Message In 1peter – Number 7 – Shepherding The Flock Of God – Message For Pastors, Ministers, Elders, Shepherds – 1peter 5:1-3 - Part 1 Series

MESSAGE IN 1PETER – NUMBER 7 – SHEPHERDING THE FLOCK OF GOD – MESSAGE FOR PASTORS, MINISTERS, ELDERS, SHEPHERDS – 1Peter 5:1-3 - PART 1

[A]. SHEPHERD THE FLOCK OF GOD

What grazier (rancher) would ever entrust his animals on agistment (feeding livestock at a designated location) to a farm where the paddocks are uninvitingly bare and the animals already there are lean looking and dispirited? Should we not expect better from ones entrusted to care for the cattle not their own? The responsibility is to care for the animals whether yours or others, and severe neglect as in this case, is inexcusable.

This is not an easy message to construct as I could be a bit harsh at times on some pastors. Note carefully, I said some, hopefully only a small number. The purpose is not to cause offence to anyone. Some things here I have seen.

Peter waits until near the end of his letter before he raises a concern on his heart. This is how he begins this section:-

{{1Peter 5:1 “Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, AS YOUR FELLOW ELDER and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed,”}}

The ground for Peter’s authority lies in the commission given to him by His Lord. Peter was an elder in a wide sense as one who had the care of the wider church, not just one single church.

These are the important verses of commission – {{John 21:15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.” He said to him, “TEND MY LAMBS.” John 21:16 He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.” He said to him, “SHEPHERD MY SHEEP.” John 21:17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” and he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things. You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “TEND MY SHEEP.”}}

What the Lord said to Peter in the wider sense applies to each man in the position of pastor, minister, shepherd or elder. For Peter, that had many outcomes including the writing of this letter. Now he gives his specific insights into shepherding God’s people. This is strong exhortation from a fellow elder to those holding the office of elder/shepherd/pastor. In the New Testament the words pastor, elder, shepherd, overseer, bishop (used wrongly in the AV/KJV) all mean the same office. The words look at different aspects of that office. We may look at that distinction later on. What catches our attention is the basis he used for addressing his fellow elders. That basis was in three parts - firstly, as a fellow elder; secondly, as a witness of the sufferings of Christ; thirdly, as a partaker of the future revealed glory. We can’t overlook the importance to Peter of these three points.

[1]. AS A FELLOW ELDER. This is beautiful language from Peter, the language of humility. There is no lording it over God’s heritage, no pontifical demands. Peter was no more than a fellow elder, no prancing around with superiority. Peter was just an elder among all elders to serve the Body of Christ. There is nothing popish here, nothing false, nothing ecclesiastical, nothing of pride.

[2]. AS A WITNESS OF CHRIST’S SUFFERINGS: Peter had heard the Lord say a remarkable truth to the disciples and they did not understand the ramifications of that at the time – {{John 10:14-15 “I am the good shepherd and I know My own, and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father, and I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR THE SHEEP.”}}

Is this not the example left for all who would attain the shepherd’s office? If a man can’t be prepared to follow Christ as one willing to lay down his life for the flock, he has no right to the office. It speaks of complete dedication and surrender in the service of the sheep. If the shepherd sees a wolf coming and deserts his office he is a disgrace. That is why Peter refers to the sufferings in that way. There is 100% commitment to the sheep in a pastor’s care (or there should be!). I am afraid there are some pastors who think it is a good life style with church work on the side; prepare some talk for Sundays and enjoy life.

I know of a case where a person in a desperate need tried to contact a rector in a certain place only to be told, “Go away and make an appointment.” Such a disgrace that is to Christ, but people like that exist where pastoring a church is a job with a job description, and nothing more than a play actor pastor. As we near the end of the church age I think that problem gets worse and worse because we are in the Laodicean age of Church history.