Leaders Are Not to Lord Over God’s Heritage
June 3, 2021
Commentary
Peter says he is writing to encourage Church leaders (v. 1). Just as shepherds are to watch over their sheep Church leaders must watch over everyone God has placed in their care (v. 2). They are to do it willingly in order to please the Lord and not because they feel like they have to. Also, they are not to be bossy to those who are placed in their care but to be an example to them (v. 3). Then when Christ, the Chief Shepherd, returns they will be given a crown that will never lose its glory (v. 4).
All younger people should submit themselves to their elders (v. 5). In fact, everyone should be submissive to those who are ministers and spiritual guides in the Church. God opposes proud people, but He helps those who are humble. Therefore, you are to humble yourself in the presence of God’s mighty power, and He will honor you when the time comes (v. 6). God cares for you so turn all your worries over to Him (v. 7).
It is important that we have men in leadership who know what they are called to do and how they are to carry out that job. Today we are told to look at:
1. The ministry of the elder.
2. The motive of the elder.
3. The manner of leading the church.
4. The focus is to be on the position of elder.
Application
I must always be careful to never Lord over God’s heritage but to always be an example to any who may be watching.
1 Peter 5:1– 7 (NET)
1 So as your fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings and as one who shares in the glory that will be revealed, I urge the elders among you: 2 Give a shepherd’s care to God’s flock among you, exercising oversight not merely as a duty but willingly under God’s direction, not for shameful profit but eagerly. 3 And do not lord it over those entrusted to you, but be examples to the flock. 4 Then when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that never fades away.
5 In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. 6 And God will exalt you in due time, if you humble yourselves under his mighty hand 7 by casting all your cares on him because he cares for you.