Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-5
“It is no accident that God has chosen to call us sheep. The behavior of sheep and humans beings is similar in many ways… Sheep do not just take care of themselves as some might suppose. They require more than any other class of livestock, endless attention and meticulous care.”
W. Phillip Keller A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23
Shepherd the Flock & Oversee the Church v. 2
Not under Compulsion but Willingly v. 2
Not for Shameful Gain, but Eagerly v. 2
Not Domineering but as an Example v. 3
Unfading Crown of Glory v. 4
Church Members – Be subject and Be Humble (v. 5)
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”
Hebrews 13:17
The Gospel
In our passage, Peter was speaking to pastors and church members. Before being part of the church family, you need to be part of God’s family. Have you taken that step of faith and accepted God’s greatest gift? God offers the gift of salvation through His Son Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our sins and rose again bringing eternal life and peace with God to all who trust Him as Savior. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. It’s sounds simple, but becoming a follower means giving your life back to Him as His servant. Becoming a follower of Jesus Christ requires a humble heart that recognizes your own sin and your need for a Savior. We can’t find hope in our own goodness. Humble yourself before God. Our only real hope in this world is found in knowing Jesus Christ and entrusting Him with our souls and our future. Eternal life is our final prize in heaven, but being a believer also gives you a huge extended family here on earth. In the church, you have a shepherd who will look out for you; people who will love and care for you; a place to belong and be welcomed.
Have you personally trusted in Christ as your Savior? I encourage you to do that today. Come talk to me after the service or if you are watching online – contact me (Pastor Mark) through the church.
Take Aways
Most of today’s message was directed towards me as the shepherd and pastor of our local church.
Will you commit to praying for me? I’ll give you three Ps. Pride, Purity and Passion. Pray that I would continue to fight against the sinful pride in my heart. Pray that I would maintain purity in my heart, my thoughts, and my actions. And pray that I would have passion for God’s Word, for sharing the Gospel, and for caring for our church family.
As a member or regular part of our church family are you humbling yourself to serve others in the church?
Do you put others needs ahead of your own? Do you put your preferences aside to accomplish more as we work together?
How are doing in submitting to the authorities God placed in your life? We naturally bristle when someone tells us what to do. How about supernaturally allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through you to love those around you.
