Attitude of a Shepherd and God's Flock

Introduction

So much of what we see today is wrong regarding the attitude and role of a shepherd and God’s flock. Our thoughts about the Christian Church are often influenced by the actions of false teachers and their followers, not the true Church of Jesus Christ. Today, I want to look at the attitude of a shepherd and God’s people through the lens of 1 Peter 5:1-5 to identity a small portion of what the apostles taught.

1 Peter 5:1–5 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. 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.”

Peter’s Exhortation

1 Peter 5:1 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:

Peter exhorts or urges (strongly persuade)

Peter identifies himself as a fellow elder and a witness of the suffering of Christ (most likely current suffering as a Christian for the sake of the gospel or witness Jesus’s ministry), as well as a partaker (sharer) in the glory that is going to be revealed (the return of Jesus)

1 Peter 1:3–7 ESV

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 4:12–13 ESV

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

Command for the Elder’s

1 Peter 5:2–4 ESV

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.

The elders are commanded to shepherd God’s flock—although they are in a position of authority over God’s people, the people are not theirs

There are 3 negative directives in the form of “not’s” followed by 3 positive directives in exercising oversight (care) for God’s flock

not under compulsion (pressure/distress) but willingly (in a manner disposed or inclined toward something; deliberately; intentionally)

not for shameful gain (fondness of dishonest gain) but eagerly (freely; keen interest or intense desire to do something)

not domineering (exercising dominion or control over someone as his/her master) but as examples to the flock—there is only one example a Christian is told to mimic and that is the LORD Jesus Christ.

Jesus is the Chief Shepherd. Elders must understand this.

Unfading crown of glory—reward or recognition of honor for faithful service to God as shepherds of His people

Command of Humility

1 Peter 5:5 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.”

The younger members or new converts are to be subject to the elders. This does not mean to allow oneself to be dominated but be subordinate to those who lead in a godly manner

To all, this includes elders, put on the clothes of humility and demonstrate that toward one another (cultivating an attitude of humility toward on another)

Conclusion

Understand we all belong to the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ

There is an unfading reward when Christ is revealed

We must cultivate an attitude of humility toward one another

The attitude of a shepherd is one who willing, eagerly serve God and His people while being an example to the flock.