Shepherding the flock of God.

NOTE: 1 Peter 4:12-19 reminds the believers in the Roman provinces not to be surprised when they experience testing and trials. We must remember that this is God’s sorting out process for those who are genuinely part of the flock of God and those who are not.

I’m sure many of us, if not all of us have experienced some kind of poor leadership from those who are spiritual shepherds within the Church.

Often I take young would be pastors to James 3:1 before they willingly take on the role of shepherd pastor of the Church

James 3:1 ESV

1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

Looking at the Qualifications for an Elder/Pastor

1 Timothy 3:2–10 ESV

2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil. 8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.

All Christians will stand before Christ to have their works tested by fire.

1 Corinthians 3:13–15 ESV

13 each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. 14 If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

What James is speaking about in James 3:1 is the fact that those who desire to be shepherds or guardians of the flock of God will be judged more harshly by how they have handled the position that God has allowed them to have as elders and overseers of the Church. Therefore, those who have used the pulpit for their own gain, motives, and position of power, on the day of judgement will stand empty handed before their king.

Structure of the Local Church

Peter’s office in the early Church was that of an Apostle. It’s interesting that he here calls himself an elder. In the new testament Church at the top is God the Father, who then delegates all authority in Heaven and earth to His Son, the head of the Church. His Son, in turn, authorized some to speak with His authority, the Apostles. When he appointed Apostles he said, “he who receives you receives me.” Criteria to be an Apostle was to have been a direct disciple under the teaching ministry of jesus and an eyewitness of the resurrection. The other and most important was to of had a direct appointment to the office by Christ Himself.

NOTE: No one today could possibly meet the criteria of an Apostle today.

Peter is more specifically making them aware that their ministry of church leadership is an extension of his own and therefore, deriving the authority of the elders from that of the apostles. Peter personally understands their responsibilities, their fears, and the pressures and responsibilities that they must bear as an elder/pastor.

He is not asking them to do anything that he himself is not willing to do.

Churches had elders;

the elders were shepherds; and

the elder-shepherds were charged with the oversight of the flock.

Big Idea: The Shepherd is measured by the sheep he keeps.

You measure a man’s ministry, not by how many people he stuffed in the building, not by how many people he reaches. You measure the effectiveness of a man’s ministry by how Christlike his people are. That’s the only measure. Have they come to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ? And there’s only one tool for this, and it is the Word of God.

The measure of any ministry is the maturity of that congregation

Most people love to keep score. It doesn’t matter if it’s your favorite team lighting up the scoreboard, tracking the ebb and flow of the political season, or simply watching the numbers roll until it’s your turn at the deli counter. There’s something reassuring about quantifying success, popularity, or even just our place in line. Perhaps more than in any previous society or culture, numbers matter to us.

Sadly, that emphasis on numbers has crept into the church. Today it feeds the worst aspects of evangelicalism’s celebrity culture, as the supposed quality of a pastor’s ministry is measured in book sales, television appearances, and Twitter followers. When popularity is the measuring stick for success in ministry, nothing matters more than the size of the crowd a pastor draws.

ILLUSTRATION

We live in a Church culture where Pastors are elevated to a place of elite status and above certain tasks within the Church that they were never meant to be. Haitian cultural view of the Pastor is somewhat different. There are certain tasks that appear to be beneath the pastor to do. It would appear that in our Western churches we also see this problem arise.

ILLUSTRATION

Film Portrays Good Shepherd Protecting His Flock

In the film Greyhound, actor Tom Hanks plays the captain of a US destroyer that is commanding the escorts of a 37-ship convoy. They are crossing the Atlantic in 1942, at the height of the “Battle of the Atlantic.” The story focuses on the three-days that the convoy is in the “Mid-Atlantic Gap,” where they do not enjoy the benefits of air-cover. The convoy is subjected to relentless attack by a U-boat “wolf pack.” The U-boats sink seven ships from the convoy and one of the accompanying escorts. The escorts in turn sink a number of the U-boats. The majority of the convoy makes it through, delivering essential troops and supplies.

The intensity of the combat is unrelenting. Hanks is on the bridge of his ship throughout. A running motif of the film is that he never gets to eat. His stewards keep preparing him food, and bringing it to him, but when it arrives there is yet another attack and the food almost invariably crashes to the deck. In a poignant scene towards the end, he changes his boots for slippers because his feet are bloodied by standing for such a long period.

The film is based on the book The Good Shepherd by C. S. Forester, and the title indicates the spiritual symbolism of the story. Hanks’ character is clearly a committed Christian, who is shown praying at his bedside, and he has a prominent sticker of Hebrews 13:8 in his cabin.

Possible Preaching Angle:

C. S. Forester must have realized convoy escort duty is a good parallel for the work of Christian ministry. Pastors and leaders are called to protect their flock from the attacks of the enemy and ensure that they reach their destination safely.

3 Ways shepherds are to Shepherd

-Not under compulsion,

+but voluntarily according to the will of God.

-and not for selfish gain

+but with eagerness

-not lording it over those in the flock

+but proving to be examples to the flock

1. Shepherds should willingly lead the flock.

Why does Peter begin this section by telling elders to exercise their oversight “not under compulsion, but voluntarily”? Why would someone follow the course of being an Elder or Pastor if they did not want to do so?

NOTE: There is a sense in which it would appear that some within the Church are feeling like the work of the Elder is not something that they really want to do. They are feeling forced do do it, when they would rather be doing something else. It would seem the bigger picture here is in counting the cost for following God’s call to be an Elder/Pastor. When it becomes dangerous or difficult to be the Shepherd of the flock this is when we see those who would rather run away from leading the flock.

We know that only what is done willingly is pleasing to God. Our motives play a huge role in our actions.

CULTURAL CONTEXT: I have always wondered about those who possibly seem to to remain in the position of Pastor or Elder out of obligation, or leave the ministry after at first appearing to be called into that position.

WHY?

Shepherds are vulnerable to Persecution

The leaders of the flock are the most visible and sometimes the most vulnerable. If you are the shepherd of a suffering flock, you will be among the first to fall. That’s the way it was in the early Church. Early on James and Peter were leaders of the whole Church. Stephen was killed in Acts 7; and James was killed in Acts 12; and Peter barely escaped the sword of Herod by a miracle.

4:12 These Churches were about to go through a fiery ordeal, and it is understandable that the elder-shepherds might look for another job that is safer and less dangerous.

Shepherds are vulnerable to God’s Judgment.

NOTE: The end of 1 Peter 4 states “that it is now time for God’s judgement and it begins with the house of God.

There is a scary reference for Elders in Ezekiel 9 it describes the way God brought judgement on his people once before. He not only began at the house of god; he began with the elders.

Ezekiel 9:4–6 ESV

4 And the Lord said to him, “Pass through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in it.” 5 And to the others he said in my hearing, “Pass through the city after him, and strike. Your eye shall not spare, and you shall show no pity. 6 Kill old men outright, young men and maidens, little children and women, but touch no one on whom is the mark. And begin at my sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the house.

It has been God’s way of bringing judgement on his own people by beginning with the house of God, and in the house of God he begins with the shepherds/elders.

Sermons from John Piper (1990–1999) How Elder-Shepherds Prepare to Meet the Chief Shepherd

So it’s not surprising that the elders in the churches of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bythinia might have been reluctant to exercise oversight. So Peter says exercise your oversight “not under compulsion, but voluntarily.”

How do you know if someone is called to be a Shepherd/Elder?

A Test of a true Elder/Shepherd is how they handle danger

What happens when the flock is threatened, how does the shepherd work to protect the flock from outside danger.

NOTE: Danger and difficulty is one of the greatest tests of a true elder/shepherd.

John 10:10–13 ESV

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

NOTE: Jesus is the good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. If we follow the example of the good shepherd as Elder/Pastor then we understand our calling to care for and protect the flock. When we see anything that would come into the flock and do it harm it is our responsibility to protect it, even if that means with our life.

The presence of danger and difficulty tend to separate the hirelings from the shepherds.

Peter makes it clear in 1 Peter 2:25 who the chief shepherd is, “for you were straying and have now returned to the chief shepherd of your souls. This reminds us that the flock is God’s and not ours to control or manipulate however we feel it should be driven. With this fact in view shepherds are to tend it willingly because they are eager to serve God and do His will.

Sheep Recognize Their Shepherd's Distinct Call

Barbara Brown Taylor in The Preaching Life (Cowley, 1993), p. 147; submitted by Kevin Miller, Wheaton, Illinois

In Palestine today, it is still possible to witness a scene that Jesus almost certainly saw two thousand years ago, that of Bedouin shepherds bringing their flocks home from the various pastures they have grazed during the day. Often those flocks will end up at the same watering hole around dusk, so that they get all mixed up together—eight or nine small flocks turning into a convention of thirsty sheep. Their shepherds do not worry about the mix-up, however. When it is time to go home, each one issues his or her own distinctive call—a special trill or whistle, or a particular tune on a particular reed pipe, and that shepherd's sheep withdraw from the crowd to follow their shepherd home. They know whom they belong to; they know their shepherd's voice, and it is the only one they will follow.

There is a clear difference between shepherds who are following the chief shepherds voice when he calls. The true shepherds of the flock of God know who they belong to. They know whose they are and they follow the clear distinct call of their shepherds voice.

NOTE: Peter strongly warns against two possible motives for being an elder-shepherd even when your heart is not in it.

2. Shepherds should not lead the flock for their own selfish gain.

NOTE: Those who make the ministry a means to get rich. In other words they make it all about the money.

Philippians 1:21 is more than a quote on a coffee mug, it should be our life’s motto.

Due to the overwhelming abuse of financial gain from televangelist of the 80’s and now the prosperity gospel today, it becomes a very contentious subject when you talk about money and the pastorate. The N.T. however, does have a great deal to say about it. Look at what Jesus told his disciples.

Matthew 10:8–10 ESV

8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. 9 Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food.

Jesus say’s don’t take any money with you or supplies, the implied expectation is that ministers should not look at their calling as merely a job or means to get rich, but the expectation is that they should be supported with what they need for life and ministry. Here is what Paul had to say about the matter.

1 Timothy 5:17–18 ESV

17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”

The gospel ministry is not merely seen in the N.T. as a hobby or something that someone did on the side. Those shepherding the flock should expect to be able to support themselves and their family. However the point Peter is making here, is that the pastor who is constantly more concerned about building their wealth, or their 401k than the ministry should not expect to get rich from the ministry. However supporting the pastor and his ability to minister to the flock should include, books, computer, study space, ability to host people in their homes.

This text is not pointed at whether or not to support pastors financially in the gospel ministry. If a Church who benefits from the ministry and chooses not to support the ministry, this shows a low value they place on the gospel and it’s ministry. Look at what Jesus says.

NOTE: Pastors should continually check their own hearts and motives. Greed and self-interest should never be a motive for entering the ministry, this should always be guarded against.

3. Shepherds should not lead the flock driven by power and control.

ILLUSTRATION

Super Bowl MVP Accepted His Backup Position

Former QB for the Philadelphia Eagles and Super Bowl MVP, Nick Foles got to play late in the 2017 regular season and go on to win it all thanks to an injury to starter Carson Wentz. After the surprising Super Bowl win, starter Wentz was ready to play during week 3 of the 2018 season and Foles was once again relegated to backup.

There was a lot of debate regarding Foles as the backup. Should the Super Bowl MVP really be relegated to backup? Long time, knowledgeable football fans, ex and current players and coaches all were adamant that their choice--Wentz or Foles--was the right and smarter one.

Many people were surprised that Foles took his relegation back to backup so well. In his 2018 book Believe It, Foles writes:

What they saw as a riches-to-rags sports story, I see as part of God’s divine plan. I’ve said all along that my desire is to play for God’s glory, not mine, and that’s exactly what I plan to do. My unique path from backup to Super Bowl MVP to backup again is a powerful message to share with people, and God has given me an ideal platform to do that from. To cheerfully return to a backup role after reaching the pinnacle of the sport contradicts everything the world tells us about success, fame, money and self-worth. To me, it’s a tangible reminder that we are called to humility and to a life of service…. Some people might think I deserve a better deal, but it’s not about what I deserve. It’s never been about that. The truth is, I’ve already been given far more than I deserve--a wonderful family; a job I love; grace and forgiveness; great friends, coaches and teammates. Everything I have is a gift from God, and I’m thankful for all of it. I am where I am now because of God’s grace, and I’ll continue to follow wherever he leads.

NOTE: Not domineering over those who are in their charge but being examples to the flock which then shifts the attention away from inward motivation to outward behavior.

NOTE: This is a harsh, forcefully ruling over, subduing, and can carry with it the harsh excessive use of authority.

Lording it over, implies that the elder-shepherd is driven by the love of power. He gets an ego or high from flaunting his power, authority, and prestige over people. He needs to be upfront, he desires the best seat in the synagogue, as Jesus said. He likes to be addressed with titles. He craves the praise and dependence of men. He uses his position like a politician who measures his word as to gain favor from people and enhance his security in his lofty position.

THE PASTORS DOWNFALL IS COMPARISON LEADING TO ENVY

SERMON ILLUSTRATION

The Deadly Social Media Sin of ‘Comparison’

Envy: According to Moya Sarner at The Guardian this deadly sin is more present in our everyday lives than ever before, thanks to social media. ... She writes that not only do we compare ourselves to friends and neighbors (as people have always done), but now, online, we measure up against people all over the globe, celebrities and strangers, friends of friends. One therapist, has coined this “comparisonitis,” an emotional sickness which can’t be intellectualized or curbed by willpower.

Furthermore, Sarner writes, “No age group or social class is immune from envy.” Ethan Kross, professor of psychology at the University of Michigan who writes, “envy is being taken to an extreme.” We are constantly bombarded by “Photoshopped lives”, he says, “and that exerts a toll on us the likes of which we have never experienced in the history of our species. And it is not particularly pleasant.” Sarner concludes: “While we are busy finding the perfect camera angle, our lives become a dazzling, flawless [but hard shell], empty inside but for the envy of others and ourselves.”

The Shepherd should lead as an example to the follow

Test the shepherd in their whole life. Are they examples for the flock? Is their public oversight a show, or does their whole life prove their authenticity. Are they the same person in and out of the pulpit or public eye. Is their public life merely a show, or does their whole life prove their authenticity? Is there a public shepherd and a different private shepherd.

What about his family and his finances and his hospitality and his discernment and reputation among spiritual people and those outside?

NOTE: Those in leadership positions in the Church should realize that the requirements to live a life worthy of imitation is not optional - it is a major and important part of the job, challenging through this responsibility might be.

The Shepherd finds his motivation in the unfading crown of glory

What keeps the shepherd motivated to do what they do?

What keeps them going should never be the love of money and power. Trust me there are so much easier paths to take then to take on the role of a shepherd or pastor. What keeps them going is that when the chief shepherd comes, he is going to call us to account and say,

Did you feed my sheep?

Were you vigilant over the souls of my sheep?

Did you seek my lost sheep?

Did you guard the deposit of truth?

Did you stand watch against the wolves?

Did you love the flock?

When the chief shepherd comes, with him will come his everlasting reward: the unfading crown of glory. And that will be enough for the elder-shepherd. God is building something wonderful at The Journey Church. We have already seen God use the ministry at The Journey Church to call people into all kinds of ministries as elders, deacons, pastors, and missionaries. You are all a part of it.

The Crown: We see the victors crown that Paul mentions in

1 Corinthians 9:25 ESV

25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

or the golden crown given by a Roman general to soldiers most valiant in battle, or a crown worn by a king. The indication is that this is the crown given to those who would receive a particular recognition, or reward for some kind of unusual above and beyond the call.

We also read about the 24 elders in Revelation who have golden crowns which they cast before the throne of God. Revelation 4:4-10 these are seen to be marks of honor to be possessed by particular individuals, not by all. There are other passages of scripture which suggest a kind of ‘crown’ that will be given to all believers.

PRAY - DREAM - BE READY - GOD IS BUILDING AND CALLING - LISTEN FOR HIM

Gladiator (Maximus played by Russel Crow)

‘What we do in life echoes in eternity.’ – Maximus (Gladiator)

John 21:15–19 ESV

15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

CLOSING

Whatever we do in this life it is all to bring glory to God.

More and more pastors are coming to the realization that they will be held accountable with how they have lead the flock

“He will tend his flock like a shepherd.”  Isaiah 40:11

“Jesus, the good shepherd, will not travel at such a rate as to overdrive the lambs.  He has tender consideration for the poor and needy.  Kings usually look to the interests of the great and the rich, but in the kingdom of our Great Shepherd he cares most for the poor. . . . The weaklings and the sickly of the flock are the special objects of the Savior’s care. . . . You think, dear heart, that you are forgotten, because of your nothingness and weakness and poverty.  This is the very reason you are remembered.”

C. H. Spurgeon, Treasury of the Old Testament

Shepherd or Sheep: Whichever you are at this point in your journey we all have a part to play in the good Shepherds plan for His Church.