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1 Peter 5:1-4 Bible Study

1 Peter 5:1-4 "For Pastors...And Lay-People"

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.

Video Notes:

  • This passage is for pastors. However, seeing as this series has been focused on the whole congregation, I want to speak to the layperson, the congregation member. You are the ones who call pastors and serve with pastors. When you see messages for pastors, you shouldn’t skip over that part, you should pay attention. These are the things you look for when calling a pastor. These are the things to help your pastor with as those who serve with your pastor. Your pastor isn’t perfect. He needs people who will gently and graciously help Him to follow what God has given for him to do.
  • The pastor is to exercise oversight. If He isn’t, encourage him to do so. If He is, trust his leadership and don’t make his obedience to God’s command difficult.
  • He should be serving willingly. If you get the sense that he is serving more out of obligation than joy, then gently try to find out why and help.
  • The pastor shouldn’t be working for shameful gain. Being a pastor isn’t about making a name for yourself, or having the biggest church, or making a ton of money.
  • The pastor shouldn’t be domineering. The pastor should exercise oversight, but that oversight should allow and encourage the members of the congregation to live out their callings and serve in the church joyfully.
  • Finally, the pastor should be an example. Encourage him to spend time in the word and prayer. Encourage him to love those in your church and be in the community. Make sure he has the time and resources to do this and shift things around if he doesn’t.
  • All this is wrapped up with a promise of the unfading crown of glory at Christ’s appearance. 

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt