Insights on Leadership From Peter

1 Peter 5:1–7 NKJV

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. 5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Peter was the natural leader of the apostles.

What Peter did, the others did; where he went, the others went.

His mistakes were many.

But his influence and leadership were profound.

Take care of your people ().

Recall Peter’s restoration by Jesus ().

Peter was not acting like a superior but like a fellow elder (vs. 1) sharing same burdens.

How?

1. Motivation ()

1 Peter 5:2 NKJV

2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly;

Willingly, not by force

Not from a sense of duty but because of love

helping others is to be done “as God wants,” not directed by personal preferences or desires

Cannot have $$ in his eyes (consider Judas)

2. Not Dictatorial ()

1 Peter 5:3 NKJV

3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;

a domineering manner

uncontrolled ambition

offensive talk

tyrant's talk

3. Worthy Example ()

1 Peter 5:3 NKJV

3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;

1 Timothy 4:12 NKJV

12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Leaders = assistant shepherd spirit

Whose flock? Christ Jesus, the Chief Shepherd!

Assistants working under Christ’s Authority

4. Humble ()

1 Peter 5:5 NKJV

5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

“Clothed with humility” - Slave tying on a white apron (Recall Peter’s refusal to let Jesus wash his feet)

Proud people don’t serve Him and others except themselves.

God opposes and obstructs proud people.

Humble leaders - God will add power and grace to the work.

Accept the discipline of God with humility ().

1 Peter 5:6 NKJV

6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

5. Heavenly Reward ()

1 Peter 5:4 NKJV

4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

6. Assurance ()

1 Peter 5:7 NKJV

7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

You are not alone!

God offers relief and support.

Caring