“Fulfilling Our Responsibilities to God’s Glory” 11/18/07

1 Peter 5:1-5

1 Peter Series- “Living for the Glory of God in a Hostile World”

“Therefore… whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Cor 10:31

POINT 1- Bringing God glory involves the responsibilities of the SHEPHERDS

A. Peter is a fellow elder who has experienced the sufferings of CHRIST

(2 Cor 1:5; Reasons Elders/Leaders suffer: 1) Sin nature; 2)appointed;

3)Final Blame; 4) Misunderstood; 5) Gal 6:2; 6) Targeted Persecution

B. Suffering for Elders/Shepherds will be followed by GLORY

(principle for all believer- Romans 8:17-18)

C. Elders are called to do the work of SHEPHERDING

(Involves Feeding, Teaching, Protecting- John 21:15-17, Acts 20:27-32)

(i) No compulsion (Pressure, Guilt)

(ii) According to God’s Will

(iii) No dishonest gain- money, titles, power, prestige, honor

(iv) Eagerly- 1 Timothy 3:1

(v) Not authoritative (Matthew 20:25-28)

(vi) Examples to the flock- prayer, study, holiness, service- John 13

D. Fulfilling these responsibilities brings with it REWARD

(Romans 14:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Corinthians 3:1-8)

Going God desires for the shepherds to fulfill their calling and be faithful!

Deeper (1 Corinthians 4:1-2)

POINT 2- Bringing God glory involves the responsibilities of the SHEEP

A. The sheep are called to submit to their ELDERS

(Hebrews 13:7, 17, 1 Timothy 5:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)

B. We are all called to be submissive and be clothed with HUMILITY

(Philippians 2:3, Romans 12:3, 16, Ephesians 5:21)

Going God wants you to honor and submit to those leaders that HE has put over

Deeper you for your care!