1st Peter 5:1-7 Class #10

Objective: 1) To examine the duties of elders, in their role as shepherds (pastors) and overseers (bishops)

Summary: The final chapter contains charges to elders and their respective flocks. As a fellow elder, Peter commands elders to shepherd the flock of God among them, serving as overseers. Doing so willingly and eagerly, they were to serve as examples to the flock. The younger members of the flock are then commanded to submit to their elders and to one another, with humility (1-5).

I. THE DUTIES OF SHEPHERDS AND THE FLOCK (1-5)

A. THE ELDERS’ DUTIES AS SHEPHERDS (1-4)

B. THE YOUNGERS’ DUTIES AS THE FLOCK (5)

II. THE DUTIES TO GOD AND SATAN (6-9)

A. DUTIES REGARDING GOD (6-7)

B. DUTIES REGARDING SATAN (8-9)

III.CONCLUDING REMARKS (10-14)

A. CLOSING PRAYER (10-11)

B. CLOSING GREETINGS (12-14)

1) What are the main points of this chapter?

- The duties of shepherds and the flock (1-5)

- The duties to God and Satan (6-9)

- Concluding remarks (10-14)

1 Peter 5:1–5 ESV

1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

2) How does Peter identify himself as he exhorts the elders? (1)

- As a fellow elder

- As a witness of the sufferings of Christ

- As a partaker of the glory that will be revealed

3) What is the duty of the elders? (2)

- To shepherd the flock of God among them

4) How were they to serve as elders? (3-4)

- As overseers

- Not by compulsion, but willingly

- Not for dishonest gain, but eagerly

- Not as lords, but as examples to the flock

Are Elders necessary to have as part of the congregation?

Tony Padgett - Yes - so much so that Paul left Titus in Crete "...so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— (Tutus 1:5). Any congregation that does not make a sincere effort to establish and ordain elders are not in order.

Walter Wiegand - Yes. The church must be organized as God intended. cf. Titus 1.5-9; 1Tim 3.1-7; God designated certain responsibilities to Elders giving them authority over the flock and the works of the deacons and evangelists. This order, focus and strength. The church as a whole is subject to the chief shepard/ Elder, Christ, the head of the church.

Cynthia Taylor - Yes. The scriptural organization of the church includes elders. We can point to scriptures such as Acts 14:23 where scripture states that they appointed elders in every church. Also in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9.

5) What reward can elders look forward to when the Chief Shepherd appears? (5)

- The crown of glory that does not fade away

Objective: 2) To note the importance of submission and humility in our relation to elders, one another, and God

Summary: They were to also humble themselves under the mighty hand of God and cast their cares upon Him, trusting that He would exalt them in due time because He cares for them. (6-7)

1 Peter 5:6–7 ESV

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

6) What twofold duty is enjoined upon those who are younger? (5)

- To submit to the elders and to one another

- To be clothed with humility

7) What were they commanded to do in relation to God? (6-7)

- Humble themselves under the mighty hand of God

- Cast all their care upon Him

8) Why were they to do this? (6-7)

- That God might exalt them in due time

- Because He cares for them

What is an Elder's relationship to look like with the congregation?

Mary Love - he should look like a person that CARE, for the members and the well being of the church, ready to jump in when and where he is needed. He should be honest, faithful, and spirit filled

Tony Padgett - One of utmost concern and compassion. They must keep the congregation's best interests (per God's will) in mind when making any decision on behalf of the Church. Above all else, demonstrate agape love and Biblical understanding.

Walter Wiegand - Elders relationship with the church is one of mutual respect, but I am not inferring equality. Just as we have seen throughout this 1 Peter, there is a hierarchy whereby everyone is in utlimate submission to Christ. The Elders must be an excellent example of living for Christ. They must listen and observe inorder that they may know how to best teach, lead, nurture, thereby tending the flock of God. Herding us all toward heaven!

Cynthia Taylor - The elders role is not to lord over the congregation but to serve. To shepherd and be good examples to the flock. They must be mature and faithful men. Also, as Titus 1:9 states they must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.