This is an exposition of 1 Peter 5:1-5. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, September 17, 2017.
Intro:
It is something of an acquired taste. But is a favorite of many. Most often it is served up on Sunday afternoons but it’s a treat anytime. Roast preacher. It’s a particular favorite on those rare occasions of a preacher going overtime with his sermon. Churchgoers have enjoyed healthy helpings of roast preacher for a long time now.
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Spurgeon wrote about it over a century ago: “Dinner is over. Bring the walnuts, and let us crack the reputations of a preacher or two. It is a pious exercise for the Sabbath.” I’m not upset about that, for after all, I’ve been known to partake of it myself on occasion. Besides, you ought to hear what preachers say about church members. I was setting in a meeting of preachers a few years ago and we were discussing church life and ministry in general. I heard a pastor make a comment that broke my heart. He said, “I grew up in churches that hated their pastor and with pastors that hated their churches.” My heart sank when I heard that. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing and yet I knew those words were too often true.
One of the fastest growing movements within Christendom today is a movement aimed at ministering to people who have been abused by churches and church leaders. Websites are dedicated to healing “wounded sheep.” Good people whose lives have been wrecked by church leaders who thought the biblical model was to rule with an iron fist. At the same time record numbers of pastors and staff are fired every year. The vast majority of seminary graduates today will be completely out of the ministry within ten years. Certainly some of them need to leave the ministry. Some where not qualified to serve having been called by someone other than the Sovereign Lord of the church. But others were the victims of a hostile takeover. Some were run out of town for refusing to “play ball” with influential members of the church or community. My purpose this evening is not to point fingers or to choose sides. As far as I’m concerned there is plenty of blame to go around.
My concern has to do with the fact that there is a great work to be done. We have been called by God to take the glorious Gospel of Christ to a dying world. We have been called to declare and to live the truth of the Gospel in a hostile environment. As aliens and strangers in a foreign land we need each other if we are to accomplish the task. If our message is to have any validity – we must be able to demonstrate the truth of its power through our love and devotion to Christ and to one another. Beloved, we are co-laborers together. We are called to walk arm in arm - to work shoulder to shoulder for the sake of the kingdom of God.
What is to mark or characterize our ministry? How are we to work together? For some answers we turn to 1 Peter chapter 5.
Text: 1 Peter 5:1-6
Peter is writing to the scattered church.
Those victims of intense persecution.
He has reminded them of the glorious truths of their salvation.
In the face of hardship, trial and heartache he reminded them of great doctrinal truths.
In the immediate context he said, “Don’t be surprised when life stinks.”
That of course is my paraphrase!
Peter said, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:12-13
Fiery trials are inevitable in this fallen world.
The world system is opposed to Christ & His kingdom – therefore life will often be hard.
Don’t be socked or caught off guard – be prepared.
See in it the opportunity to glorify God and to mature in your faith.
There is a very important word at the beginning of chapter 5 – ESV – “So…”
NASB – “Therefore…”
In light of the fact that you’ve entrusted yourselves to God in the midst of suffering…
“I exhort the elders among you…”
The ministry Peter describes is ministry conducted in a hostile environment. It is ministry in light of the fact we need one another to survive. It is ministry conducted by those who are a “holy nation” and a “royal priesthood.” Fundamentally we are all sheep. On one level we are all equal in the sight of God – sheep dependent upon Him for our very existence. On another level we are all priest before God – responsible and accountable to God. On yet another level God has established order within the church and there are those who have, by God’s grace, been placed into positions of leadership. Peter gives us some insight in this passage concerning how all that comes together.
As we explore this text I think we’ll find that:
Thesis: Authentic ministry in the midst of an alien environment demands pastor and people understand God’s pattern for ministry and purpose in their hearts to live lives of genuine humility.
There are two (2) things I want to point out from our text.
- I want you to notice first, God’s pattern for ministry. (5:1-4)
Peter then proceeds to tell these pastors how they are to exercise oversight.
Their ministry is to be driven by devotion rather than duty – 5:2b
“Not under compulsion but willingly…”
Their ministry is to be motivated by delight rather than personal profit – 5:2b
“Not for shameful gain, but eagerly…” - love your workTheir ministry is to be accomplished by character rather than command – 5:3
“Not domineering over those in your charge but rather being examples to the flock…”
This is God’s pattern for ministry – not a CEO but a loving shepherd. Not a professional, but a servant. A servant whose ministry is characterized by devotion, delight and character. - Now let’s consider – the need for humble submission. (5:5-6)
What do we “do” with all this?
Conclusion:
Powerful, authentic ministry in our hostile culture is going to demand our best. Together we must seek to follow the biblical pattern. We’ve both got our work cut out for us. I have no desire to be your CEO. I do long to shepherd you, laying before you as faithfully as I can to the truth of God’s Word. Doing my best to model for you the Christian life. Seeking to curb my arrogance and my pride. As you have seen this evening God’s pattern for ministry – pray for your pastor. I can tell you he needs it!
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