strength through adversity: how the church wins

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The church is called to be the place where people can see what leadership and followership is supposed to look like.

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

- 1 Peter 5:1-5 (ESV)

The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them. So they were scattered, because there was no shepherd, and they became food for all the wild beasts. My sheep were scattered; they wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. My sheep were scattered over all the face of the earth, with none to search or seek for them.

- Ezekiel 34:4-6 (ESV)

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.”

- John 21:15-17 (ESV)

What is an elder?

What is an elder? Presbuteros = “a spiritually mature

overseer”

What is an elder? Presbuteros = “a spiritually mature

overseer”

What does it mean to “shepherd?”

What is an elder? Presbuteros = “a spiritually mature

overseer”

What does it mean to “shepherd?”To watch out for other people; lead,

guide.

Elders (Pastors, Spiritual Overseers) Are To:

Elders (Pastors, Spiritual Overseers) Are To:1) Lead From Desire, Not Drudgery“…exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you.”

- v. 2

Elders (Pastors, Spiritual Overseers) Are To:2) Prioritize Loving Sacrifice, Not Shady

Prosperity “…not for shameful gain, but eagerly.” - v. 2

Elders (Pastors, Spiritual Overseers) Are To:3) Influence By Example, Not Domination “not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” – v. 3

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?

He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil. - 1 Timothy 3:1-7 (ESV)

And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. - v. 4

How Should the Church Respond to Its Leaders?

How Should the Church Respond to Its Leaders?

By Submitting to Godly Authority

How Should the Church Respond to Its Leaders?

By Submitting to Godly AuthorityLikewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders.

– v. 5a

Critical Question:

Are You Willing To Be “Shepherded?”

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account.

- Hebrews 13:17

Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

- v. 5b

Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

- v. 5

Key Word: Humility!