1 Peter 5:1-5, Godly Leadership in Difficult Times

Introduction

If you have a Bible, and I hope that you do, please open with me to 1 Peter 5. We’re nearing the end of our study in this wonderful letter. This morning we will look at 1 Peter 5:1-5. Then, Lord willing, we will conclude our study next week with the remainder of 1 Peter 5. As always, I will first read the passage for us and ask that you follow along in your copy of God’s Word. Then we will pray and ask the Lord to bless our time together in His Word.

READ 1 Peter 5:1-5

[Matthew 4:4 Responsive Reading - “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”]

PRAY

Well if you were paying attention to the passage before us this morning as it was being read, you might be tempted to think that it’s of little relevance to you unless you are an elder in the church. The bulk of the passage––four out of five verses––are directly addressed to the elders specifically. So, if that’s not you, you might be tempted to tune out. Maybe you feel like you’re sort of eavesdropping or snooping on instructions meant for just a particular group.

While the bulk of this morning’s exhortation is directed at the elders, or in our case here at NJC the Shepherds, it still has a great deal of relevance for all of us who are gathered together as a particular local church. These exhortations to the elders, after all, are part of a letter that was written and addressed to an entire Christian community, not just the church’s leaders. It would have been read to all the congregation, not just the elders. It is good for the whole church to understand the important role and responsibilities of the elders.

In fact, not only is it good, it is vital that every member of the church understand the important role and responsibilities of elders in the local church. It is how you, church, will be able to recognize who should be an elder in the local church. It is how you, church, will better understand the responsibility of the elders and how their duties should be carried out. That will better inform your affirmation of the right men to the office and better inform your prayers for them in the task entrusted to them.

Understanding the role and responsibilities of the elders in this way is important because God intends for His covenant people to be ordered in such a way that they can function and flourish for His glory and our joy and unity together in Christ. Without godly leadership as given to us in the Scriptures, we’re left to disorder and confusion that does not display the glory of Christ and His gospel. Godly leadership is vital to the health and faithfulness of every local church. So, we would do well to understand that together this morning.

MAIN POINT––Seek order and unity together under the leadership of godly elders who love Christ and labor for your joy together in Him.

Three things we’ll take away from our time in the Word this morning:

The Role of Elders

The Responsibility of Elders

The Response to the Elders

The Role of Elders

The first thing we want to consider together is the role of elders. Look with me again at verse 1. Peter writes, “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:” We’ll get to the exhortation in a moment. First, we want to simply familiarize ourselves with this term elders. What, or rather who, is Peter addressing?

What we learn over and over again throughout the New Testament is that the elders were the leaders of the local church. The term should not be understood to refer merely to those who were elders chronologically speaking in age. All those who were older in the congregation. Though you could say they are and should be the older wiser members with regard to spiritual maturity, regardless of physical age.

Nevertheless, it is important to know that the elders, as the New Testament clearly teaches, are a particular group of godly men who have been formally recognized––ordained even––to an official role of leadership in the local church. When Peter says, “I exhort the elders among you,” immediately the church knew exactly who he was addressing. They knew the specific individuals that had been chosen to lead them.

Throughout the book of Acts you see that as the gospel advances and churches were formed, the apostles were raising up godly qualified men called “elders” who were responsible to lead and shepherd their respective churches. More on that, their responsibilities, in a little bit. When Paul writes to Titus he says, “This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you.” (Titus 1:5) He then goes on to give him the qualifications for men who would fill that role in the churches.

Another thing that becomes apparent as you survey the New Testament on this is that this always entailed a plurality. The church wasn’t to be led by one man, like is often seen in many of our churches today. It was to be led by a plurality of godly men. The word is plural over and over again in reference to particular local churches. The number is never specified. We never see that every church should have a certain number of elders. Some might have two or three. Bigger churches might have upwards of ten or more. Either way, there is plurality leadership.

I’ll have more to say here in a moment when we get to the responsibilities of the elders that will unpack this more. The next thing I want us to notice while we’re still here in verse 1 is understanding why Peter specifically addresses the elders in this way and at this point in the letter. Why does Peter address the elders specifically in this way? To answer that question all we have to do is notice how the verse begins.

That one word in our English translation––so. It could also be translated “therefore” or “so then.” In other words, what Peter is saying here connects with what came before it. Peter is making an application to the elders in light of what he just said concerning the fiery trials that are testing, or refining, the church. The persecution, the insults and mockery they are facing. The judgment of purification or assessment that begins at the household of God as you’ll hopefully remember from our time together last week at the end of 1 Peter 4.

God is using their present trials––their present difficulties––as he does with all trials in the lives of His people––to refine them. To remove indwelling impurities and sin and make them more holy and fit for heaven. He is sanctifying them. That judgment––one of purification––begins with His people, the household of God. The church. How much more then, within the church, does it begin with the leaders of the church.

I think we know this instinctively and even experientially. When difficult times come upon the church. When persecution happens. When the screws are being tightened and pressure from outside is being exerted on the church it is typically the leaders who face the fiercest and hardest persecution. We see this in closed countries like China when we hear of pastors there being arrested sometimes mid-sermon and dragged off to jail.

We see this in our own country when a pastor is publicly maligned for taking a biblical stand against secular ideologies. We see it when churches think differently on particular doctrinal issues that set us apart and the pastors then get maligned or slandered for holding the line on those things. Oftentimes, it is the leaders of the church that take the brunt of the persecution that comes for following Jesus. Because of that reality, it matters who we raise up to serve as elders in our local church.

When you survey the qualifications of elders in 1 Timothy and Titus, you’ll notice that overwhelmingly the concern is that these be men of godly character. Men who are tested and have withstood the difficulties of life firmly holding on to Jesus. Men who, albeit not perfectly, but generally emulate the character of Christ. They are sober-minded. Meaning they have their wits about them even when times are hard. They are not easily swayed or knocked off their feet when the torrents of persecution come. They are men worth following and able to be followed.

As such, they will also need to be able to lead the rest of God’s people in their given local church to stand amidst the persecution and difficulties of life as well. If they can’t stand in and of themselves and press on when difficulty comes, how can they lead the flock to do the same? These are men firmly rooted and grounded in the faith who have been tested and demonstrated themselves to be able to stand and lead no matter the circumstances.

Last thing before we move on the responsibility of elders, notice how Peter addresses them. He doesn’t identify himself as an apostle, though he is that. He doesn’t Lord over them His apostolic authority. He doesn’t boast about how close he was to Jesus as a part of the inner-circle of disciples. He doesn’t boast about his ministry accomplishments. He appeals to them “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. In short, he’s saying––“I’m just like you guys, fellow elders.”

He refers to himself as a fellow elder. Though he was an apostle, Peter was not exempt from commitment to the local church. He was an elder in the very first church––the church in Jerusalem. Peter is not exhorting these elders to do anything he himself had not experienced and done in his own life and ministry.

He can honestly say to them, “I know what you’re going through. I know what it’s like. I’ve immersed myself in the study and preaching of God’s Word. I’ve walked with God’s people through highs and lows. I’ve been encouraged by the sheep and I’ve been maligned by the sheep and outsiders. I’ve experienced the doubt and discouragement that comes when people make a shipwreck of their faith or take a step back in following Jesus.” The list could go on and on. Peter knows what he’s asking the elders to do because he’s been doing it himself.

Further, he says that he is “a witness of the sufferings of Christ.” Now this one perplexed me a little bit. It perplexed me because we don’t know for sure that Peter was present to see Jesus' death on the cross. He might have seen it from a distance. But remember, he had denied Jesus and abandoned Him before Jesus was taken to the cross. He certainly witnessed some of Christ’s sufferings. But when the final hour came, we don’t know for certain that he was there to see it when it happened.

Still, even if he wasn’t able to see the crucifixion as it took place, Peter was a witness to the sufferings of Christ. But I think Peter is appealing to this in another way. As I was perplexed about what to make of this I was greatly helped by my friend and former pastor who noted that another way in which the apostles bore witness to the sufferings of Christ was in their own suffering for Him. Remember what Jesus told his disciples in Acts 1:8 just before his ascension––“you will be my witnesses.”

This was more than just bearing witness in word as they preached the gospel and proclaimed the eternal sovereign rule and reign of King Jesus. They also, as is borne out in the rest of the New Testament, bore witness to Him as they shared in His sufferings. Peter is writing to Christians who are being persecuted for following Jesus. And he wants them to know that he’s borne witness to the same kind of suffering, the suffering of Christ, in his own life. “I’m just like you guys. I’ve been experiencing the same sufferings of Christ that you have.”

Then, he refers to himself as “a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed.” Just like them, as he has endured sufferings, he can look forward with great anticipation to the hope of heaven. Just like them, as he shares in the sufferings of Christ, he knows that he will partake in the glory of Christ when He comes again on the last day. “I’m just like you guys––a fellow elder; a fellow sufferer; on the same pilgrimage to heaven as you with the same hope as you.”

Can you imagine how this must have encouraged these elders he’s addressing? There’s something about shared experience that binds people together. Many of you farmers experience this with one another year after year. I experience it with other veterans every time I’m around them. Also with fellow pastors that I have the privilege of fellowship with. There’s something about that shared experience––“I’ve been there too. I get that.”––that just encourages us to press on in faithfulness to what God has called us to do.

“I’m running this race with you. Let’s go. Keep going! Stay faithful.” What an encouraging thing this must have been and is for me. To those of you who are elders with me, I hope that it serves to encourage you as well as we fulfill our responsibility together at New Journey Church.

The Responsibility of Elders

Peter then turns to his exhortation. He exhorts them to fulfill their calling and responsibility as elders. What is the responsibility of elders? Look at verse 2––“shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight.” The responsibility of elders in the local church is to “shepherd” the flock. The verb there in the original is poimen which means shepherd, pastor, and feed. That is the responsibility and function of elders. Elders are pastors who shepherd the flock of God––the people of God gathered together as a particular local church.

More than innovation. More than creativity. More than administration. More than any other responsibility the world and many churches place on their pastor/elders, the utmost responsibility for the elders is to shepherd, pastor, feed the flock. We are to lead you into the vibrant green pastures of God’s Word. Earlier I referenced the character qualifications for elders laid out in places like 1 Timothy and Titus. Amidst those character qualifications there is one skill mentioned. An elder must be able to teach. He must be able to teach sound doctrine and refute those who contradict it.

Now, I feel the need to make all the more explicitly clear who these men are biblically and then specifically as it relates to us at New Journey Church. First, notice the three words Peter uses––elders, shepherd, overseer. Different denominations and churches have tried to separate these out into three distinct roles. Such that you have a sort of hierarchy of elders and pastors and overseers with differing functions and levels of authority in relation to one another. But that would be totally foreign to what we see plainly laid out in the New Testament.

In the New Testament these words are used interchangeably for one office. We see that here in 1 Peter 5 as the elders are to shepherd the flock, exercising oversight. We see it in Acts 20:28 when Paul summons the elders of the church in Ephesus and he tells them “pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for (shepherd/pastor) the church of God.” Elders are shepherds/pastors are overseers. Three terms referring to one and the same office in the local church.

So what does that mean and look like here for us at New Journey Church. Who are the elders? This is not just me––praise the LORD! It is not just me and Pastor Tyler. It is all of the Shepherds of New Journey Church––Luke Lundell, Larry Roed, Bo Buehler, Nathan Fultz, Tim Hanson, Tyler, and myself. Those are the elders, the shepherds and pastors, of New Journey Church. Shepherding and exercising oversight together of this particular flock known as New Journey Church.

All of us bear this responsibility together. Myself and Tyler certainly may carry a bulk of that responsibility as those set apart to do this work full time. Nevertheless, we share this responsibility with these other godly men. And I know that I speak for both me and Tyler that we are immensely thankful to share that load with these men. It is a joy to come together as elders and open the Word together and pray for all of you and pray for wisdom as we shepherd and oversee this particular church family that has been entrusted to us.

Don’t miss that point––the church being entrusted to us for shepherding care and oversight. It’s not our church. It’s God’s church. It’s God’s flock. This church belongs to Jesus. He purchased you with His own blood. And He commands us to shepherd, pastor, feed His sheep until He comes again. What does that entail? What does that look like day in and day out in our life and ministry together? There’s a lot that could be said, but I love what is given to us by way of this shepherd and sheep imagery in Psalm 23.

The Good Shepherd takes His flock to green pastures to be well fed and nourished. He leads them beside still waters, that they can drink and find rest from their wearisome journey. He carries two things for the good of His sheep––a rod and a staff. The rod was used to defend the sheep from danger outside or any that might slip past his defenses and get inside. The staff was used to guide the sheep into the right path. Sometimes needing to nudge them when they're going where they shouldn’t or behaving poorly and get them back on the right path.

One prominent and tangible way this happens is in the ministry of the Word from this pulpit. Paul exhorts young pastor Timothy––amidst the difficulty of ministry he faced in Ephesus––above all “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:2) He told him to “devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.”

We open the word of God to the people of God––whether it be in the pulpit, the Sunday school room, the fellowship tables, or over the phone or in your home––and we feed you the lifegiving, soul nourishing Word of God that is able to save your souls. Sometimes that will take the form of encouragement. Other times it will require the hard work of rebuke and admonishment. Either way, all of it intended for your good and shepherding care that we would all grow up into greater maturity in Christ together.

Loved ones, let me ask you, do you open yourself up to this kind of shepherding? Or do you hide from it? Do you say, “Pastor, give us the Word that we might grow up all the more in Christ?” Or are you hoping to slip in unnoticed and hear something that will make you feel good about yourself and build up your self-esteem so that you can slip out and continue to go your own way? I hope it's not the latter.

Loved ones, church life is where “it’s none of your business” goes to die. We are all sheep who need to be shepherded, pastored, fed from the Word of God by faithful men given to us by God for our good and growth in Christlikeness. It is for your good and for your joy in Christ. Don’t hide from this good that is intended for you. Open up your life to your pastors and shepherds and give us the great joy of shepherding you through this pilgrimage known as the Christian life. Allow us to lead you into the luscious green pastures of God’s Word and don’t resist it.

To further aid in understanding how the elders are to shepherd, Peter offers three clarifying statements, each stated negatively then positively. First, elders shepherd the flock “not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you.” It’s not to be a drag or drudgery or done out of some sense of “I have to do this.” An elder who shepherds the flock honors the Lord and His people when he says “I get to do this! What a privilege!” He’s the kind of man who willingly immerses himself in the task of shepherding the sheep because he loves the sheep.

Second, the elders are to shepherd the flock “not for shameful gain, but eagerly.” Though it is good and right and biblical to financially support your pastors who devote themselves to this ministry full time, no man should seek to be an elder for the money. Nor should any man be elevated to the role of elder who’s doing so in order to gain status and recognition. A man who’s authority hungry and an attention hound has no business being an elder in the church of God. But he is eager. Eager to do spiritual good to the sheep for their joy and the glory of God.

Third, the elders are to shepherd in such a way that is “not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” The elders are not to lead the church in dictatorial or authoritarian fashion. We open the Word. We lovingly call you to obey the Word. We make decisions that lead us collectively in greater faithfulness to the Word. We humbly and gently lead the way, setting the example in obeying the Word. Including setting an example of repenting when we don’t obey the Word.

Oh how important this is. Setting an example for the flock. Nobody wants to follow or should follow someone who says “do as I say, not as I do.” But what a joy it is to follow the man who can earnestly say as Paul did, “follow me as I follow Christ.” Those are the qualities that ought to mark the elders among us as they lead us through all the ups and downs of life and ministry together. And for such men there is great reward.

Look at verse 4––“And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” I love that first part in reference to Christ, the chief Shepherd. Shepherds of NJC, we are merely undershepherds called to set the example of following the chief Shepherd who bought us and all the flock with His precious blood. We are merely undershepherds whose authority goes no further than that of the chief Shepherd. And if we remember that and follow His lead as it is laid out in His Word for us we “will receive the unfading crown of glory.”

To be honest I’m not 100% sure what to make of that. Commentators were pretty evenly split. I lean to simply think this is a reference to the reward all Christians will receive who persevere faithfully to the end. The unfading reward of eternal life. Elders demonstrate their new life in Christ and perseverance in the faith by shepherding the flock in this way. And for all who persevere by God’s grace to the end there will be ceaseless pleasure and joy in the presence of God for all eternity as we worship and enjoy Him forever together.

The Response to the Elders

The last thing I want us to see is the response to the elders. We won’t spend long on this. Peter turns from addressing the elders and addresses the flock. He says there in the first part of verse 5––“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders.” Now this was another part that stumped me as it does others. What does Peter mean by the younger? Is it literally just young people, or perhaps even young men as some people have understood it? If so, why would he single out just the younger as those who need to submit to the elders?

The other option is some take this to be a reference to those younger in spiritual maturity––the entire rest of the church outside of the elders. This would line up well given that we know the elders was a particular identifiable group of men who were advanced in spiritual maturity and qualified to lead the church. Not just those who were more advanced in age. Timothy was an elder as a younger man and told him don’t let anyone despise you for your youth.

Good arguments can be made either way. It makes sense either way. Peter may literally mean those who are younger. We all know this experientially I think. When we’re younger we often have a hard time submitting to those in authority over us. When you’re young you think you know everything. You read a book or took a class, or saw a youtube video and so you have no need to be taught or led by anyone. You just want to be left alone to go your own way. I tell people all the time the older I get the more I realize how little I know. Age tends to humble you.

On the other hand, it accords well with the rest of the New Testament that Peter is referring to the church as a whole. In places like Hebrews 13:17 all Christians, regardless of age and life experience, are commanded “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.”

God has gifted to each congregation men who are shepherding and watching over your souls for your good. And we do so knowing that one day we will have to stand before the Lord and give an account for you. We will be held responsible in some way for how we shepherd you. Which means we do not take this responsibility lightly. We literally do so in fear and trembling before the Lord. Every decision we make is immersed in the Word of God and bathed in prayer with thoughtful care as to what’s best for you and most pleasing to God.

The response to the elders is one of submission. Following their example insofar as they follow Christ. Cooperating with them in the way they seek to shepherd and guide you and the church as a whole. When and if there’s misunderstanding or confusion, asking questions in humility, respect, and gentleness. Opening the Word and seeking to better understand the direction we’re shepherding in. And as we’ll see next week, all of us are to be clothed in humility toward one another. Shepherds and church members. Humbly following the chief Shepherd together.

Conclusion

Loved ones, this is how we will endure these days together. This is how we honor God. By following His design and order for the local church. And when we do it brings us together in a Christ exalting unity that shines all the brighter with gospel clarity amidst the difficulties we face together in life and ministry this side of eternity. We’ll never do this perfectly. There will be missteps and mistakes. We’ll have to repent when we get things wrong. We’ll have to confess our sins to one another and forgive one another.

But, by God’s grace, we can and will grow in this way all to the praise of His glory. So, loved ones, Seek order and unity together under the leadership of godly elders who love Christ and labor for your joy together in Him.