1 Peter 5:1–6
Joel Penton
Part of Small Groups—Questions
August 25, 2024

OVERVIEW OF SCRIPTURE

Prior to group, get a better understanding of the overall biblical text with these resources.

Main Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1–6

Biblical Summary Click here for a brief summary on the Book of 1 Peter.

KNOW

Allow these questions to help you better understand what Scripture says contextually.

READ AND FOCUS ON 1 PETER 5:1
The imagery used comparing elders to shepherds and the church to a flock of sheep is purposeful and meaningful. Peter utilizes the metaphor of shepherds leading their flock to represent elders guiding the church body.

  • Why do you think this specific metaphor was chosen and is often used within the Bible?
  • What significance is there in this image? Reference Matthew 9:36 and Isaiah 53:6.

Elders have a very specific role and must meet biblical qualifications in order to take on the responsibility of leading the church body. The term “elder” (presbuterion) was first used in Acts 11:30. This term is used interchangeably with two other titles within the New Testament to describe the leaders of the church: bishop/overseer (episkopos) and pastor (poimen).

  • What qualifications does God place on those who are placed in this position? Read 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 and discuss these prerequisites as well as why it’s so crucial for church leaders to adhere to them.

Peter had significant insight into the challenges and difficulties of shepherding a flock as he himself was an elder. He also possessed additional authority to speak into this topic as one who witnessed and could personally testify of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

  • Peter was confident in the promise of becoming a partaker in “the glory that is going to be revealed” and in one day receiving “the crown of glory.” Read Peter’s personal account in 2 Peter 1:16-19 of his experience during the transfiguration. How would this occurrence along with his personal experiences with Jesus serve to enhance and strengthen his exhortation of his fellow elders?
  • Those who are tasked with shepherding the flock are given immense responsibility. What do Hebrews 13:17 and Jeremiah 23:1-2 tell us regarding God’s view of this responsibility?

READ AND FOCUS ON 1 PETER 5:2–5
Peter provides specific instructions as to how elders are to shepherd those placed within their care. They are to actively assess the condition of their flock and lead, guard, serve, and feed them accordingly. God calls elders to do so willingly, eagerly, and with the proper motivation.

  • Peter denied Jesus three time (Read Mark 14:72) prior to His crucifixtion. After His resurrection, Jesus asked Peter three time if he loved Him ( Read John 21:15–17). Jesus shared with Peter thatsShepherding the flock of God was to be Peter’s life work. How might Jesus’ conversation with Peter have impacted Peters instructions in 1 Peter 5:2–5.
  • In verse 4, Peter references Jesus, the Chief Shepherd. He is the ultimate overseer and example for elders to follow. Read Matthew 20:25-28 and discuss how all pastoral directives can be summed up within this one passage.

Peter finishes up this section by exhorting everyone (shepherd and flock alike) to clothe themselves with humility and he subsequently quotes Proverbs 3:34.

  • The phrase “be clothed” translates a rare word that referred to a slave putting on an apron before serving, even as Jesus did before washing the disciple’s feet. What are marks of true biblical humility? Look up verses to support your answers.
  • Knowing that Peter personally experienced the events laid out in John 13:12-17, how would this have influenced the way he led his own church and the way he taught others to lead theirs?
  • Why is pride such a big deal to God?
  • Do you personally find humbling yourself to be a difficult task? If so, what can spur you on to change your attitude and actions today?

GROW

These questions are geared towards application of Scripture and Sunday’s message.

Peter encourages the elders to serve younger (spiritually speaking) believers as overseers, willingly and eagerly and by being examples to them. Peter often puts things into perspective and says the elders should do this so they can one day receive from God “the crown of glory that does not fade away.”

  • As you take inventory of your life, what are the reasons why you serve others?
  • Has their been a pastor or spiritual mentor in your life that has been and example to you? Share.
  • Who in your life can you be an example to this week? How can you practically do this?

Peter urges younger believers to be submissive and practice humility in their relationships with elders, one another, and with God. He goes on to say God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

  • Why is humility important in godly relationships?
  • What character traits are associated with being a humble person?
  • How is our humility tied to our ability to reflect the love of Christ and give Him glory in our lives?

Verse 6 says that Christians should humble ourselves “under the mighty hand of God,” so that He can exalt us in due time. We are being reminded that while we are called to submit to those in authority over us on earth, we are ultimately called to submit to God’s sovereignty over our lives.

  • How does this change or impact your perspective on difficulties you face?
  • Have you ever had to wait for a blessing and stay patient so that God could exalt you in His timing? What was the most difficult part of not moving forward in your own strength? What did this teach you about your relationship with God?

GO

Take a next step and put your faith into action!

It’s often been said, “The question is not if I/you have pride, it’s where is it in my life?”

  • Would you be brave enough to ask the Lord to show you where pride is hiding in your life?
  • Whatever the Lord shows you regarding pride repent, and then ask Him for helping to walk forward in Christ-like humility.

PRAYER

Pray for one another and bring your requests to God.

Northwest Prayer Highlight: Pray for opportunities to:

  • Have Gospel conversations (with gentleness and respect)
  • Show hospitality
  • Invite unchurched to dinner, coffee, church event, Sunday morning service, etc.

    Small Group Prayer Requests: Take some time to gather prayer requests from the group. Have someone write these down to see how God moves and answers prayer.