April 16th – April 22nd, 2023
Sermon Summary
Our ability to embrace the principle of submitting to one another within Christian community will determine how effectively we will journey together toward our final destination in glory.
Verse of the Week
1 Peter 5:1-3
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: 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; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.”
Going Deeper
Review 1 Peter 5: 1 - 5
1) 1. The sermon referenced three (3) ways the word ‘elder’ is used in Scripture. How has this explanation challenged or clarified your understanding of 1 Peter 5:1-5?
2) In verse 2, the apostle Paul admonishes the elders to shepherd the flock of God. Using scripture references, describe three (3) critical characteristics of spiritual shepherds; and three (3) responsibilities for dealing with the flock.
3) In the context of verse 5, explain the meaning of being subject to or submitting to one another in the Christian community. Then give three (3) practical examples of how we can submit to one another as believers.
4) Why is understanding and practicing submission a vital discipline in being a servant of God?
5) The call to submission is counter-cultural. Today’s worldview encourages us to focus on what concerns us and to do what makes us happy. To what extent do you think that this perspective is affecting the church?
6) Referring to Scripture, explain the meaning of humility.
a) What is the relationship between submission and humility?
b) How does humility contribute to the development of the Christian community?
Call to Action: Choose someone who you can be an elder to, or who can be an elder to you, and initiate a conversation/relationship.
Assess Your Life
1) To what extent are you positioning yourself to support and guide those who are younger in the faith to help them achieve their God-given purpose?
a) I don’t think that it is my responsibility to support and guide those who are younger in the faith.
b) I would like to help those younger in the faith to grow but I don’t think that I know enough myself to do that.
c) I understand my responsibility to help those younger in the faith and I want to start being available to share what I know, but I am not sure how to get started.
d) I am becoming more sensitive to the opportunities to help those who I can help grow in the faith, and I am making steps to help where I can.
e) I am very actively involved in supporting and guiding those who are younger in the faith to achieve their God-given purpose.
2) What factors hinder your ability & willingness to function as an elder for others?
Application
1) Reflect on the areas of your life that you need to demonstrate greater submission and humility.
a)
b)
c)
2 Which of these actions will you prioritize working on this week?
I will ask
Sermon Main Points
The One Anothers of scripture are about helping each other find strength, support and sustainability in our Christian walk.
As an elder we need to:
o Be a shepherd to the flock of God
o Submit to our elders, and
o Clothe ourselves with humility
Sermon Reflection
What stood out for me in this sermon?
What is something I can do to remember this?
Take Note
- The responsibility of the shepherd is not to be taken lightly.
- The shepherd must be prepared to lead, guide, and protect the flock.
- The shepherd must be walking in a certain way to be an
- example.
- We must be intentional to look for opportunities to serve God through others.
- We must do it willingly and eagerly. We do it in spite of and not because of.
- Humility is a decisive mark of Christian conduct. It comes from inside and should be experienced by those around us.
- We must show humility to and submit to one another.
5 Day Study Plan
Use the Inductive Bible Study method to study these scriptures this week and remember to share with someone else.
Follow these steps
1. Observe the text. (What does the text say?)
2. Interpret the text. (What does the text mean?)
3. Apply the text. (What can I do as a result of what I have learnt?)
Day 1 - Psalm 23:1-6
Day 2 - Hebrews 13:17-18
Day 3 - Ephesians 5:21-28
Day 4 - Luke 14:7-11
Day 5 - John 10:7-16
For best results, this content should be read and prepared privately and then discussed in your small group or with family / friends. We were not created to do life alone - get connected with a small group and grow together.
Harvest Bible Chapel Barbados - 2023