Fearlessly, Radically Righteous: Our Legacy

Good morning. Now turn in your Bibles to 1 Peter 5.

I am sure, that if you have been in the faith for any amount of time, there are those that come to your mind that really lived what they said they believed. Maybe a saintly grandparent or parent, a Sunday School teacher from your youth, a pastor or that person that was always there in the background faithfully serving Christ whatever way there were equipped to do so. There was somebody the Lord put in your life as an example. They weren’t perfect and we must avoid the temptation to place too much confidence in someone, yet we are given the Church for more than just having a social gathering on Sunday mornings. We should be grateful for these imperfect, yet faithful overall, brothers and sisters.

Consider yourselves and where you are. Who is looking up at you right now that will be able to say after you’re gone, “I want to be more like them”? Maybe it’s a child, a coworker, a student, someone is watching your life and asking themselves, “Is what I have better than what they say they have as a Christian?”

Peter has been teaching this flock of God’s sheep, (and us today,) how to suffer worthily for the name of Christ. Now, he turns his attention to specific roles within the Church with the same overarching theme. This is an exhortation for living fearlessly, radically righteous lives, to leave a legacy of worthy elders that lead faithful members in steadfast churches.

1 Peter 5:1–7 (NASB95)

Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed,

shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;

nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,

casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

The “therefore” of v. 1 returns our thoughts to the end of Ch. 4. There, we read of how believers are to expect trials. In those trials, they are to exult in Christ while experiencing the ministry of the Holy Spirit. This active work of faith brings them to a place of being able to evaluate their lives, measured against the standard of Christ. That healthy exercise takes them to the only logical conclusion, entrusting their souls to Almighty God. All of this is expected to practiced in the context of the local church.

Transition, summarizing 1 Peter 3:13-4:19

Looking back over these last several weeks in 1 Peter, we have been confronted each week with suffering well as followers of Christ. We have been exhorted to reconcile being called to live faithfully despite the open invitation the world feels it has to persecute us because the enemy, Satan, absolutely hates everything that brings glory to God.

Then we discussed how important it is that we, as Christ’s followers, are not willfully ignorant of the world around us. We are to be intentionally informed for the purpose of being able to pray intelligently, using sound judgement and sober minds through the desperate situation of so many. Whether the hurt of the abused, the injustice of the oppressed, the poverty of the poor, or sinful choices by those we love, even those that for inexplicable reasons walk away from the faith rejecting sound doctrine and forsaking a lifetime of ministry. There is much to pray over.

None of us could have imagined the events of last week when we we looked at 1 Peter 4:7 some time ago, “The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.” It certainly seems like the end must be getting closer. How much longer can humanity reject the goodness of God? How much longer can the vast majority not just simply reject the hope of the gospel, but actively work against it?

This last week has been extraordinarily difficult for multitudes people. The tragedies we observed from another devastating earthquake hitting Haiti, a country in perpetual turmoil and ceaseless unrest, just days before a major storm hits it. Thousands are dead. Thousands more mourn their loss in abject poverty most of us cannot imagine.

Then there is Afghanistan. What can be said? To simply excuse our government’s handling of our attempted withdrawal from there as an “embarrassment” diminishes the lives of men, women and children, especially girls, that now find themselves under a brutal and oppressive regime driven by the satanic religion of Islam. Our hearts are rightly broken by such loss and fear by so many people made in God’s image. It is inexcusable.

Transition to Block 1, Worthy Elders

Back in July, when I planned out the next several weeks of what was on my heart to preach, I looked forward to this passage before us today the most. After looking at how the hard lessons of how we are to welcome and walk through suffering, tribulation, fiery trials, I saw in these verses a refreshing exhortation and encouragement to leave after us an example, a lasting testimony. We are called to live lives that will leave a strong witness of, a powerful testimony to the grace of Christ lived out in our lives, our words, and our actions that those who come after us can look back to and see our faithfulness and be strengthened to make their own stands for their time and in their generations to be an example to those that will look to them. In short, a legacy.

Leave a legacy as worthy elders

Look again and vv 1-4:

1 Peter 5:1–4 (NASB95)

Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

This is a word for elders. That is, those called by God, affirmed by their church, to effectively lead a congregation. This has historically been understood as those set apart by a church that fulfill the requirements that Paul sets out in his first letter to Timothy and repeats to Titus (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9.) So, Peter addresses these directly, reminding them of their sacred call and the dire importance of living as faithful examples.

The “therefore”, as stated earlier, returns our thinking to what Peter wrote earlier, specifically, since judgement begins with the household of faith, 1 Peter 4:17 “For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God...” and that begins with the elders. Looking at Peter’s use of Ezekiel 9, where that prophet sees a vision of one who is to identify all those that are grieved by the sin of God’s holy city, Jerusalem, so that executioners can follow and destroy all those that are not marked. This was to begin with the elders in the temple of God, Ezekiel 9:6 “‘Utterly slay old men, young men, maidens, little children, and women, but do not touch anyone on whom is the mark; and you shall start from My sanctuary.’ So they started with the elders who were before the temple...”

This is indeed a serious thing.

This leading by elders is not, or should not, be like how the world values its leaders. Peter could have identified himself as one of Jesus’ closest friends, one of the three, he was “The Rock”. Instead, look how he claims his authority, “your fellow elder…a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed.” In other words, Peter says, “I’m just like you guys: another elder that will inherit the same reward as any one of you when Jesus returns.”

Now, he does state that he observed our Lord’s suffering — albeit from a distance because of the same fear that made him deny even knowing Jesus — so that’s special and warrants his role as an apostle with its inherent authority. Not only that, but he reminds the reader that Christianity is not some mystery cult steeped in pagan mysticism like the world religions all around them, (and us for that matter.) He states plainly that he witnessed Christ’s suffering. Christianity, is founded on truth claims, objectively true truth claims, of how God has revealed Himself, first through the prophets and ultimately through Christ.

Furthermore, Peter is himself an illustration of grace. As said earlier, Peter denied Christ, mere hours after boldly claiming he would never do such a thing. Despite that failure, Jesus is able to demonstrate His incredible grace and mercy by restoring Peter:

John 21:15–17 (NASB95)

...Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” [Peter] said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” [Jesus] said to him, “Tend My lambs.”

[Jesus] said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” [Peter] said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” [Jesus] said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.”

[Jesus] said to [Peter] 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 [Jesus], “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Tend My sheep.

That’s grace demonstrated to us that is abundant enough to restore any sinner to their God and Savior. Three denials, and three opportunities our Lord gave Peter to affirm his love for Him, and all of those chances to show that he loves Jesus in the context of how he is to “shepherd the flock”. Therefore, Peter is able to say to these fellow elders, undoubtedly with the memory of Jesus’ words to him all those years ago pressed into his mind. Now, after living the faith as an elder, Peter is able to more fully explain to elders:

1 Peter 5:2–3 (NASB95)

shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;

nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.

Notice the way Peter defines what an elder is. They are shepherds of a flock. Multiple other passages teach us how shepherds cared for their sheep. It was a dangerous, despised job. It was often lonely and filled with frustrations getting the more stubborn to follow what the shepherd knew was best for the whole flock. Shepherd would have to defend their sheep from wild animals seeking to devour them.

Peter gives them three principles to what this kind of shepherd-leader is to be like with three things they are to avoid:

They are to provide oversight, not out of obligation, but willing service

They are to fill the role with an eagerness to please God, not greedy and certainly not to enrich themselves through disreputable and despicable means, (think charlatans that “sell” blessings, demand “seed” money, miracle water, etc.)

They are to be examples of humble godliness, not domineering or tyrannical

The bottom line is simply, those with leadership responsibilities in the church do not have any option to live any other way but as good examples of godly living and faithful service, worthy to be identified with the Chief Shepherd, their Lord Jesus Christ.

O Christian, when we begin compromising biblical truth, to excuse things that are displeasing to the Lord, it becomes easier and easier to forsake the faith or claim the gospel is not enough. We must be diligent to keep the faith, to hold to God’s Word because it is a matter of life and death, literally.

Transition to Block 2, Faithful Members

Worthy elders are to live and lead in such a way that it is rightly said of them, that they are:

1 Peter 5:3–4 (NASB95)

...proving to be examples to the flock.

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Faithful service is to be rewarded with a tangible reward, a crown of glory, when Jesus returns.

Now, you might be sitting here thinking to yourself, “This all well and fine, but I’m not an elder or church leader, so this doesn’t really apply to me.” God calls those whom He calls into leadership. But just because you don’t occupy the office in the church now, doesn’t mean you won’t in the future. Certainly, none of use are excused from being an example to our families, to our neighbors, coworkers, anyone around us. Live your life now they way you want people to remember you when you’re gone.

To that point, Peter begins to address the members of the churches.

Leave a legacy as faithful members

1 Peter 5:5 (NASB95)

You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

The New American Standard, my version, addresses this first part to “younger men” suggesting it is only future elders that are to be subject to the current elders. That idea is of course incomplete at best. Your version may say something along the lines of, “you younger people, be subject to the elders…,” or, “accept the authority of the elders…” and such. The main point here is that elders are expected to live lives that are worthy of emulating. Further, those that are in their care are to be faithful, giving their leaders respect, heeding their direction, and doing everything they can to support that direction.

In our tradition, the congregation holds what is called self-government, or church autonomy. We do not have a central body that determines a congregation’s pastors or elders. Churches like this one determine their leaders for themselves. Now, having that responsibility also demands the congregation hold their leaders accountable. There are safeguards in place to prevent abuses that other churches may need to deal with. So, congregations like yours, need to ensure those that are charged with the oversight, care, and direction of the church are living accordingly to the standard Peter sets forth in the previous verses.

It’s not just the elders however, that need to be held accountable. Each one of us is to be accountable to one another. That is not an easy thing, especially when matters rising to the level of church discipline need to be dealt with. Therefore, Peter reminds us in the second part of v. 5:

1 Peter 5:5 (NASB95)

…and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

This humility is to be so evident in our lives, it is described here, as something as visible as an apron that would be worn by a servant. We must be humble. We are to be completely committed to one another in such a way that when one of us goes astray, there are brothers and sisters that can come around us, lovingly but firmly, pleading with us to repent and be restored. That kind of love shows the world a group of believers is not just a social club, but there is something much more profound.

Beyond that, there is the matter of pride we need to deal with as Peter quotes Proverbs 3:34. This is the detestable idea to God of human pride. Jesus tells a parable that condemns this delusion of prideful self-reliance:

Luke 12:16–21 (NASB95)

And [Jesus] told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man was very productive. And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’

Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.’ And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.’

But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’

So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

We must be diligent to live lives that are humble before God, confessing our absolute and total dependence on His sustaining grace. Acknowledging Him, giving praise and thanksgiving for how He is so rich towards us.

Transition to Block 3, Steadfast Churches

So far in 1 Peter we have seen ways Christians — i.e.: people that identify as disciples of Jesus Christ in belief and action, not just in name only — need to prepare themselves for facing a world that absolutely hates everything that glorifies God. On the other hand, consider the Christian that compromises their faith. Hear the strong word from James to those that would try to go along to get along:

James 4:4 (NASB95)

You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

A church comprised of faithful members under the watchful care of worthy elders will be a steadfast church.

Leave a legacy as a steadfast church

1 Peter 5:6–7 (NASB95)

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

As we saw in v 5, humility is one of those defining characteristics of a legitimate, healthy church. Unbelievers should be able to recognize it in us. It cannot be counterfeited by the enemy. Nor should it be faked by us like the “humble brag” or some other kind of outward show of faux humility.

Under God’s mighty hand, we are all the same. There, we are not elders or members, but sinners in need of God’s forgiveness and mercy.

Here, we are saved by the same grace through faith, united to Him through the same gospel.

Here, we are protected and shielded from the hate and vitriol of the world.

Here, we are sustained by God’s goodness that He lavishes on us, not because of who we are or in our self-reliance, but because of who He is.

It is humbling to admit total dependence on someone else, especially in our culture. By willingly subjecting ourselves to God, He will exalt us at the proper time when Jesus returns. Therefore, we can trust Him to be able to handle our needs, comfort our afflictions, and calm our anxieties, because He does care for us. This is how Jesus is able to continue in His parable in showing us the unreasonableness of anxious Christians who have the Almighty God who knows what we need and is able to provide far and above more than we could even know we need, (Luke 12:22-34).

Luke 12:22–34 (NASB95)

And He said to His disciples, “For this reason I say to you, do not worry about your life, as to what you will eat; nor for your body, as to what you will put on.

For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing…

And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life’s span?

If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters? …

And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not keep worrying…your Father knows that you need these things… Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.

Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

So, as we conclude, our lives should be so evidently, so radically righteous, that we are unmistakably children of God. We must live our lives as an example, a glorious legacy of the faithfulness of God, to those that will follow after us. O Christian, be a worthy elder or a faithful church member. Above all, pray and seek diligently, fervently, to maintain unity and fellowship in humility in a steadfast church.

Let’s pray