An Exhortation to the Elders (and You)
Pastor Bryan D. Edwards (bryan@trc.life)
1 PETER 5:1-5
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.”
I. Your pastor’s greatest responsibility is to
Matthew 9:36 When He saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
II. Three
A. They shepherd
B. They shepherd
C. They are godly
III.
1 Peter 5:5-6, Luke 14:11, Ephesians 4:2, Colossians 3:12, Philippians 2:3
Pride and Humility 101
Am I…
- Quick to
- Unwilling to receive
- A
- Unwilling to
Do I have….
- An honest evaluation of
- A
- Life-changing
- A
- A servant
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- What is the primary responsibility of your pastors?
- Who do you recognize as your spiritual leader? What kind of impact have they made in your life?
- Pastoring is often a very thankless job. What are some ways that you could support and encourage your pastors?
- Where do you need to grow in humility? (personally, your pastor, other believers, relatives, co-workers, God?)
- In your own words, explain why God is so opposed to pride.