Sermon Tone Analysis

Every bit of Suffering as a result of obedience to God’s will has meaning.

This suffering is not meaningless.

This Suffering is producing a peculiar Glory that you will get as a result of suffering in obedience.

v.1

If you recall the way we finished chapter 4 we heard about the judgement that all will face.

So chapter 5 opens with therefore and Peter identifies himself as a fellow elder.

He does not use the term apostle but he identifies himself with those he is writing to as a fellow elder.

In this, he knows that he as well is saved with difficulty and that suffering will take place.

He then says elder and witness to the sufferings of the Messiah.

Do you remember what had taken place between Christ and Peter when Christ was suffering?

Peter had denied Christ 3 times.

This reminds us and the readers of what kind of witness Peter was to Christ crucifixion.

He was one who’s courage failed.

Peter here demonstrates for us humility as a leader.

He points us back to one of the most humiliating times in his life.

This also reminds us of Christ restorative work in Peter’s life.

Peter failed Jesus and Jesus restored Peter.

And also a participant in the glory about to be revealed.

I just love this phrase.

There is a difference between an audience member and a participant.

I have experienced both being a participant playing sports and being an audience member.

Given the option I want to be a participant.

Peter says also as participant in the glory about to be revealed.

This is active.

This also describes it as now.

Peter’s full restoration from sin is available now through Jesus Christ.

Peter does not have to wait to be restored but Peter is a now participant in the Glory that is about to be revealed!!!!

This Glory is both now and future.

Notice he says the Glory about to be revealed.

He is not only thinking of the Glory he is partaking or participating in now but also the Glory that will be revealed when Christ returns.

v.2

Scripture calls the elders to shepherd God’s flock or Shepherd the sheep of God.

The verb Peter uses is the same one Jesus used when he said to Peter, Tend my sheep in John 21:16.

This is when Jesus restored Peter.

The way the Holman Christian Standard Bible puts not in front of overseeing tricks my mind just a little.

The emphasis of the word not is for out of compulsion.

It helped me to look at the ESV

You can see the instruction is clear for the elders to exercise oversight.

Some instruction about this oversight is given.

I like Calvin’s Summary of this section

In exhorting pastors to their duty, he points out three vices especially which are often to be found, namely sloth, desire for gain, and lust for power.

Grudem, W. A. (1988). 1 Peter: an introduction and commentary (Vol.

17, p. 195).

InterVarsity Press.

Not out of Compulsion but Freely

Pastors and Elders should never serve with the attitude that well I guess no one else will do it so I will.

It should never come because of obligation or because someone has to do it.

It should be done because the pastor or elder has freely and willingly chosen to carry out this valuable work.

According to God’s will

No one should ever be pressured into accepting a church office which they don’t really want to have.

God wants willing servants

Not for money

That is not for shameful gain.

Money should not be the driving factor for ministry.

It can never be a nice side hustle.

It is not wrong for Pastors to be paid as we see that clearly in other parts of scripture but money should never be the driving factor behind why a pastor becomes a pastor or why a pastor stays a pastor.

The pastor/elder should always guard against greed and selfish gain.

Eagerly

This is a positive emotional desire to do the work.

This is a decision of the will to do the work.

Love what you do! Enjoy the journey.

Like what you do.

Not Lording it over

Power

forcefully ruling over, subduing, harsh or excessive use of authority

This word depict bringing something into subjection by the use of force.

Peter forbids the use of arbitrary, arrogant, selfish, or excessively restrictive rule.

He implies that elders should govern not by the use of threats, emotional intimidation, or flaunting of power, nor generally by the use of ‘political’ force within the church, but rather by power of example whenever possible.

Being examples to the flock

Leaders should live in such a way that others can follow or imitate.

Leaders follow Jesus and set an example for others to follow.

Leadership positions in the church should never be taken lightly.

Leaders are not perfect.

Leaders follow Jesus and life a life worthy of imitation.

This is not optional for leaders.

The reward

This is not an earthly reward.

Look beyond this present world when it comes to serving Jesus.

The reward is out of this world.

You serve as scripture has laid out and you will receive the unfading crown of glory

Which is better?

Serve now and get a reward that fades away

or

Serve now and receive a reward that is unfading

v.5

This whole passage has been speaking of Pastors/Elders in the church.

In this passage, this is not just a general statement of younger being subject to the older.

From the verses that surround this, we see that he is speaking for the younger to subject themselves to the leaders of the church.

I hope it is clear that the Pastors/Elders have responsibility of how they are to carry themselves by the previous verses.

When it is done in this manner, then it is easy to subject oneself to this type of leader.

He moves from the subject of Pastors/Elders to how everyone should treat each other within the church.

No one is exempt from this.

This includes church officers and non officers, young and old, new Christians and mature believers, children and adults, rich and poor.

Clothe yourselves with Humility

Humility is an attitude that puts others first.

Which includes but is not limited to desires, needs, and ideas of others.

Placing these as more important than your own.

It takes active energy to put on Humility.

(Putting of of a coat)

You have to choose humility