Honorable Duty Within The Church

Honorable Duty within the Church

1 Peter 5: 1-5

Peter had shared much with the church regarding their Christian lives among the world. They were challenged to build their lives upon Christ, the Corner Stone. Their lives were to be lived in light of their relationship with Christ, abiding faithful, even in the midst of opposition and suffering. The Lord had provided the example believers were to follow.

As Peter sought to bring his first letter to a close, he then addressed the Christian life as it relates to the church – being in submission to the Lord, following the guidance of the pastor, and living in humility and service to one another. Although this passage was written thousands of years ago, we are part of the same body of Christ. The principles and expectations Peter had for the church then remain relevant for the church today. As believers, we too are obligated to abide by the biblical instruction Peter left for the church.

As we examine the directives Peter gave believers, I want to consider: Honorable Duty within the Church.

I. The Declaration of Peter (1) – The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed. This statement prefaced the exhortation he would give to the elders within the churches. Through this statement, Peter revealed truth about himself. Consider:

A. His Position (1) – As Peter addressed the elders, he reminded them that he too was an elder within the church. While this word had often been used to refer to those who were senior by age, by this time it had become accepted as a title referring to the pastor or bishop of the local church. Scholars agree Peter was not merely referring to senior believers, but addressing those who held the position of pastor within the local church.

B. His Passion (1) – Peter was not only an elder, he was also a witness of the sufferings of Christ. He had walked with the Lord as a disciple of His. Peter was there as Jesus faced a mock trial by the Sanhedrin. He was an eyewitness to the abuse and suffering Jesus endured in order to provide our redemption from sin. The life and provision of Christ were not mere fables or legends. Peter knew the Lord had suffered and died upon the cross to provide salvation to those who were bound in sin, separated and condemned before God. He was now committed to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those he encountered. He was convinced that Jesus was the Christ, and man’s hope of salvation was found in Christ alone.

C. His Patience (1) – and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed. Peter was confident in his faith and the provision of all who come to Christ in salvation. While they faced great opposition and often horrific persecution for their association with Christ and the Gospel, Peter knew there was much more ahead for the believer. Those who are in Christ will also be partakers of the glory that one day will be revealed as we stand before the one who offered Himself as the atoning sacrifice for our sin. While death is certain here upon the earth, eternal life beyond the grave is certain by faith in Christ. Such hope and assurance allowed Peter to patiently endure the difficulties he endured while serving the Lord.

II. The Exhortation to Pastors (2-4) – Following a brief word about himself, Peter then addressed those who served in pastoral roles within the church. He spoke of:

A. Their Ministry (2a) – Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind. Peter mentioned the primary responsibility of pastoral ministry. First, they were called and expected to feed the flock of God. Peter was writing to those who had been called to serve as the under-shepherd for the people of God. He was responsible to feed the people. Peter was not referring to the physical act of feeding the flock, but spiritually feeding them – faithfully preaching and teaching the Word. He was also responsible for faithfully tending and caring for the body of Christ. They were expected to carry out the role of a traditional shepherd, feeding the sheep and tending to the needs of the flock.

The pastor was also responsible for leading the flock by taking the oversight thereof. He is responsible for managing the flock. This involves leading them toward greener pastures, away from harm, while keeping a watchful eye for anything that might hinder of harm the flock. His careful eye will notice sheep who are sick, hurt, or have strayed from the flock.