believer can share in the pastor’s “Crown of Glory”.
Text; 1 Pet. 5:1-4
1 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:
2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;
3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;
4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.
The word “elder” is from the Greek word presbuteros {pres-boo’-ter-os}. This word is a term for the pastor or spiritual leader of the church. There are three terms used interchangeably in the New Testament for the pastor.
Elder (presbuteros): This term emphasizes the pastor’s spiritual maturity and experience, not necessarily his age. There are many elderly men in the church that act like spiritual babies. There are many young preachers that have great maturity and wisdom because they are grounded in the Word.
Bishop or overseer (episkopos): This word is made up of two Greek words: a preposition epi, meaning “over”; and a noun, skopos meaning “a watcher”. This title focuses on the pastor’s responsibility of being the guardian of the church family and overseeing the entire ministry. The title refers to his assignment as the leader of the church who is accountable to God.
Pastor (poimen): This term emphasizes the priority of the pastor to feed or teach the church the truths of God’s Word where they can digest them and make them a part of their lives. The flock is not to be fed with the weeds of philosophy, traditions of men, weekly music concerts, or drama plays. The church is to be fed with old fashion Bible preaching. Get out of entertainment business and get into the exhorting and evangelizing business.
Mattoon, R. (2011). Treasures from First Peter (p. 321). Rod Mattoon.
In this passage of scripture, Peter refers to himself as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and one who would share in the glory to come. Peter encouraged fellow elders to follow his example to shepherd the flock, enduring suffering in the present so that they will receive the reward in the future.
1. The Charge to Pastor’s/Elders; 2a
1. The Charge to Pastor’s/Elders; 2a
Shepherd the flock of God; Shepherding [feed]. Besides feeding, it includes caring, leading, guiding, and protecting—all duties and responsibilities a shepherd has for his flock, a pastor has for his congregation. It is the same charge Jesus gave Peter.
John 21:15–17 (NKJV)
So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”
He said to him, “Feed [instruct] My lambs.”
He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”
He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”
He said to him, “Tend [care for] My sheep.”
He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”
And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”
Jesus said to him, “Feed [pasture, nourish] My sheep”.
This is no ordinary flock of sheep; God’s flock was bought with the precious blood of Christ.
Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
Instruction, Care, Pasture- WORD OF GOD!
For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.
You will guide me with Your counsel,
And afterward receive me to glory.
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.
For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.
The first step in shepherding is tending to God’s flock with wholesome instruction, care and nourishment of the Word of God!
2. Serve as Overseer; 2b-3
2. Serve as Overseer; 2b-3
Pastors are overseers, not owners, and should care for the congregation in the manner the owner [Lord Jesus Christ] wants them to be cared for.
This suggests not only provision and protection, but also supervision and discipline, instruction and direction knowing that the pastor must give an account to the owner.
1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:
2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.
Serve Willingly- Whole hearted desire that we are doing what God has called us to in life.
This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.
[Too many mama called, granny called, church called preachers but very few God called men today in the pulpit]
Eagerly- Sincere in heart not seeking money or fame
For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.
By Example- Pastors are not to enter the ministry so they can boss others around but so they can exemplify the character of Christ to those in their charge.
I have always lived by this rule; I will never ask you to do anything that I won’t do myself first and then help you do.
Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand.
For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
3. The Reward that doesn’t Fade; 4
3. The Reward that doesn’t Fade; 4
All the pats on the back and the accolades of men will fade when one dies or this world comes to an end. The only things that last are eternal and they come from God. This should motivate pastors and all believers to be faithful.
And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.
4. The Flock’s Part in this Reward;
4. The Flock’s Part in this Reward;
Every flock can become more productive when they follow their shepherd’s lead as he submits to the Lord.
Supporting a faithful, God called pastor by praying for him and encouraging him in the work of the Lord is beneficial to the flock/congregation as a whole. Giving to the ministry with our tithes, offerings, time and talents allows you to share in your pastor’s reward.
Matthew 10:41 (NKJV)
He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.
Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.
Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.
Close;
I don’t know if I will receive this crown as a pastor or not but I will try all my days to fulfill its requirements, and then let God decide!
My prayer is that you would help me become the pastor that Christ died and rose again for me to be, that I may obtain this crown, and I will do the same for you to help you receive your crowns!
And when all this is said and done, God gets the glory!