Today's passage is 1 Peter 5:1-4. We have finally made it to the final chapter of 1 Peter. I wasn't sure I would ever get here. This has definitely taken longer than I ever expected it to, but life is good at throwing camels at me. (So, the straw broke the camel's back. The camel fell down. Another camel sat on it. Then a whole herd of camels sat on it.)
Anyway, I am once again using a verse mapping technique and the TEND method (marieldavenport.com). I will start with the verse mapping.
December 12, 2024 (verse mapping)
Prayer:
Psalm 139:1-6
1 O LORD, You have searched me
and You know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
You perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
You are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
You know it completely, O LORD.
5 You hem me in - behind and before;
You have laid Your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain. (NIV '84)
Verse: 1 Peter 5:1-4
1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers - not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, 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. (NIV '84)
Outcome (12/20/2024
Our pastors and church leaders have tough jobs. God holds them to a higher standard. They are to shepherd God's flock willingly and eagerly. They are to be an example of Christian living and Christian love. Their jobs are both of leadership and of service. They should not be proud.
In return for their dedicated leadership and service, we should give them honor, respect, and support. For those whose sole job is ministry, we need to support them financially. We should support all church workers with our prayers.
December 14, 2024 (TEND)
Take Time to Pray
Psalm 141:1-5
1 O LORD, I call to You; come quickly to me.
Hear my voice when I call to You.
2 May my prayer be set before You like incense;
may the living up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.
3 Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD;
keep watch over the door of my lips.
4 Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil,
to take part in wicked deeds
with men who are evildoers;
let me not eat of their delicacies. (NIV '84)
Examine: 1 Peter 5:1-4
1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers - not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, 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. (NIV '84)
Notice (12/20/2024)
What do you notice about God's character?
God cares for His people.
God has high expectations for earthly shepherds of His people.
What lessons are being taught? Is there a sin, promise, action, command, or example being taught? Is there a warning being given?
Elders, pastors, church leaders are earthly shepherds of God's flock.
They should serve willingly and eagerly.
They are to be examples to their flock.
They deserve our respect and support - financial and spiritual.
Do
Consider how you need to respond to what God is teaching you.
Question
How can I support my church leaders?
Response
Prayers and offerings.
Comments