Be Shepherds of God's Flock

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Be Shepherds of God's Flock

Date: Feb. 28, 2018

Passage

1 Peter 5:1-14 (ESV)

1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. 13 She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. 14 Greet one another with the kiss of love.

Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 5:2

shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;

1. Peter's appeal (1-4)

In the conclusion of Peter's letter, Peter appealed to his readers to be shepherds of God's flock. A shepherd in the service of God serves willingly and eagerly, not to pursue dishonest gain, but to watch over those God has entrusted them with. Shepherds don't lord it over those they are watching over, but live as examples to their flock.

2. The young should submit to elders (5-7)

Peter also admonishes younger people to submit themselves to their elders. They should dress in humility and be humble, for "God shows favor to the humble." Young people can be anxious about their lives, but they should give their anxiety over to God.

3. Be alert and of sober mind (8-14)

The devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. He must be resisted. We resist by standing firm in the faith.

Prayer: Lord, raise me as a shepherd of your flock.

One Word: Be shepherds of God's flock

Worthy is Jesus the Lamb

Revelation 5:1-14

Key Verse: 5:12

saying with a loud voice,

  “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
  to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
  and honor and glory and blessing!”

Today's Question

What does the fifth commandment forbid?

See answer and references