An Exhortation to Elders
Text: 1 Peter 5:1-4
Core Idea: Our hope has never been in human shepherds but in the Chief Shepherd who loved us and gave Himself for us. So, until He appears, may our elders faithfully point us to Christ, and may we gladly follow Him together.
INTRODUCTION
Please turn your Bibles to 1 Peter 5:1-4. One of the things that fascinates me about the Bible is the way God chooses to describe His relationship with His people. He could’ve called us His employees and Himself our CEO. He could’ve called us His students and Himself our teacher. Or He could’ve called us His soldiers and Himself our commander. And while all of those images appear in Scripture, perhaps no image is more frequently used than this: God is our Shepherd, and we are His sheep. From Psalm 23, “The Lord is my Shepherd,” to Jesus’ words in John 10, “I am the Good Shepherd,” to the final pages of Revelation where the Lamb shepherds His people, the Bible shares one consistent story: God lovingly shepherds His people. And as the Chief Shepherd, one of the primary ways Christ has chosen to care for His church is by providing under-shepherds called elders to feed, protect, and guide His flock until He returns. That’s why today is such a significant day. We’re not simply recognizing four qualified men. We’re celebrating another evidence of Jesus’ love and faithfulness toward His church as it shows that He hasn’t left His people to care for themselves. He continues to provide faithful shepherds for His flock. Now, in this passage, Peter is writing to Christians who were suffering because of their faith. Throughout this letter, he has encouraged them to persevere – reminding them that God was using their trials to refine them and that a glorious inheritance awaited them. But before bringing his letter to a close, Peter turns his attention to the elders. Why? Because he knows that suffering sheep need faithful shepherds. One thing I want us to note is that even though Peter is addressing the elders directly, this letter was meant to be read before the entire church. In other words, this passage is not only for elders to learn how they are to shepherd God’s people – it’s also for every one of us to learn what kind of shepherds we should pray for and joyfully follow. So today, my prayer is that God’s Word would both challenge our elders to shepherd according to God’s heart and encourage our church to embrace and support that kind of leadership – so that together, we might faithfully carry out the mission Christ has entrusted to us. Then, with that in mind, let me read from 1 Peter 5:1-4.
1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
Amen. This is the Word of God for you today.
Let me share three things from this passage:
· THE RESPONSIBILITY
· THE MANNER
· THE REWARD
1) THE RESPONSIBILITY
In verse 2, Peter shares what the elders have been called to do: “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care.” It’s no coincidence that Peter uses the imagery of a shepherd to describe the task elders are given because it reflects the way God has always related to His people. Think about it. Throughout the OT, God revealed Himself as the Shepherd of His people. He led them through the wilderness after the Exodus. He provided for them when they were hungry and thirsty. He protected them from their enemies. He pursued them when they wandered. He comforted them in their fears. In fact, when Israel’s leaders failed to shepherd God’s people faithfully, God rebuked those shepherds and declared in Ezekiel 34:15-16, “I Myself will tend My sheep and have them lie down. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak.” Here, God wasn’t just replacing bad leaders – He was revealing His own shepherd’s heart. That’s what makes this image so beautiful. A shepherd doesn’t just manage the flock from a distance. He lives among them. He knows them. He watches over them. He protects them from danger. He seeks them when they stray. He patiently leads them where they need to go. In other words, shepherding is deeply personal. Isn’t this why the image of God as our Shepherd resonates with us so deeply? Because we know how lost, needy, and weak we are, because we know how desperately we need someone to guide us and care for us, we long for someone who will lead us with tenderness. No wonder so many believers have found comfort in Psalm 23 – David writes in verse 1, “The LORD is my Shepherd. I lack nothing.” Think about what he’s saying here. The sovereign Lord of heaven and earth – the One who created all things, rules over all things, and sustains all things – is also my Shepherd. He watches over me with gentleness and kindness. And because He is my Shepherd, there’s nothing I lack that I truly need. Everything I need, He faithfully provides. And just as God lovingly shepherded His people, elders are now called to reflect that same heart as they care for Christ’s church. They’re not called to just oversee programs or make decisions. They’re called to know the people, feed them with God’s Word, protect them from false teaching, encourage the discouraged, restore the wandering, and lovingly lead the flock toward Christ. Now, there’s no doubt that Peter’s words were also shaped by his own encounter with the risen Christ. After restoring Peter following his denial, Jesus said to Peter in John 21:15-17, “Feed My lambs. Take care of My sheep. Feed My sheep.” Peter never forgot that moment. And years later, as an older shepherd himself, he was now passing down that same commission to other elders. But there’s one phrase we shouldn’t overlook. He didn’t say, “Shepherd the flock.” He said, “Be shepherds of God’s flock” – which tells us that this flock doesn’t belong to the elders. It doesn’t belong to me as your pastor. They belong to God. The people we see in this church are those Christ purchased with His own precious blood. Every believer here has been redeemed at an immeasurable cost – which means that elders are never owners of the church. They are stewards. They have been entrusted with something infinitely precious that belongs to Someone else. And that reality should fill every elder with both humility and holy responsibility.
So, let me first speak to our elders. Brothers, never forget whose people you are shepherding. These are Christ’s sheep. He knows them by name. He laid down His life for them. And one day, you will give an account to the Chief Shepherd for how you cared for those whom He loves. But I also pray that this responsibility would never feel like a burden. This really is a privilege. Every time I read the phrase, “the flock of God,” it’s no longer just an abstract image to me. I think about the faces I see here every Sunday. I think about the people I get to pray for, teach, encourage, protect, and walk alongside. And honestly, there are moments when I wonder why the Lord would entrust these precious souls to someone like me – someone who is lacking in so many ways. But over and over again, Christ has proven Himself faithful. He has supplied everything I need so that I can finish this task well. So, don’t be overwhelmed by this calling. Look to Christ, our Chief Shepherd, for He will give you the wisdom, strength, grace, and love you need to faithfully shepherd His flock. The One who called you will also sustain you. Now, let me speak to our church. Remember that one of Jesus’ greatest gifts to His people is faithful shepherds. He has given us His Word. He has given us His Spirit. And He has also given us elders to watch over our souls. Then, will you allow yourself to be shepherded? Don’t simply attend church. Don’t remain anonymous. Invite these brothers into your life. Receive their encouragement. Welcome their corrections. Ask for their prayers. Let them walk with you through seasons of joy and suffering as they seek to point you to Christ. Faithful shepherding requires faithful shepherds. But it also requires sheep who are willing to be shepherded. So today, thank God for this gift. Pray for your elders. Encourage them. And as they seek to follow Christ, joyfully follow their leadership – not because they’re perfect shepherds, but because they’re seeking to lead you to the perfect Shepherd.
2) THE MANNER
After establishing what elders are called to do, Peter addresses how they’re to carry out that responsibility because the reality is that it’s possible to do the right things with the wrong heart. An elder may faithfully preach, teach, visit, lead meetings, and care for the church – and yet still fail to reflect the heart of Christ if his motives have become distorted. Peter understood that danger – which is why he doesn’t just tell elders what to do. He also tells them how to do it. Here, Peter gives three contrasts – each exposing a temptation that every elder faces. First, an elder’s motivation. Peter says, “Not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be.” What would cause elders to shepherd simply because they must? It could be because they feel obligated. “Well, somebody has to do it. I’ve already committed. After all, people are counting on me. I can’t let them down.” As a result, they serve out of guilt rather than delight. Ministry becomes something they have to do rather than something they want to do. Here’s another reason: the fear of disappointing others. “What will everyone think if I slow down? I don’t want to look like a failure.” So, instead of being motivated by Christ’s call, they become controlled by people’s expectations. Now, Peter isn’t saying that elders must always feel cheerful. There will certainly be days when shepherding will feel difficult. There will be late-night phone calls, painful conversations, criticism, disappointment, and seasons of weariness. But Peter is asking a deeper question: Why are you serving? Do you shepherd because you have to – or because you genuinely desire to care for God’s people? One motivation is driven by obligation – and the other is driven by love. And just in case there’s any misunderstanding, Peter adds that this is not his own preference but what God desires for His under-shepherds – “As God wants you to be.” God delights in elders whose hearts are happy to serve. Why? Because willing shepherds reflect the heart of the Chief Shepherd. Jesus wasn’t forced to lay down His life. He willingly gave Himself for His sheep. So, those who shepherd in His name should do so with that same willing heart.
Second, an elder’s ambition. Peter says, “Not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve.” Of course, Peter certainly has financial greed in mind – in that an elder must never misuse the church’s resources or view ministry as a means of personal profit. But I don’t think Peter’s concern ends there. The deeper issue is using God’s people for personal benefit – which can happen in many ways besides money. It can happen by seeking status and recognition. It can be by craving influence, admiration, or the respect that comes with leadership. It can even be the satisfaction of building a ministry around yourself. But Peter shares that elders are not to be eager for title, position, or power – rather, they should be eager to serve. The goal is to serve others, to honor others – which means that instead of asking, “What can I get from these people?” they should be asking, “How can I give myself to these people?” That’s exactly what the Chief Shepherd did for us. Jesus didn’t come to be served, but to serve – and to give His life as a ransom for many. He poured Himself out for His sheep. Then, likewise, elders should eagerly, joyfully, and sacrificially pour themselves out for God’s people – not because of what they might receive, but because they have already received everything they need in Christ.
Lastly, an elder’s leadership. Peter says, “Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” It’s true that elders possess real authority to teach, protect, and lead. But biblical authority is never to be exercised for self-protection or self-promotion. Now, how does that happen? Well, they can demand submission instead of patiently persuading people with God’s Word. They can silence questions instead of welcoming honest conversations. They can lead through guilt and fear rather than through grace and truth. All of this reminds us that authority can be abused. But Peter isn’t calling elders to give up their authority. Rather, he’s calling them to exercise it the way Jesus did. Their authority is not to be expressed through control but through character – not by demanding that people follow them, but by living lives worth following. Peter says, “Be examples to the flock.” The greatest influence elders possess is not the title they carry but the life they live. People should never follow an elder just because he occupies an office. They should gladly follow because they see in him something of the character of Jesus Christ. Brothers, this is the manner in which God calls us to shepherd His people. Shepherd willingly because Christ willingly gave Himself for you. Shepherd eagerly because Christ poured Himself out for you. Shepherd by example because Christ first walked before His people before He called them to follow Him. And now to our church: These are the very qualities you should pray for in your elders. Pray that we would never lose the joy of serving Christ. Pray that we would never seek our own interests over yours. Pray that we would never use our authority for ourselves but always for your good. Now, none of us will do this perfectly. But by God’s grace, may we increasingly reflect the heart of the Chief Shepherd – so that, together, we may faithfully follow Him.
3) THE REWARD
Peter concludes this exhortation by leading the elders to see beyond the challenges of the present to the hope of the future. Verse 4: “And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” The truth is that shepherding is hard work. Many sacrifices will go unseen and unappreciated. Many prayers will seem to go unanswered for years. Many tears will be shed in private. Many burdens will be carried quietly. But Peter reminds the elders that even though much of their work may go unnoticed by people, none of it goes unnoticed by the Chief Shepherd. There’s a day coming when Christ Himself will appear – and when He does, He will honor those who have faithfully shepherded His flock. Imagine how comforting these words must have been to Peter’s original readers. They were shepherding in the midst of persecution and hostility. The ministry wasn’t easy. Faithfulness was costly. And yet, Peter reminds them that their labor is never in vain because what awaits them is not just relief from suffering but the welcome of the Chief Shepherd Himself. In other words, the ultimate reward is Christ Himself. Brothers, how amazing would it be to finally stand before the Shepherd we love so much, to finally see the Savior we’ve been preaching about, to finally hear the voice we’ve spent our lives following – telling us, “Well done, good and faithful servant”? And if that wasn’t enough, we will also receive “the crown of glory that will never fade away.” Unlike earthly recognition, this reward will never diminish. Unlike human applause, it will never be forgotten. Unlike every crown this world offers, it will never lose its beauty. Considering this, Peter wants us to live today in light of that coming day because what we anticipate shapes how we live. If we lose sight of Christ’s appearing, we’ll begin to look for our reward here. We’ll begin to shepherd because we must rather than because we’re willing. We’ll begin to seek something from the flock rather than give ourselves for the flock. We’ll begin to lead by position rather than by example. But if our eyes remain fixed on the Chief Shepherd, we will serve willingly, sacrifice eagerly, and lead by example.
Brothers, there are many joys in ministry. But the greatest joy still lies ahead. So, don’t anchor your joy in the approval of people or the success of your ministry. Anchor your joy in the promise that one day you will stand before Christ. Live for that day. Shepherd for that day. Fix your eyes on the Chief Shepherd – and let the hope of His appearing sustain you through every joy, every disappointment, and every sacrifice. And to our church: Your ultimate confidence should never rest in these men. Today, we’re installing elders, but we’re not celebrating the greatness of elders. We’re celebrating the faithfulness of Christ, our Chief Shepherd. The future of Lighthouse doesn’t ultimately rest on Don, Kai, Wayne, Willy, or even me as your pastor. It rests on Jesus Christ. He’s the One who builds His church. He’s the One who preserves His people. He’s the One who will never abandon His flock. And that is our greatest hope. Of course, all of this is possible because before the Chief Shepherd ever promised a crown of glory to His under-shepherds, He first wore a crown of thorns for His sheep. The Shepherd became the Lamb. The One who promises an unfading crown first endured the shame of the cross. He willingly laid down His life to redeem His people, bear our sins, and reconcile us to God. Because of His death and resurrection, we have been forgiven, adopted into God’s family, and gathered into His flock. So, this passage is not simply a job description for elders – it’s ultimately a window into the heart of God for His people. It tells us that the Chief Shepherd loves His flock so much that He not only died to save them, but He continues to care for them by graciously providing under-shepherds to feed, protect, and lead His church until the day He returns. Then, by God’s grace, these elders will seek to shepherd you willingly, eagerly, and by example – not so that you would follow them, but so that together, we would all follow Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd, who will never fail His people.
CONCLUSION
Lighthouse family, our hope has never been in human shepherds but in the Chief Shepherd who loved us and gave Himself for us. So, until He appears, may our elders faithfully point us to Christ, and may we gladly follow Him together.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1) According to Peter, what is the primary responsibility of elders? What words or phrases in the passage describe that responsibility? Is there any area where you have resisted spiritual care or accountability? Are there ways you can be more intentional about receiving the care, encouragement, correction, and guidance of your elders?
2) Peter gives three contrasts describing how elders are to shepherd. What are they? Why do you think Peter spends so much time addressing an elder’s motives and character rather than simply describing his responsibilities? Whether you’re a leader or not, how can you cultivate that same Christlike attitude in your own service to others?
3) What promise does Peter give to faithful elders in verse 4? How does keeping our eyes on Christ’s return shape the way we live and serve today?
