Shepherds and Sheep

Shepherd the Flock - 1Pet 5:1-4

Shepherd the flock (feeding, protecting, and leading)

feeding - the Word

Romans 10:17 ESV

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Acts 20:27 ESV

for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.

the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth

The Word of God, All of the Word of God, and little else

protecting - prayer and warning

Prayer -

Psalm 127:1 ESV

Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.

someone else can pray

I never mind praying

please pray for me

Psalm 66:18 ESV

If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.

Luke 22:31–32 ESV

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Warning

Pastors are like parents in that they are the God-ordained and supplied authority figures in your life placed for your protection

Inasmuch as you are not bound to acquiesce to everything they say, ignore their warnings at your own risk

leading

teaching / preaching

speaking cautious wisdom

Shepherd willingly, eagerly

God places a desire to do what He calls

Psalm 37:4 ESV

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 119:36–37 ESV

Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.

By example / not domineering

1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

Pastors must live as an example

Hebrews 13:7 ESV

Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.

Churches must watch and follow, so long as it is in Christ

Shepherds, shepherd the flock (feed, protect, and lead). Shepherd willingly, and be an example.

Humble Yourselves - 1Pet 5:5-7

Be subject to Elders

Hebrews 13:17 ESV

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.

Teaching, warning, leadership

Acts 17:11 ESV

Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

Clothe yourself in humility

Matthew 20:26–27 ESV

It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave,

Humble yourself

The Parable of the Wedding Feast

Luke 14:10–11 ESV

But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

This is not easy, but is the constant drum beat of the scriptures, precisely because our natures as fallen people are inherently prideful!

Be subject to the elders, clothe yourself in humility, and humble yourself

Resist the Devil - 1Pet 5:8-9

Be watchful!

this requires knowledge, wisdom, and alertness; none are our default

The devil prowls like a lion

devour… witness

The Screwtape Letters

Resist… in faith and knowing

to be firm in faith is not to be strong in self, but to cling desperately to the sufficiency of Christ Jesus

to be firm in faith is to quote scripture and sing songs of the faith when you feel you are most under attack

Knowing our brothers...

God will strengthen you - 1Pet 5:10-11

First, suffering

Then restoration - one great reason for the OT narrative is to prove God’s faithfulness to His people

Dominion - even over the suffering

Peace to all - 1Pet 5:11-14

The Providence of God in the sufficiency of scripture

Born to a living hope

Holy in all things

Be subject and Give honor

Be prepared

Shepherds and sheep

Matthew 24:35 ESV

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Peace to all who are in Christ

whether as a shepherd or as a brother, let us seek to bless all who are in Christ