11.28.2016 – New Testament: 1Pe 5.1–2a
To read the Bible in a year, read First Peter 5 on November 28, In the year of our Lord 2016
By Don Ruhl
Peter was an apostle of Jesus Christ, giving the apostle authority, but rather than using that authority, notice how he approached elders in the church,
The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers… (1 Peter 5.1–2a).
He appealed to them:
As a fellow elder
As a witness of the sufferings of Christ
As a partaker of the glory that will be revealed
He placed himself right along side them as an elder, knowing that the struggles of the faith can be massive, for he witnessed the sufferings of Christ, and the danger associated with that suffering even caused Peter to deny Jesus three times, but he also let the elders know that they, along with him, would enjoy the glory that God has in store for us.
Therefore, when he urged them to shepherd their local congregation, and to oversee its affairs, he knew what was involved, including the struggles and the hope.
Questions:
- How do you treat the elders of your congregation?
- Have you encouraged young men to be elders when they get older?
