You're in Good Hands

Don’t you love beautifully designed things?

Beauty

1 Corinthians 11:23–24 NET 2nd ed.

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night in which he was betrayed took bread, and after he had given thanks he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

1 Corinthians 11:25–26 NET 2nd ed.

In the same way, he also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, every time you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For every time you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Beautiful design

First, the Holy Spirit

Acts 2:16 NET 2nd ed.

But this is what was spoken about through the prophet Joel:

Acts 2:17 NET 2nd ed.

‘And in the last days it will be,’ God says, ‘that I will pour out my Spirit on all people, and your sons and your daughters will prophesy, and your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.

Acts 2:18 NET 2nd ed.

Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.

then...

Acts 2:36 NET 2nd ed.

Therefore let all the house of Israel know beyond a doubt that God has made this Jesus whom you crucified both Lord and Christ.”

Acts 2:37 NET 2nd ed.

Now when they heard this, they were acutely distressed and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “What should we do, brothers?”

Acts 2:38 NET 2nd ed.

Peter said to them, “Repent, and each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:39 NET 2nd ed.

For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call to himself.”

Second, the Word of God

2 Timothy 3:16 NET 2nd ed.

Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

2 Timothy 3:17 NET 2nd ed.

that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.

Third, the Church

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NET 2nd ed.

Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, just as you are in fact doing.

God has a plan (why elders are important)

I. It’s about being faithful

1 Peter 5:1–2 NET 2nd ed.

So as your fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings and as one who shares in the glory that will be revealed, I urge the elders among you: Give a shepherd’s care to God’s flock among you, exercising oversight not merely as a duty but willingly under God’s direction, not for shameful profit but eagerly.

1 Peter 5:3–4 NET 2nd ed.

And do not lord it over those entrusted to you, but be examples to the flock. Then when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that never fades away.

A. Their ministry - “Shepherd the Flock”

B. Their motive - “Not a duty, but an honor”

C. Their manner - “Shepherd, not ranchers”

D. Their reward - “Well done my good and faithful servant”

II. It’s about being humble

1 Peter 5:5–7 NET 2nd ed.

In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. And God will exalt you in due time, if you humble yourselves under his mighty hand by casting all your cares on him because he cares for you.

III. Stand the wall

1 Peter 5:8–9 NET 2nd ed.

Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour. Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering.

1 Peter 5:10–11 NET 2nd ed.

And, after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him belongs the power forever. Amen.

You’re in good hands - HIS hands

But then, there is the issue of trust...

1 Peter 5:12 NET 2nd ed.

Through Silvanus, whom I know to be a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, in order to encourage you and testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.

1 Peter 5:13 NET 2nd ed.

The church in Babylon, chosen together with you, greets you, and so does Mark, my son.

1 Peter 5:14 NET 2nd ed.

Greet one another with a loving kiss. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.