Fundamental Attitudes of the Regenerate Flock of God

Whether we verbalize them or not, some of us wrestle with some of life’s most essential questions. For those of us who are believers, these are second stage questions after we have come to terms with who we really are, sinners, not only because of what we do, but because of what we are, SINNERS. That was overwhelming especially when we understand the present and eternal consequences of our sin when we are accountable to God.

Please forgive me using this analogy, but for most of us learning the extend and consequences of our sins was bit like being told that we had an incurable disease from which we would eventually die, but not really die but pass into another, never-ending state, not purgatory, where the pain would be unbearable and again never-ending. BUT as overwhelming as that was, the one who lovingly explained that to us, also showed us from God’s word that God in His mercy offered an answer to our sin. Salvation through faith in Christ who had died in our place ....

Having been saved by grace through faith, it is fitting that the believer asks about what do we do now. That question is phrased various ways.

“What is God’s will for my life?”

“What does God want me to be?”

While these question seem similar, in reality, that are a bit different.. Please forgive me if this seems too introspective, but fundamental to understanding what God wants me to do, is being who or what kind person God wants me to be as a new creature in Christ.

Comparable to a job interview - “What kind person we are” is as important as “Can we do what needs to be done?”

When we are who we need to be, we are much more likely to know what we need to do and be able to do it.

“They’re good people!”

Having briefly explained what is meant to shepherd the flock of God; Peter went on to explain the essential attitudes/qualifications needed to shepherd the flock of God. Following that same pattern, Peter went on to explain the fundamental attitudes of the flock of God that would determine how well they lived together as a flock and allowed themselves to be shepherded. As to whether Peter’s list is exhaustive, I will leave it to you to decide, but it is comprehensive.

At first glance, this last segment of Peter’s epistle is addressed to “you who are younger”. And, so it is. But taken the context of Peter’s letter:

Those who are younger are not only younger in years, they are those who are not elders. It is assumed that they are not as mature spiritually. And it would seem that those who are the younger are more or less representative of those whom the shepherds are called to shepherd.

Some who might take the priesthood of all believers and the need for every member of the body of Christ to have an equal say in congregational decisions to the extent that they call into question any suggestion the spiritual attributes mentioned by Peter should be weighed and if found wanting addressed.

Throughout the Scriptures we are reminded that “believers” are expected to live in a certain way.

Psalm 25:8 ESV

Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.

Psalm 32:8–9 ESV

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.

Jeremiah 4:22 ESV

“For my people are foolish; they know me not; they are stupid children; they have no understanding. They are ‘wise’—in doing evil! But how to do good they know not.”

Hosea 4:6 ESV

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.

The NT is every bit as clear. New creatures in Christ are to live in a way that testifies of that old things have pass away, all has become new. When that was the case, reminders were called for. The church in Corinth needed those reminders. So did a number of the churches referenced in the NT. Only one of the seven churches referenced by Christ in the Book of Revelation not have some serious flaws that needed to be corrected. Christ’s admonish was,

Revelation 3:22 ESV

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ ”

Subjection - 5:4

Humility - 5:5-6

Trust - 5:7

Self-control - 5:8

Watchful/vigilant - 5:8

Firm faith - 5:9

Hope - 5:10

Worship - 5:11

Faithfulness - 5:12

Love - 5:13-14