Leaders and Lords

V.1:

Peter didn't command, he exhorted (urgently urged or cautioned).

He didn't claim authority or rule over other pastors (so much for Peter being the first pope). Instead, he identified himself as one of them.

He also identified himself as a witness of the suffering of Christ.

He was using his experience, not to claim authority, but to gain credibility.

Peter affirmed the assuredness of his salvation and hope.

We, as Christians, can learn from Peters example.

When appealing to our brethren, we don't need to usurp authority (whether based on our position in the church, or because of our experiences etc.).

We need to reach out to others in love and a sense of urgency.

We should use our position or experience to build credibility with those we are trying to reach, but not as a means to usurp authority.

We don't command others to do things, that's not our job. We are simply to present wise counsel.

In this case, Peter gave them reason to believe that he was capable of providing that counsel… his personal experience with Christ.

Likewise, our experiences increase our ability to minister to people.

One reason that God allows us to suffer trials, is so that we can use those experiences to help others. 

Matthew 10:27 

Matthew 10:27 NKJV

“Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops.

Just as Peter affirmed his salvation and hope, we should be clear to provide a message of hope to those whom we are reaching out to.

V.2:

Peter admonishes the elders to "Shepherd" the flock. It means they are to watch over and care for their congregation.

He tells them to be overseers. They have a great responsibility.

Pastors have a great responsibility.

James 3:1

James 3:1 NKJV

My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.

While there are many Godly pastors, unfortunately, there are also many who should not be in a pastoral position, who are leading people astray.

We should be on the lookout or false teachers, and able to discern them.

1 John 4:1-3

1 John 4:1–3 NKJV

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.

The Bible has much to say about false teachers. They are wolves, but they come in dressed as harmless sheep.

They are smooth talkers, and preach to itching ears.

They spread false doctrines, and destroy the very foundations of the church.

They are far from being shepherds. They are one of Satan's favorite tools.

The greatest threats aren't from the outside, as those threats are clearly seen. 

No, the greatest threats come disguised as harmless sheep.

The motives of a true shepherd will be pure, but the motives of a false teacher are always self-centered.

It's only natural for the false teacher to be self-centered, because he is not Christ-centered!

If you are Christ-centered, you cannot be self-centered!

V.3:

We have only one Lord, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ!

Just as in the example that Peter gave us at the beginning of this chapter, the true shepherd will not be an authoritarian, he will be humble and meek.

The true shepherd will set the example, rather than rule by force.

There are churches where the pastor has complete control, and he rules everything.

Beware of a church like that, because Christ is not the one in control of those churches… no matter how biblical they sound.

V.4:

This promise is to those pastors who reflect Christ. Their reward will be an everlasting crown of glory!

The Bible talks about different crowns, which are awarded for different reasons.

A crown of righteousness. (all who love His appearing).

A crown of life. (martyrs, and those who endure temptation)

A crown of glory (pastors)

The crowns that we earn are imperishable, and we will one day lay them at the foot of God’s throne.

Revelation 4:10-11

Revelation 4:10–11 NKJV

the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.”

None of these crowns would be possible had Christ not worn the crown of thorns.

But…

When Christ returns to rule, He will wear many crowns, and a crown of thorns will not be one of them.

Revelation 19:12

Revelation 19:12 NKJV

His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.

Are these the crowns that were placed at the foot of the throne?

Although I can't be dogmatic, I do believe that some of the crowns that Jesus is wearing will be those crowns.

This is the Greek word diadem, and it refers to royal crowns. Jesus will return as King of Kings.

And, as supreme ruler, His crowns comprise all of the diadems of earth and heaven.

I don't think it unreasonable that when Jesus comes to avenge the blood of His saints, that He would wear their crowns.

After all, any crown that is placed on the head of Jesus is a royal crown!

Regardless, the message to the elders is clear. We are to lead not rule.

We are to shepherd the flock, not fleece the flock. 

We are to set the example and and be ready to minister to and protect our congregation from the lies of Satan and the world. 

Only then will we receive a crown of glory. 

What better motivation for selfless service! What better motivation for keeping the faith in the face of suffering and temptation