Eldership: Shepherd of God’s flock

What Peter calls elders to be is something we should all aspire to.

1. Office of Eldership

• 1 Peter 5:1-4

2. A Noble Desire

• 1 Timothy 3:1
• 1 Peter 5:5-6

Humility: honestly assessing yourself in light of God’s holiness and our sinfulness. —C.J. Mahaney

3. First in the Home

• 1 Peter 5:1-7

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Questions and Scripture for further study this week

1. Thinking like a shepherd means we’re willing to put other people before ourselves. In 3 John 1:9, a church leader named Diotrephes is identified as someone who “loves to be first.” Jesus gave us a completely different example of what it means to be a leader and a person of influence. Read the following verses and write down what you find most challenging about the attitude expressed in them?

• Mark 9:35 -
• Mark 10:43-44 -
• Luke 22:26 -

2. Take a moment and evaluate the various environments where you may have leadership or influence (work, school, home, church, friendships). In which of these environments do you find Diotrephes’ attitude showing up the most in your life?

• In which of these environments do you find it easiest to serve others?

• Oftentimes we find it hardest to serve those who are closest to us. Why do you think that is?

3. We heard this weekend of the important role character plays in leading by example. In any position of influence, “what we are is what we’ll get.” God is committed to developing godly character in us but we each have a part to play in that process. What insights do you see about strong character and how it’s developed in 2 Peter 1:3-9?

• Can you think of any potential roadblocks that keep people from developing godly character?

• How could Philippians 2:12-13 help you maintain balance as you pursue character growth?

• Which of the character qualities mentioned in the passage would you most like to see developed in your life?