New Year Message: Shepherd The Flock of God (1 Peter 5:1-11)

Introduction

• Minister = Servant
• Pastor = Shepherd

1. Peter’s appeal to the fellow elders – 1 Peter 5:1
   • What is an elder?  An elderly person, senior in age – 1 Peter 5:5
   • An elder of the church who takes care of the church and other elders – Titus 1:7
2. The role and responsibilities of the church elders – 1 Peter 5:2
   • As shepherds, the elders are to feed God’s flock – Acts 14:22
   • Elders must be able to teach – 1 Tim 3:2
   • As shepherds, elders are to search for the lost ones – 1 Peter 2:25
     
     
3. The attitude of an elder as a shepherd – 1 Peter 5:2-3
   • not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be.
   • not pursuing dishonest gain (or greedy for money), but eager to serve
   • not lording it over those entrusted to you – 1 Peter 5:5
   • being examples to the flock –  1 Cor 11:1
     
     
4. The Reward of Being an elder – 1 Peter 5:4

Conclusion

To be an elder, shepherding God’s flock is a challenging task.  However, it is a noble task, to be entrusted God’s flock.

It is a demanding and testing task, but the reward is great.