Daily Scripture Reading 1Peter 4:12 - 5:14
Many churches are institutions with many programs. Thus, many elders spend their time creating programs, writing policies and procedures, and approving budgets. In other words, they spend their time running an institution.
Today we will read a verse that states very succinctly the Biblical purpose of elders. It has nothing to do with programs, policies, or procedures.
In chapter 4, Peter drew a contrast between what Christians should and should not do. We should live for Christ, not the flesh. This is because Jesus suffered and died for us; therefore, we should be willing to suffer and live for Him.
1Pet. 4:12 ¶ Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you.
Look at the command to “not be surprised”. When we suffer, we should not be surprised. Christ warned us that the world will hate Christians.
Notice the word “testing”. Our trials are a test, meant to strengthen us and prove us.
1Pet. 4:13 But to the degree you are sharing the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.
Ponder the word “rejoicing”. Humans generally try to avoid persecution, but Peter commanded us to rejoice when we suffer for Christ.
1Pet. 4:14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
Many modern Christians think God is mad at them if they suffer for any reason, especially if they suffer for their loyalty to Jesus. The reality is we are blessed if we are insulted for the name of Christ.
1Pet. 4:15 Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler;
1Pet. 4:16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be put to shame, but is to glorify God in this name.
If a Christian steals something, or commits other sins, and then gets caught, it is tempting to chalk the punishment up to being persecuted as a Christian. However, Peter specifically commanded us not to bring suffering upon ourselves by engaging in sin.
1Pet. 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
1Pet. 4:18 AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?
1Pet. 4:19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God must entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing good.
1Pet. 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,
1Pet. 5:2 shepherd the flock of God among you, overseeing not under compulsion, but willingly, according to God; and not for dishonest gain, but with eagerness;
The main task of elders is to shepherd the flock. Shepherds spend time with the flock. They know the sheep and the sheep know them.
This means elders need to spend time with the people in their congregation. They need to know the people and the people need to know them.
This is an area where many churches today fail. Many churches are institutions with many programs. Many elders spend their time creating programs, writing policies and procedures, and approving budgets. That is a far cry from being with people and shepherding people.
1Pet. 5:3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to you, but being examples to the flock.
Don’t miss the word “examples”. One of the jobs of elders is to be examples.
1Pet. 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
1Pet. 5:5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.
Notice the phrase “all of you”. Verses 1-4 were addressed to elders, but all the instructions after the phrase “all of you” are addressed to all people.
1Pet. 5:6 ¶ Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,
1Pet. 5:7 CASTING ALL YOUR ANXIETY ON HIM, because He cares for you.
Peter instructed us to cast our anxiety upon Jesus. This is in line with other Bible passages which tell us not to worry.
This is another area where modern Christianity is failing. Many Christians are consumed with anxiety. They worry about money, health, safety, and the future. They worry even though we live in an age where we have better healthcare, more prosperity, abundant food and housing, and numerous financial and insurance products which protect us from just about any risk you can imagine. Modern Christians should be the most worry free people in the history of the world, but we are not. People in the 21st century might be the most anxious people in the history of the world.
1Pet. 5:8 Be of sober spirit, be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
1Pet. 5:9 But resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished among your brethren who are in the world.
1Pet. 5:10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, strengthen, confirm, and ground you.
Our suffering here on earth is temporary.
1Pet. 5:11 To Him be might forever and ever. Amen.
1Pet. 5:12 ¶ Through Silvanus, our faithful brother as I regard him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and bearing witness that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it!
1Pet. 5:13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and so does my son, Mark.
1Pet. 5:14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. ¶ Peace be to you all who are in Christ.
That concludes 1Peter.
Today’s passage contains a clear command to elders to shepherd the flock. This is contrary to what happens in many churches. Modern Christianity is an institution full of buildings, programs, policies, procedures, and budgeting concerns. Many elders see their role as governing an institution.
However, the Bible commands elders to shepherd the flock. Shepherds spend time with their animals. Shepherds know the sheep and the sheep know the voice of the shepherd.
Church elders should spend their time shepherding people, getting to know them, so that they can truly and effectively pray for them and care for them.
How well do you know your elders?
How well do your elders know you?
If you are an elder or pastor, how well do you know the people in your congregation, and do they know you?
What has to change in your church so that your church elders will be obeying the command to shepherd the flock?
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“Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.com.”