Who's In Charge Here? A Series on Authority
Friday, January 23, 2004
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My Prayer Today
Dear Father in Heaven, I praise your Name. I thank you that you sent your only Son Jesus into this world to be my Savior. He is my perfect example in how to live. I ask that you would give me the grace to be that kind of example to others. I need your strength to do this today. Help me to lead others to your love. I ask that you would be with the pastors and elders at New Life this day and grant them the grace to be godly examples to others, including myself. May we all be good shepherds to those entrusted under our care. Bless my family and friends and watch over them as a shepherd watches over their flock. Keep them safe and protect them from the enemy. I love you and I praise you. And I pray this all in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Bible Verses
1 Peter 5:1-4
And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share his glory and his honor when he returns. As a fellow elder, this is my appeal to you: Care for the flock of God entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly -- not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don't lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your good example. And when the head Shepherd comes, your reward will be a never-ending share in his glory and honor.
Reflecting on God's Word
In verse 3, what do you think Peter means when he charges those in spiritual authority to not "lord it over the people assigned to their care?"
Is there a contrast in verse 3 between "lording over" and "good example"? How so?
How does "leading by good example" help to fulfill the purpose of "caring for the flock of God entrusted to you?" Think about how a shepherd leads a flock.
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
Think about a shepherd. What image do you get? What are qualities a good shepherd would possess?
Does a good shepherd think first of the sheep, or themselves? Why?
Is leading by example thinking first of those who are watching? Is God pleased when we think of others before ourselves? Why?
Understanding God's Purpose for Us
Where does a shepherd stand in proximity to their sheep? Why?
When the shepherd wants to move the sheep to another pasture, how do they get the sheep to move?
If Jesus is the head Shepherd and our leaders at church are shepherds under His care, would this make them both "shepherds" and "sheep" at the same time? How so?
Applying God's Word to Our Purpose
Have you set forth a good example to the people who are closest to you? Why or why not?
What is one thing that you can do today to be a godly example to your friends, family, etc.?
Have you been a leader or a pusher? Have you driven people or lead by example?
Thoughts
In corporate America today, people are striving to make it to the top of the ladder in leadership. It is sort of a "dog eat dog" mentality where everyone is thinking about how they can gain position, power, and money. This secular mindset of thinking first of self, and whoever else gets in the way gets run over, is completely contrary to the way God has designed proper leadership and authority. In 1 Peter 5:1-4, the apostle is talking to leaders (elders) in the church who possess spiritual authority. After giving the general command to "care for the flock entrusted to them" he explains a little bit about what that means. In verse 3 he makes the contrast between "secular" and true "spiritual" leadership. He states, "Don't lord it (your authority) over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your good example." The mindset among many today in corporate America is to take your power and "lord it over" those who are under you. But Peter is saying that a true spiritual leader will not do that, but rather lead by a good example.
It is very hard to find a good example these days. This can also be true in many churches today, sadly enough. But Peter is saying that if you want to be a good spiritual leader, you must be a good shepherd. And a good shepherd will never drive or push their flock but will always go before them. They will lead them to safe pasture, to calm waters, to places free of danger, and provide protection from any wild animal. A spiritual leader in a church will likewise lead by going ahead and being a godly example to the people they serve. They will provide an example through their lifestyle, through their attitudes, through their character and conduct, and through their teaching and decision making. Spiritual authority is much different from the way secular society understands authority. One is life giving, the other seems to sap the life out of us. God calls us each to be life-givers through His Son Jesus Christ, let us do so both at church and wherever God calls us to this week.