The People of God (D6)

Lesson Six: The People of God – A Serving People (5.1-5; 4.7-11).

We all are to be servants of God – all of us who have been saved by grace. It is interesting how the theme of service runs throughout First Peter. We could outline the book under this theme. The saved are called to serve. We serve as we are sanctified. We serve because God has selected us. We serve as we are submissive, and we serve through suffering.For the purpose of this study we will concentrate on the teachings if and 5.1-5. We will also note related verses.NOTE: (4.10): This is our stewardship: “minister to one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” or “God’s varied grace.” “Stewards” come from the Greek οἰκονόμος (oikonomoi) which originally meant house manager.(1) Each is responsible according to the gift he has received (4.10).(2) Each is responsible for the ability God has given (4.11).

We all are to be servants of God – all of us who have been saved by grace. It is interesting how the theme of service runs throughout First Peter. We could outline the book under this theme. The saved are called to serve. We serve as we are sanctified. We serve because God has selected us. We serve as we are submissive, and we serve through suffering.

We can serve God...

For the purpose of this study we will concentrate on the teachings if and 5.1-5. We will also note related verses.

1. …as We recognize The Serious Nature of Christian Service (4.7).

NOTE: (4.10): This is our stewardship: “minister to one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” or “God’s varied grace.” “Stewards” come from the Greek οἰκονόμος (oikonomoi) which originally meant house manager.

Note: “Self controlled” and “Sober-minded” in Greek means “Sound judgement” and “sober spirit”.a. We are to be sober because the end of the age is drawing near.b. We are to be sober through watchful prayer.

(1) Each is responsible according to the gift he has received (4.10).

2. …as We Recognize We are all Gifted for Christian Service.

(2) Each is responsible for the ability God has given (4.11).

a. Every Christian is gifted to serve God (4.10). “each one has received a gift”i. All of us serve as witnesses (5.1). (See and 10.39).ii. All of us serve through love (4.8).iii. All of us serve through cheerful hospitality (4.9). b. Every Christian is gifted differently. i. 4.10-We are all gifted variously “varied (esv) or “Manifold grace”ii. 5.1-2 illus. that some are shepherds. c. Every Christian represents Christ as he/she Serves.Note: 4.11-“Speak as the oracles of God.

We can serve God...

3. …as We Recognize the Right Motive for Christian Service...Glorifying God!

1. …as We recognize The Serious Nature of Christian Service (4.7).

Our service is to be for the glory of God. “that God may be glorified through Christ Jesus (4.11). Also see 1.7; 2.11; 4.14; 4.16; 5.11.God is glorified as we:a. Speak for Him (4.11). (And we will!)b. Minister for Him (4.11). (And we will!).c. Live for Him (4.8-9).d. Worship Him (4.7)e. We serve with the right attitude.i. We are to serve willingly (5.2). “not under compulsion, but”ii. We are to serve honestly (5.2). “not for shameful gain”iii. We are to serve eagerly (5.2). “of a ready mind”iv. We are to serve humbly (5.3). “not domineering over”v. We are to serve by example (5.3) “examples to the flock”f. We serve is his strength (4.11).KJV-“ability”, (Greek iskuos)

Note: “Self controlled” and “Sober-minded” in Greek means “Sound judgement” and “sober spirit”.

a. We are to be sober because the end of the age is drawing near.

b. We are to be sober through watchful prayer.

2. …as We Recognize We are all Gifted for Christian Service.

a. Every Christian is gifted to serve God (4.10). “each one has received a gift”

i. All of us serve as witnesses (5.1). (See and 10.39).

ii. All of us serve through love (4.8).

iii. All of us serve through cheerful hospitality (4.9).

b. Every Christian is gifted differently.

i. 4.10-We are all gifted variously “varied (esv) or “Manifold grace”

ii. 5.1-2 illus. that some are shepherds.

c. Every Christian represents Christ as he/she Serves.

Note: 4.11-“Speak as the oracles of God.

3. …as We Recognize the Right Motive for Christian Service...Glorifying God!

Our service is to be for the glory of God. “that God may be glorified through Christ Jesus (4.11). Also see 1.7; 2.11; 4.14; 4.16; 5.11.

God is glorified as we:

a. Speak for Him (4.11). (And we will!)

b. Minister for Him (4.11). (And we will!).

c. Live for Him (4.8-9).

d. Worship Him (4.7)

e. We serve with the right attitude.

i. We are to serve willingly (5.2). “not under compulsion, but”

ii. We are to serve honestly (5.2). “not for shameful gain”

iii. We are to serve eagerly (5.2). “of a ready mind”

iv. We are to serve humbly (5.3). “not domineering over”

v. We are to serve by example (5.3) “examples to the flock”

f. We serve is his strength (4.11).

KJV-“ability”, (Greek iskuos)