admin – Page 18 – Ministry of Grace Church

Author: admin

1 Peter 5:12 – Standing Firm

Posted on March 19, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 5:12

By Silvanus, our faithful brother as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand.

Truth to Learn

It is only by God’s grace that we can firmly stand in Christ.

Behind the Words

The Greek word for the name “Silvanus” is Silounou, which is an alternate spelling of Silon or “Silas.” It is most reasonable to assume that this person is none other than Silas, the one who accompanied Paul on much of his missionary travels. He is mentioned numerous times through chapters 15, 16, 17, and 18 of the book of Acts.

The expression “as I consider him” is an unfortunate translation of the Greek word logidzomai, which means “to reckon” or “to put to someone’s account.” This is the same word that appears in James 2:23 where it is translated as “counted to him,”

And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness, and he was called the friend of God.”

Peter is not speculating about Silvanus’ faithfulness, he is absolutely confirming it.

Meaning Explained

This verse and the two that follow are the closing salutation of this letter. Peter indicates that he believes this is a fairly short letter; “I have written to you briefly…” He tells us at the beginning of this verse that this letter is by Silvanus. As mentioned earlier, this is Silas who is commonly accepted to be the same Silas who accompanied the Apostle Paul during much of his missionary travels. But what does Peter mean, “by Silvanus.” Some believe that Silvanus (Silas) was the scribe who wrote the words which Peter dictated to him. Others believe that he was the messenger who carried this letter to the believers in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia (see 1 Peter 1:1). Either one or both of these may be true, though we don’t really know for sure. It certainly would make sense for Peter to send this letter to these churches by Silas, since he travelled with the Apostle Paul through much of this area (current day Turkey), and these Christians knew Silas.

Peter then tells his readers that he, himself, is exhorting and testifying that which is contained in this letter is a representation of the true grace of God. That is, Christianity is the one true religion, not Judaism, nor paganism, nor humanism, nor any other “ism.” It is this true belief in Jesus Christ by the grace of God in which we Christians stand.

Some translations have this last phrase as a command, “Stand firm in it!” This is because there is a variant reading regarding the tense of the final word of this verse. One Greek version has this as a command and another expresses this in the perfect tense implying completed action with a resultant state of being. The important thing is not the tense of this verb, but the fact that it is only by God’s grace that we can stand firm in Christ.

Application

Is that where you are today, firmly standing by the grace of God? Do you recognize that you cannot earn your salvation? The only way we can be righteous in God’s eyes is by His gracious gift of salvation. And, God’s grace, through the blood of Jesus Christ, is greater than our sins.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, you can call the church phone (618) 614-3070 and leave a message telling us your name and e-mail address or you can send an e-mail to:

1 Peter 5:11 – Our Eternal God

Posted on March 18, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 5:11

To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Truth to Learn

God is mighty in position and power, deserving of our worship now and for all eternity.

Behind the Words

The word translated “glory” is doxa, (from which we get our English word, doxology). The meaning of giving glory to God is, “ascribing to Him His full, rightful and deserved recognition.” Contained in the idea of giving God glory are the notions of praise, worship, and obeisance (an act of recognition of another’s superiority).

The word translated “dominion” is the Greek word kratos, which literally means “strength” or “might,” but it carries more of the meaning “especially manifested power” or “dominion.” It is, again, a recognition of God’s superiority in terms of power and authority. It is recognition that God is great and powerful having supreme authority and power, and we are small and weak having little, if any, authority and power.

The expression “forever and ever” comes from the Greek eis tous aionas ton aionon, which literally means “unto the ages of the ages.” An age refers to a period of time or the collection of events within that period of time. The Greek expression, eis ton aionon (unto the ages) is interpreted as “unto eternity” or “until the end of the ages.” The added tous aionas in today’s verse changes the meaning of this expression to “throughout all of eternity,” meaning that it doesn’t stop when time ends and eternity begins, rather it continues on throughout all of eternity.

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse starts with “To Him.” The obvious question is “To whom?” The answer lies in the first part of yesterday’s verse, “The God of all grace.” So, we could read today’s verse as, “To the God of all grace be the glory and the dominion throughout all eternity. Amen”

Peter is, as we all should be, ascribing praise, worship, and reverence to the one who is most powerful and mighty and who shall be so throughout all of time and eternity!

He closes his benediction with the word amen, which is not a Greek word but a Hebrew word. It is not simply a formula type word for ending a prayer as we so flippantly use it today. In the New Testament it is often translated as “verily” or “truly.” Its most basic meaning, however, is, “this is true with absolute certainty!” It is not so much a period on the end of a prayer as it is an exclamation point.

To the God of all grace be the glory and the dominion throughout all eternity. Amen

Application

How easily and carelessly we toss about a verse like this. Think about what it means. First of all, we are recognizing that God is supreme and we are but lowly creatures. By implication we are recognizing that He is the one who made everything that exists out of nothing. Next, we are saying that He deserves recognition for who He is, and that recognition includes worship and praise. Finally, in expressing this, we admit that He transcends time and that His exalted position will continue long after time has ceased. This is truth!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

1 Peter 5:10 – Temporary Suffering

Posted on March 17, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 5:10

But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

Truth to Learn

God will use our suffering to make us complete in Him.

Behind the Words

The word translated “all” is pas, which as we saw in verse seven means “all” or “the whole.”

“Perfect” is from the Greek katartidzō, meaning “to complete or repair thoroughly.”

The word translated “establish” is stēridzō, which means “to set securely” or “to turn resolutely in a certain direction.”

The word “strengthen” is from the Greek sthenoō, which means “to give bodily vigor or strength to.”

And the word, “settle” is from the Greek themelioō, which means “to place firmly on a foundation.”

Meaning Explained

Now Peter gives us a few more words of encouragement lest we think that we are fighting this battle alone. He tells us that even in the midst of our suffering, the God of all grace will do something for us. He is not simply a gracious God (the God of grace) but the God of all grace. The implication is that there is no grace which does not come from God.

Peter goes on to tell us that not only does He bestow favor on us that we don’t deserve, but he also invites us to approach His eternal glory. Approaching this glory is only possible for us because of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. This is the glory that James, John, and Peter got a glimpse of at the transfiguration:

And after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. (Matthew 17:1,2)

God has invited us (called us) to come and see His glory! According to Peter, this same God will complete, securely set, strengthen, and firmly place us after we have suffered a little.”

God will not stop His work until He has absolutely completed what He wants to accomplish in us. God will establish our position in Christ, firmly and securely. God will make us spiritually strong. Our position in Christ will be built “on Christ” as we are used by God to build his church of which Christ is the chief cornerstone.

All of this will be done to us when? Peter says, after you have suffered a while. The word translated “a while” is oligon, which literally means “puny in degree or duration.” That is to say, our suffering here under God’s divine providence will be insignificant when compared with what is promised us in eternity.

Application

Though the suffering that you may be undergoing right now seems to be almost more than you can stand, God will use the suffering to bring you to a more Christ-like condition, and He will use it to bring glory to Himself. And … when we reach heaven, we will look back on the suffering and say, “Now, that wasn’t so bad after all!”

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

1 Peter 5:9 – Brotherhood of Suffering

Posted on March 16, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 5:9

Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

Truth to Learn

You are not alone in your suffering for Christ.

Behind the Words

“Resist” is translated from the Greek word anthistēmi, which is a compound word made up of anti, meaning “against” and histēmi, meaning “to stand.” Hence, it literally means “to stand against.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command. It is also expressed as a plural verb, indicating that it is to church members collectively, not individually.

The word “steadfast” is from stereos, meaning “firm” or “solid.” Figuratively, it means “strong” or “immovable.” It also carries the idea of compactness. This is an adverb, modifying the verb anthistēmi. Since the verb is expressed in the plural, this implies that Christians are to “close ranks,” put on a solid front of resistance, and stand firm against the Devil.

“Sufferings” is translated from the Greek word pathēma, which means “suffering.” The –ma ending means that this is referring to that which is suffered. In other words, it refers to the feelings you experience as you suffer.

The expression “are experienced” is from epiteleō, which is a compound of epi, used as an intensifier and teleō, meaning “to complete.” It is expressed as a present infinitive, implying that the suffering is continually being accomplished throughout the body of Christ.

Meaning Explained

Beyond simply being alert and vigilant regarding our opponent the Devil, as we saw in yesterday’s verse, we are to work together with other Christians to resist him firmly.

Joining this part of today’s verse with the previous three, we see that we are to … allow ourselves to be humbled under God’s mighty hand, without worrying, being alert and vigilant regarding our enemy, and when we do encounter our enemy we are to stand firmly against him in the faith. And what happens when we do this?

Therefore submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

When we try to stand against the Devil in our own strength, we are certain to fail, but if we stand in the belief that God is with us, and we are humbled under His mighty hand, Satan doesn’t want anything to do with us because he knows that he is certain to fail. Peter then finishes off this verse with a word of encouragement,

knowing that the same afflictions in the world are being completed in your brotherhood.

We always seem to be able to withstand hardships a little easier if we know that we are not being singled out for the pain. Not only does God know what we’re going through (in fact it may be part of His plan), but we are not alone. There are other Christians who are undergoing the same suffering we are now.

Application

Are you feeling the pain and anguish of faithful suffering right now? As a Christian, you know that God is aware of your pain and there are other Christians who are feeling the same pain and anguish as you. Why not take a minute to pray for them!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

1 Peter 5:8 – Stay Alert!

Posted on March 15, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 5:8

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Truth to Learn

Stay on the alert and don’t be intimidated by our accuser.

Behind the Words

“Sober” is translated from the Greek word nēphō, which means “to abstain from wine” or “to be sober.” Metaphorically it means “sober minded.” In other words, thinking clearly and not allowing your mind to be clouded by any distractions. It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command.

The word “vigilant” is translated from, grēgoreuō, which means “to keep awake” or “to be watchful.” This word is also expressed in the imperative mood, indicating that it is not merely a suggestion, but a command.

Meaning Explained

Peter has told us how to behave when we are suffering under affliction which has been brought on by the providence of God. We are to allow ourselves to be humbled and we are to toss all of our worrying onto Him. Lest we think that enduring suffering is a passive event, however, Peter now tells us what action we are to be taking. We are to be sober minded and vigilant even while we are being humbled.

That is, we are to keep our minds clear from distractions; we are to remain sharply focused on God and to be ever watchful. The implication is that we are to be constantly on the alert for some impending danger. Why? Because “our adversary, the devil walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” The word translated adversary means “opponent,” particularly an opponent in a legal battle. The word “devil” is the Greek word diabolos, which literally means “accuser.” But why did Peter use legal jargon referring to Satan? Because we are in a legal battle with him! He is constantly accusing us of being unrighteous.

for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. (Revelation 12:10b)

And our accuser is walking about like a roaring lion. This verse does not say that the devil is a roaring lion; it says he is like a roaring lion. Have you ever watched a courtroom scene where the prosecuting attorney is roaring at the defendant trying his (or her) best to intimidate the defendant? This is precisely what Satan is doing in front of the great Judge of all creation right now. Fortunately for us, we have the best defense attorney in all of creation. In 1 John 2:1 it says:

And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

So, as we are humbled by God and we toss our cares upon Him, we need to be alert and watchful. We are to keep ourselves from succumbing to temptation because there is one who is watching for us to stumble so that he can accuse us before the Father. But, when that does happen, our advocate presents His own blood as evidence of our righteousness.

Application

Do you feel like you are under attack or that there is an adversary making threatening noises against you and what you believe? If so, be humbled, quit worrying, think clearly, and be ever watchful, resting in the arms of our loving Savior.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

1 Peter 5:7 – No Worries, Mate

Posted on March 12, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 5:7

casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Truth to Learn

God is interested in our well being, so why are we worrying?

Behind the Words

The word “casting” is translated from the Greek word epirrhiptō, which is a compound of epi, meaning “on or upon” and rhiptō, which means “to fling or toss” (not a hard throw like a “hurl” but a gentle toss). So this word means to “toss something on” like you would toss a small stick on a campfire. This word is expressed as an aorist participle, indicating an action done once and for all.

“All” is translated from a form of pas, which means “all.” However, this word does not mean all as in “all of them,” but all as in “the whole.” It’s a subtle but distinct difference meaning that we are to cast all of our ability to worry on Him.

The word translated “care” is the Greek word merimna, which means “concern or worry.” It is derived from meris, meaning “something divided” or “a piece.” The implication is that it refers to anything that divides our attention from God.

The words “cares for” are translated from the Greek verb melei, which means “to be of interest to” or “to take care of.” This word is expressed in the present tense, active voice, and indicative mood implying current continuous action.

Now, if we tie this all together with the previous verse, we get:

Therefore, be humbled under the mighty hand of God, so that He may exalt you in time, tossing all your worrying onto Him, because He is taking care of you.

Meaning Explained

We are often quick to ask God for help with the things that worry us. But like so many other areas of our lives, we want Him to take care of them while we continue to hold on firmly. I like the idea of “tossing” all of our worrying on Him because it requires a release on our part. If we simply hand it to Him, we can still hold on and “help God” with it. Tossing it requires that we let go.

“But what if He doesn’t do anything about it?” you may ask. That’s where faith comes in. If we truly believe that nothing is impossible with God and that He loves us with an agape-type love and is truly concerned for our well being, then He will do what is ultimately best for us and what brings the most glory to Himself. That may mean that we have to suffer regarding those very things we have been worrying about. This is the very notion of suffering for righteousness’ sake that Peter has been talking about throughout this entire letter. But let it be God’s choice, not ours.

The bottom line is that we must allow ourselves to be used by God in the manner that He decides is best. That takes faith … That means allowing ourselves to be humbled … That means a complete commitment to God and His will.

Application/Challenge

I know a person who worries so much that she gets worried when she realizes that she doesn’t currently have anything to worry about. That’s not living by faith. That’s not allowing oneself to be humbled before God. Let me challenge you to go through an entire week accepting whatever God puts in your path, humbly accepting it from Him and giving Him the Glory.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

1 Peter 5:6 – Humbled Exaltation

Posted on March 11, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 5:6

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

Truth to Learn

Embrace humility and resist pride and let God lift you up.

Behind the Words

The word translated “humble yourselves” is tapeinoō. It refers to the act of being “brought low” or being “humiliated.” It is different from the word for “under rank” or “submit” (the Greek word hupotassō) that was used in the previous verses. The word for “humble yourselves” is expressed here in the passive voice meaning action that is done to you, rather than the middle voice meaning action that you do to yourself. So the proper translation is “be humbled.” It is also expressed in the imperative mood, meaning that we are commanded to be humbled.

The word translated “He may exalt” is hupsoō, which means “to be elevated” or “to be lifted up.” It is expressed here in the fairly rare telic subjunctive mood, which is used to express purpose. That is to say that God’s purpose in humbling you is so that He might exalt you.

“Mighty” is from the Greek word krataios, which is a derivative of kratos, meaning “power, dominion, or strength.” Hence, krataios refers to God’s powerful or strong hand.

Meaning Explained

This verse is a little tricky, so let’s look carefully at it in order to get the full meaning. This verse says that we are to allow ourselves to be humbled, to be brought down a notch or two. It refers more to a state of mind than to a state of being. Humbleness, as used in today’s verse, is something that we feel rather than something that we do. This is contrary to what our sin nature and the world system wants of us. The Apostle John tells us that the makeup of this world system is:

… the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. (1John 2:16)

The pride of life is just the opposite of humbleness. Peter has been talking about suffering for righteousness’ sake and has even said that at times this is brought on by the providence of God. When God brings suffering to you, be humbled! Don’t be defiant and shake your fist at God, declaring, “This isn’t fair!” Be humbled!

The next phrase tells us why, “that He may exalt you in due time …” In other words, God’s purpose in humbling you right now in your suffering is so that He might exalt you in His time.

This is a real key verse, along with the next verse, in responding properly to situations in which we are caused to suffer. God does not do these things capriciously or without a purpose. If we allow God to be in control and allow ourselves to be humbled by God, in time He will lift us up and ultimately He will glorify himself!

Application

Are you just looking out for good ol’ number one right now, or are you allowing yourself to be humbled? God resists the proud, but He gives grace to the humble. Do not resist humility, embrace it! In His time He will lift you up, and He will receive the glory!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

1 Peter 5:5 – Humble Submission

Posted on March 10, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 5:5

Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Truth to Learn

Submission is the key to life within the Body of Christ.

Behind the Words

The word translated “younger people” is neōteros, which is a form of neos, meaning “new in relation to time.” This could be referring either to more youthful members of the church or those who are younger in Christian maturity.

The word translated “submit yourselves to” is hupotassō, a word we have looked at before. This word means “to under-rank oneself.” It is the same word used of wives and employees who are to submit themselves to their husbands and bosses.

The expression “be clothed with” (some translations have “put on”) is a translation of the Greek word egkomboomai, which means to put on clothing. It is particularly used of an apron which is a symbol of servitude. This particular Greek word is written in the imperative mood, indicating a command, and in the middle voice, which means that it is an action which we are to do to ourselves. We are not to do it to others or have others do it to us.

Meaning Explained

Any verse that starts off with a connective word or phrase (therefore, wherefore, in the same manner, likewise, similarly, etc.) requires the reader to pay special attention to the preceding verses to glean the full meaning. This verse starts off with “Likewise” (some translations have this as “In a similar way”), so we need to see what this verse is tied to. Peter has just been talking to the pastors (elders), instructing them how to treat the flock under their care. They are to take on the task willing, eagerly, not as dictators, but as examples. This is a picture of humble leadership.

Now Peter turns his attention to younger ones in the congregation. Peter tells them that, in the same manner as the pastor is to exercise his office (with humility and submission to the Chief Shepherd), they are to submit themselves to the elders of the church.

Peter is telling the congregation that it is their responsibility to voluntarily submit to the authority of the pastor, having just told the pastors how to treat those under their care. This is further corroborated by the following expression, “be submissive to one another.” This is a beautiful picture of the Church of Christ willingly submitting to one another as situations dictate, recognizing that we are all subjects of the God of all creation.

Why are we to submit to each other in the church and to clothe ourselves with humility? Peter tells us, ‘”because God resists the proud (ones) but gives grace to the humble (ones).” Do you want to receive the fullness of the grace of God? Peter tells us that submission is the key!

Application

Whether you are a church leader or a church member, it is your responsibility under God to be submitted to others in the Body of Christ. Members are to be submissive to the elders and the elders are to be examples by submitting to the Chief Shepherd.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

1 Peter 5:4 – Unfading Victor’s Crown

Posted on March 9, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 5:4

and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.

Truth to Learn

There is an unfading reward awaiting those who faithfully lead.

Behind the Words

The expression “Chief Shepherd” is translated from the Greek word archipoimēn, which is made up of archi, indicating high rank and poimēn, meaning “a shepherd.” Hence, this word refers to “the high ranking shepherd.”

“Crown” is translated from stephanos, from the verb stephō, meaning “to put around” or “to encircle.” This is the word used of the victory crown given to the winner of athletic games. It was typically woven of leaves and, as a result, would eventually fade away.

The expression “that does not fade away” is from amarantos, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” and a form of marainō, meaning “to extinguish.”

Meaning Explained

With today’s verse Peter finishes up his exhortation to pastors. God recognizes that being a leader in a church is a very difficult position. The pastor has responsibility for the spiritual care of those whom God has appointed to him, but he has no lordship over them. He is not the boss and only has the oversight of those in his care while they remain in his flock. He is to lead by example and teach with authority. It is easy to see why many pastors fall into one of two traps, either becoming autocratic and bossy, or succumbing to the pressures of the vocal minority and submitting to their will instead of the will of the Chief Shepherd.

It is a fine line that a pastor has to walk, one that requires dedication, perseverance, and constant communion with and submission to the Author and Finisher of our faith.

God recognizes the difficulty of this position and offers this verse of encouragement to all of those who shepherd a flock, whether it is large or small. When the Chief Shepherd appears, those who have labored in the pastoral position will receive a reward in the form of a crown, an unfading crown of glory.

Crowns are spoken of throughout the New Testament as rewards for faithful believers, not just pastors. A few of these crowns are spoken of in: 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; and Revelation 2:10.

And what will we do with these crowns? We will cast them at the feet of the Lord of Lords and King of Kings because only He is worthy of the honor.

the twenty-four elders fell down before the One sitting on the throne. And they worshiped Him who lives for ever and ever, and threw their crowns before the throne, saying, O Lord, You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because You created all things, and for Your will they are and were created. (Revelation 4:10,11)

Application

We should all look forward with anticipation to the day when we will join together in the presence of our Holy God and cast our crowns before Him. Truly, He is worthy!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

1 Peter 5:3 – Example, Not Dictator

Posted on March 8, 2009 by admin

1 Peter 5:3

nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;

Truth to Learn

The pastor (or elder) of a local congregation is to be an example of Christ, not a dictator over the local church.

Behind the Words

The words “being lords over” are a translation of the Greek word, katakurieuō, which means “to exercise dominion over” or “to rule over.” It is a compound word made up of kata, which means “down upon” and a form of kurieuō, which means “to have dominon or rule over someone else, like a lord or master.”

“Entrusted” is a translation of the Greek word klēros, which originally meant “a little piece.” It actually refers to a “die” or a “lot.” This was a little piece of wood or stone with an individual’s mark on it. It comes from the Greek custom whereby a die (or lot) was taken from each person, put into a container, shaken violently, then the first one that was poured out indicated who was chosen by the gods for a particular function. From this custom we get our expression “the die (or lot) is cast.” This word later also came to be applied to “an inheritance” or “something assigned to a person.”

The word “examples” is translated from the Greek word tupos, which literally refers to “the scar or impression left by a blow or strike of a die.” Figuratively, it refers to a person who has the form or resemblance of someone else, hence the translation “example.”

Meaning Explained

In today’s verse Peter continues with his thought from the previous verse. The pastor (elder) is to shepherd the flock and oversee it for unselfish reasons and, as he says in today’s verse:

not lording it over those entrusted to you, rather being examples to the flock.

The elders in the church have not been given the position of “boss” or “master” of the flock. On the contrary, they have been placed there to shepherd the flock, to care for the sheep, to feed them, to pray over them, and to be an example to them of how we are to live as children of the King of Kings.

The significant thing about the presence of the word klēros in today’s verse is that it refers to those (people) who are allotted to a pastor by God’s divine appointment: the congregation of the local church under an elder’s care. As much as we sometimes like to think that the growth of a church is due to our great teaching and preaching, everyone in a congregation is there because God has placed them there.

The message Peter is giving to pastors (elders) is that we are to oversee the local congregation (placed under our care by God) as under-shepherds of the Chief Shepherd. We are not to be rulers or dictators, rather examples of how the flock is to live in relationship to Christ, the Chief Shepherd.

Talk about a tough job description!

Application

Does this describe your pastor? Is he an example of humility and does he demonstrate a close, personal daily walk with God? If so, you are blessed and you should thank God for him! Sometimes, it’s a thankless job.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –