Today is Friday, the day after Thursday, because life. Good things happened: visits with friends and family.
At the beginning of chapter 5, Peter continued to discuss believers’ suffering in the name of Christ. He addressed those in leadership in the church as well as the “flock” of believers under their care. Those in leadership function as shepherds, and those under their care are their sheep. It came up yesterday in conversation that perhaps the Bible refers to us as sheep for a reason. Often, we follow others blindly. The strength of this God-given tendency is that we are wired to follow Jesus. The broken part of our sin nature leads us to follow those who do not have our best interests in mind.
*How can it strengthen our faith to remember we are like sheep?
Agricultural Research Center, Booneville, AR (DBSFRC). Erin Wood (D4396-1)
“To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who will also share in the glory to be revealed” (1 Peter 5:1).
Peter had first-hand knowledge of Christ’s sufferings, and he worked together with the other disciples to share the truth and light Jesus brought into the world. Peter reminded his readers that believers, especially those who have care over others, partner together while we wait for God’s glory to be revealed. Earlier we enjoyed a study of how we can give glory to God. Looking back at those ideas, what does it mean to say God’s glory will be revealed?
- He will receive all praise and honor from everyone.
- He will be fully recognized as the One True God.
- All will acknowledge He is the Lord.
- Christ will return in royal majesty as Messiah and Lord of glory.
- We will worship and adore God when He is revealed in glory.
- The veil will be removed to show the spiritual realm that is now hidden.1
*How do you envision God’s glory being revealed?
*How can we partner together while we wait for God’s glory to be revealed?
Peter continued with specific instructions for overseers of God’s people.
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2-3).
In the church, there are shepherds (elders, pastors, teachers) over the flock of believers.
- As shepherds, these people
- Care for the sheep
- Watch over the sheep
- Provide spiritually for the sheep
- Serve willingly
Peter warned that overseers in the church should serve out of their calling from God, not because they are hired to do a job.
- They are not to use their position for personal gain or to sin in the light of knowing better.2
- Spiritual shepherds recognize they are “needed [in the ministry] and [will] serve regardless of compensation.”3
- They are always ready and willing to serve.4
- The “motive of service as a spiritual shepherd” is a willing heart because ministry is worthy.3
Shepherds provide an example to their flock by living a life that is
“not conform[ed] to the pattern of this world, but …transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
*Even if we are not in a position of leadership in the church, how can we apply Peter’s instructions in our life?
As a leader in the early church, Paul encouraged believers to follow his life as an example.
“Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do” (Philippians 3:17).
The wording of this verse implies that we together live as examples for others around us.
Our lives should be a pattern for others to imitate.5
Not only does our walk with Jesus speak to unbelievers, it’s important as we gently guide those who are just beginning their walk of faith.
*How can our lives be a pattern to others?
*Why is it important to live our life as an example?
Perhaps the list in the previous section reminds you of our Great Shepherd.
Peter’s thoughts were also on Jesus as he wrote this passage.
“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away” (1 Peter 5:4).
Don’t you just love this verse? What hope!
- It’s a great summary of Peter’s encouraging letter.
- Jesus will appear visibly and make Himself known to all.6
- The crown of glory is a symbol of the reward we receive for our faith: eternal life.7
- The phrase “will never fade away” emphasizes the concept.
- It is not “that our heavenly inheritance fades.”8
- Rather, it’s as if the crown is made of amaranths, a deep red flower that retains its color and is representative of “everlasting love.”9 The name of the flower itself means unfading.9
National Park Service. 09/12/2023
https://www.nps.gov/media/photo/view.htm?id=C207A53E-0E9C-447E-BDC8-B995D9EFB9AF
Our hope is in our gentle Shepherd and life with Him that lasts forever.
*What is the relationship between a crown of glory, reward, and eternal life?
*How have you experienced Jesus as the Great Shepherd in your life?
- Spiros Zodhiates Th.D., The Complete Word Study Dictionary New Testament (Chattanooga, Tennessee: AMG Publishers, 1992), 225
- Zodhiates, 550
- Zodhiates, 100, 145-146
- Zodhiates, 1220
- Zodhiates, 1399
5A. Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us (Hymn 170) Hymnology. Hymns of Grace.
- Zodhiates, 1435
- Zodhiates, 1312
- Zodhiates, 129
9 Fig & Bloom. “Flowers in focus: All about Amaranthus.” February 1, 2023.
Yes, I do love that verse. I can’t even imagine the heavenly scene of saints donning our crowns of glory worshipping our Great Shepherd. Glorious!
Whoever knows where I was on October 30. Thank you for reading and responding. I love how Peter discussed glory so much in his letter!