WEBVTT 00:00:01.040 --> 00:00:01.679 All right. 00:00:03.600 --> 00:00:10.240 Well, last week, um, if you were back in the building, you heard about judgment. 00:00:10.400 --> 00:00:12.560 And today we're talking about shepherding. 00:00:12.640 --> 00:00:16.559 Uh spiritually, of course, we're talking about the shepherding of souls. 00:00:17.120 --> 00:00:20.239 But in that topic, we're going to be hitting on authority. 00:00:20.480 --> 00:00:24.800 So, you know, that's another crowd pleaser after hearing about judgment last week. 00:00:25.440 --> 00:00:30.800 I know how much we all love to hear about authority, you know, and I'm including myself, by the way. 00:00:31.199 --> 00:00:36.880 We were away last week, uh, my family and I, we missed you all, uh, but we were away at a family reunion. 00:00:36.960 --> 00:00:40.880 But I did listen to Dan's message on judgment, and it was excellent. 00:00:41.119 --> 00:00:44.560 Some of the best messages are the ones that you don't want to hear. 00:00:45.439 --> 00:00:48.079 We're not up here playing the hits, you know. 00:00:49.520 --> 00:00:51.520 We're not avoiding the hard topics. 00:00:51.600 --> 00:00:55.759 Uh, we believe the Bible is true when it says that all scripture is profitable. 00:00:57.759 --> 00:01:02.159 Alistair Begg said, and I don't know if he was quoting someone else or not, but I heard him say it. 00:01:02.240 --> 00:01:05.359 He said that it takes a whole Bible to make a whole Christian. 00:01:05.599 --> 00:01:07.120 And I believe that. 00:01:08.640 --> 00:01:13.840 So now uh here today I'm talking about shepherding and authority by extension. 00:01:15.040 --> 00:01:24.000 You may find this funny, I do a little bit, but we got together months ago and decided who would be preaching on which passage of Scripture as we move through 1 Peter. 00:01:24.480 --> 00:01:28.959 The original plan was that I would preach on judgment and that Dan would preach on shepherding. 00:01:29.200 --> 00:01:38.239 But when we saw how the passages fell on the different dates, we realized that I would be away when I was supposed to preach on judgment, and here this week the Cudmores aren't here, they're away. 00:01:38.480 --> 00:01:40.400 So we swapped assignments. 00:01:40.640 --> 00:01:45.359 And I actually think that it was fortuitous because Dan really knocked it out of the park last week. 00:01:45.519 --> 00:01:46.959 I mean, it was it was a great sermon. 00:01:47.120 --> 00:01:49.599 And I'm gonna knock it up No, I'm just kidding. 00:01:51.040 --> 00:01:58.159 Actually, I I think it best that a message about shepherding not come from the head pastor, the head human authority in this church. 00:01:58.400 --> 00:02:05.359 Of course, Jesus is the head authority, but Dan is the head human authority here, and as such, we have certain responsibilities to him. 00:02:05.840 --> 00:02:13.280 A lead pastor could preach the word and tell you what those responsibilities are, but you can see why one might be reticent to do so. 00:02:13.759 --> 00:02:15.759 I have no such reservations. 00:02:16.800 --> 00:02:20.240 Let me make this last point before we look to our passage this morning. 00:02:20.560 --> 00:02:27.280 I both have some measure of authority here and am under authority, and there are many such cases of this. 00:02:27.520 --> 00:02:33.360 And even Dan, who has the most human authority in our body, is also under human authority. 00:02:33.599 --> 00:02:40.240 We have a leadership team that is informed and involved in steering this body toward the Lord, and that's a great thing. 00:02:41.360 --> 00:02:45.439 And ultimately, our authority is Christ Jesus, who is the head of the church. 00:02:45.680 --> 00:02:46.240 Amen? 00:02:47.360 --> 00:02:51.520 Let's read first Peter verses uh or chapter five verses one through four. 00:02:51.840 --> 00:03:02.879 First Peter five, one through four says, 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. 00:03:03.120 --> 00:03:18.560 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. 00:03:18.800 --> 00:03:23.680 And when the chief shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 00:03:24.000 --> 00:03:25.039 Let's pray. 00:03:26.319 --> 00:03:28.319 Father, we thank you for your word to us this morning. 00:03:28.479 --> 00:03:32.000 We know that it is uh alive, it's it's living and active, and uh. 00:03:32.080 --> 00:03:38.639 We just pray that you would make it alive in our hearts, in our lives, that you would change us by what we hear and what we learn this morning. 00:03:38.879 --> 00:03:41.360 We ask it in the name of your Son Jesus, our Savior. 00:03:41.599 --> 00:03:42.240 Amen. 00:03:45.199 --> 00:03:50.879 One of the greatest blessings that Christ gives his church is faithful spiritual leadership. 00:03:51.199 --> 00:03:56.000 Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly compares his people with sheep. 00:03:57.759 --> 00:04:02.479 My father-in-law, when he was still with us, had a unique perspective on our relationship with God. 00:04:02.719 --> 00:04:06.240 He was a husband, and we know that Jesus is a husband to the church. 00:04:06.560 --> 00:04:10.159 He was a father, and we know that God is our heavenly father. 00:04:10.400 --> 00:04:13.199 But in his later years he also became a shepherd. 00:04:13.439 --> 00:04:17.120 I can still remember the conversation we had when I brought this up to him. 00:04:17.439 --> 00:04:23.279 I knew that being a husband and father myself informed my understanding of how God relates to us. 00:04:23.439 --> 00:04:29.120 So I asked him about what wisdom he had gleaned from being a shepherd as it relates to us and God. 00:04:30.879 --> 00:04:41.519 Some of the things that he mentioned were that sheep are dependent animals, that they wander easily, they cannot defend themselves, not well at all, and they require constant care. 00:04:42.160 --> 00:04:46.160 Left of themselves, they become vulnerable to predators and danger. 00:04:46.720 --> 00:04:57.360 Now, that imagery is not designed to insult us, but rather it reminds us how deeply we need the guidance, the protection, and the provision of our shepherd. 00:04:57.680 --> 00:05:01.199 Isaiah confessed that all we like sheep have gone astray. 00:05:01.439 --> 00:05:05.360 We know well that David said, The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 00:05:05.680 --> 00:05:10.879 And Jesus himself identified as the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. 00:05:11.600 --> 00:05:21.519 Yes, Christ is the good shepherd, but in his wisdom he also appoints under shepherds, pastors and elders, to care for his flock until he returns. 00:05:22.240 --> 00:05:31.839 These leaders, and pay special attention to this list of qualities here, these shepherds are not owners, they're stewards, they're managers. 00:05:32.160 --> 00:05:35.279 They're not celebrities, but rather servants. 00:05:35.920 --> 00:05:42.319 Their authority is not rooted in personal charisma, or as Dan likes to say, good looks and charm. 00:05:42.800 --> 00:05:47.199 But they're rooted in the Word of God and in the example of Christ. 00:05:48.399 --> 00:05:53.839 By the time Peter writes this book, these words, he has been involved in ministry for decades. 00:05:54.319 --> 00:05:56.959 He has known both triumph and failure. 00:05:57.439 --> 00:06:05.680 He preached at Pentecost, he healed the lame, he suffered imprisonment, and he watched the church spread across the Roman Empire. 00:06:07.120 --> 00:06:11.199 Tradition tells us that he would eventually be crucified for his faith. 00:06:11.680 --> 00:06:19.519 As he writes, persecution is intensifying, and he knows that the churches will need faithful shepherds now more than ever. 00:06:20.800 --> 00:06:29.439 Notice that Peter does not begin by discussing church growth strategies, organizational structures, uh, ministry techniques. 00:06:29.680 --> 00:06:32.079 He begins with the heart of a shepherd. 00:06:33.199 --> 00:06:38.480 Before God is concerned about what leaders accomplish, he is concerned about who they are. 00:06:39.120 --> 00:06:43.360 As John MacArthur wrote, the church is never stronger than its leadership. 00:06:43.600 --> 00:06:49.519 Likewise, Charles Spurgeon observed, the pulpit is the thermometer of the church. 00:06:50.240 --> 00:06:55.600 Those statements remind us that healthy churches are ordinarily led by healthy shepherds. 00:06:56.480 --> 00:07:09.279 Here are four things we're going to see as we take a deeper look at our verses this morning the humility of the shepherd, the responsibility of the shepherd, the heart of the shepherd, and the hope of the shepherd. 00:07:09.920 --> 00:07:14.800 Okay, so the shepherd's humility, responsibility, heart, and hope. 00:07:14.959 --> 00:07:18.000 We'll look at these one by one, starting with humility. 00:07:18.879 --> 00:07:22.480 And Peter begins here in verse 1 as we begin to take a deeper look. 00:07:22.639 --> 00:07:26.079 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder. 00:07:26.399 --> 00:07:30.319 The word uh so or therefore connects this passage with the preceding verses. 00:07:30.560 --> 00:07:36.399 Peter has just reminded believers that suffering and judgment are part of God's refining work. 00:07:38.079 --> 00:07:43.519 In especially difficult times, churches need especially faithful leadership. 00:07:43.920 --> 00:07:47.759 It's noteworthy here that Peter does not appeal to his apostleship. 00:07:47.920 --> 00:07:50.560 Instead, he calls himself a fellow elder. 00:07:50.800 --> 00:07:52.079 What humility. 00:07:58.800 --> 00:08:08.399 Peter could have reminded the people he was writing to, he could have reminded them that he had walked on water, that he witnessed the transfiguration, that he preached at Pentecost, you know. 00:08:08.720 --> 00:08:10.560 Do you know how many decisions we got that day? 00:08:10.639 --> 00:08:11.759 He could have said, right? 00:08:11.920 --> 00:08:13.360 No, he doesn't do that. 00:08:14.000 --> 00:08:18.160 He identifies himself simply as one shepherd, speaking to fellow shepherds. 00:08:19.279 --> 00:08:22.480 This reflects the lesson that Jesus taught him years earlier. 00:08:22.720 --> 00:08:28.959 When the disciples argued about greatness, Jesus said, Whoever would be great among you must be your servant. 00:08:29.279 --> 00:08:32.320 Christian leadership begins with humility. 00:08:32.799 --> 00:08:40.159 It was Augustine who wrote, Should you ask me what is the first thing in the religion and discipline of Jesus Christ, I shall answer. 00:08:40.399 --> 00:08:41.919 First, humility. 00:08:42.159 --> 00:08:43.840 Second, humility. 00:08:44.159 --> 00:08:46.799 Third, humility. 00:08:47.039 --> 00:08:47.759 Sorry. 00:08:48.000 --> 00:08:50.879 That applies nowhere more than in pastoral ministry. 00:08:52.480 --> 00:08:55.679 Peter next reminds them that he witnessed Christ's sufferings. 00:08:55.759 --> 00:08:57.039 At the end of verse 1, there. 00:08:57.120 --> 00:09:03.039 He says, Witness of the sufferings of Christ as well as the partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed. 00:09:03.360 --> 00:09:05.360 He watched Jesus arrested. 00:09:05.679 --> 00:09:07.360 He saw him mocked. 00:09:07.600 --> 00:09:09.360 He then denied knowing him. 00:09:10.080 --> 00:09:11.919 He heard the rooster crow. 00:09:12.240 --> 00:09:13.919 He wept bitterly. 00:09:14.399 --> 00:09:18.559 And later he met the risen Christ who restored him by the Sea of Galilee. 00:09:18.960 --> 00:09:22.480 That restoration forever shaped Peter's ministry. 00:09:23.279 --> 00:09:26.240 Broken men often become compassionate shepherds. 00:09:26.879 --> 00:09:36.399 Those who have experienced God's grace become better equipped to both extend grace to and explain the grace of God to others. 00:09:36.639 --> 00:09:40.159 Paul echoes this principle in 2 Corinthians 1, 3 and 4. 00:09:40.240 --> 00:09:42.480 I'm going to read that real quick. 00:09:44.480 --> 00:10:02.879 2 Corinthians 1 verses 3 and 4 says, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 00:10:03.600 --> 00:10:06.720 God comforts us so that we may comfort others. 00:10:07.039 --> 00:10:08.480 You're probably well aware of this. 00:10:08.639 --> 00:10:12.080 You know, you've helped someone through something that you have gone through. 00:10:12.399 --> 00:10:18.559 So the greatest pastors are really those who have avoided suffering, but those whom Christ has transformed through it. 00:10:19.840 --> 00:10:22.080 And Peter balances suffering here with hope. 00:10:22.240 --> 00:10:25.200 He speaks of the glory that is going to be revealed. 00:10:32.799 --> 00:10:34.639 In Romans, Paul shares the same truth. 00:10:34.799 --> 00:10:42.159 Chapter 8, verse 18, says, The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed. 00:10:43.120 --> 00:10:46.480 Faithful shepherds live with eternity in view. 00:10:48.240 --> 00:10:51.200 Okay, so that's the humility of the shepherd. 00:10:51.279 --> 00:10:55.279 We're going to look now in verse 2 at the responsibility of the shepherd. 00:10:55.919 --> 00:11:07.200 Chapter 5, verse 2 says, 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. 00:11:08.240 --> 00:11:10.159 Shepherd the flock of God that is among you. 00:11:10.320 --> 00:11:12.559 This is the central command of this passage. 00:11:17.600 --> 00:11:24.639 It encompasses feeding, protecting, guiding, healing, seeking, and nurturing. 00:11:25.759 --> 00:11:28.320 Peter deliberately says the flock of God. 00:11:28.559 --> 00:11:30.720 The church does not belong to the pastor. 00:11:30.960 --> 00:11:32.960 It does not belong to the elders. 00:11:33.200 --> 00:11:35.759 It doesn't belong to the denomination. 00:11:35.919 --> 00:11:38.000 It belongs to Christ alone. 00:11:38.879 --> 00:11:42.720 The Bible tells us that God purchased the church with his own blood. 00:11:43.919 --> 00:11:45.840 Think of the staggering implication. 00:11:46.480 --> 00:11:49.919 Every believer has been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. 00:11:50.240 --> 00:11:55.120 How carefully should shepherds treat those whom Christ loved enough to die for? 00:11:56.080 --> 00:11:56.559 J.C. 00:11:56.720 --> 00:12:01.759 Ryle wrote that the souls of men are the most valuable things in all creation. 00:12:03.039 --> 00:12:07.120 Pastoral ministry is therefore sacred stewardship. 00:12:07.519 --> 00:12:11.679 When Peter was restored, Jesus' command to him was remarkably simple. 00:12:12.000 --> 00:12:16.639 Feed my lambs, tend my sheep, feed my sheep. 00:12:17.039 --> 00:12:18.879 Three things, but it's one command. 00:12:19.120 --> 00:12:21.440 Everything else in ministry flows from that. 00:12:22.080 --> 00:12:31.919 Programs may entertain us, events may attract us, technology we can use to assist us, but it is only the word of God that nourishes souls. 00:12:32.320 --> 00:12:36.639 Paul therefore commands Timothy, preach the word in season and out of season. 00:12:36.799 --> 00:12:38.720 That's in 2 Timothy 4.2. 00:12:39.519 --> 00:12:41.519 What does that mean in season and out of season? 00:12:41.600 --> 00:12:43.200 It's a curious phrase. 00:12:43.519 --> 00:12:45.200 I take it to mean two things. 00:12:45.440 --> 00:12:51.039 A first is to stay ready to preach the gospel, which our personal conduct has a lot to do with. 00:12:51.279 --> 00:12:55.919 For time's sake, I won't say more than that, but if you don't understand what I mean, you can ask me after. 00:12:56.159 --> 00:13:03.279 But the second way I understand this is that we don't save anybody, and we don't know when somebody will or won't respond to the gospel. 00:13:03.519 --> 00:13:06.639 They could be in season or out of season. 00:13:06.879 --> 00:13:16.399 Also, in planting the seed of the gospel, it may take another coming along and watering it before any growth occurs, and before that seed bears any fruit. 00:13:16.799 --> 00:13:34.799 I had, I'll tell you, I had a brief interaction online this week, and I don't do hardly anything with social media, but I happened to cross someone that asked a question about a person who was a miserable sinner for 80 years and then got saved right before the end of their life, versus someone who didn't believe in Christ but lived an ethical life. 00:13:34.879 --> 00:13:35.200 Okay? 00:13:35.679 --> 00:13:36.879 It's a fair question. 00:13:37.120 --> 00:13:42.159 But of course the answer is that nobody's good, and other people had pointed that out. 00:13:43.039 --> 00:13:49.039 What I added to the conversation was that I was somebody who most people would have considered a good person before I got saved. 00:13:49.759 --> 00:13:54.240 I also pointed out that there was no way I could begin to count the multitude of my sins. 00:13:55.120 --> 00:14:00.559 I explained that when we place our faith in Christ, God sees his righteousness when he looks at us. 00:14:00.720 --> 00:14:02.240 Okay, that's the gospel. 00:14:02.879 --> 00:14:09.200 The questioner responded saying that it seemed like I was making a biblical bait and switch and that I was hiding behind Jesus. 00:14:09.360 --> 00:14:09.679 Okay. 00:14:10.639 --> 00:14:14.320 I said it would be a biblical bait and switch if I claimed anything else. 00:14:14.799 --> 00:14:23.840 And she could call it hiding if she wanted, but that truly following Jesus and letting him into the deepest recesses of our hearts takes a lot of courage, actually. 00:14:24.080 --> 00:14:26.480 You know, it's like when people call religion a crutch. 00:14:26.799 --> 00:14:28.159 You can call it a crutch if you want. 00:14:28.320 --> 00:14:29.600 I was a lame man. 00:14:31.519 --> 00:14:32.720 Well, I left it at that. 00:14:32.799 --> 00:14:39.759 You know, I planted the seed, and maybe down the line uh she'll understand, or maybe someone else will come along and see it, and God will use that. 00:14:39.840 --> 00:14:40.720 I don't know. 00:14:40.960 --> 00:14:44.080 I will say that others came in and mocked and reviled me. 00:14:44.240 --> 00:14:49.600 Um we've spent enough time in this book hearing about being persecuted for righteousness' sake. 00:14:49.840 --> 00:14:53.679 Part of my flesh, I'll admit, wanted to hit back with some snark, but I didn't. 00:14:53.759 --> 00:14:57.360 And if you engage in stuff like this, you shouldn't either. 00:14:58.000 --> 00:14:59.360 But anyway, that's what I mean. 00:14:59.440 --> 00:15:02.799 It bel that's what I believe it means to preach the word in season and out. 00:15:03.039 --> 00:15:04.639 Well, why should we do it? 00:15:04.960 --> 00:15:08.480 Martin Luther once observed that the word did everything. 00:15:09.279 --> 00:15:11.519 God's word convicts, okay? 00:15:11.759 --> 00:15:18.159 God's word converts, God's word strengthens, and God's word sanctifies. 00:15:20.159 --> 00:15:22.799 Healthy sheep require healthy food. 00:15:23.279 --> 00:15:23.600 Okay. 00:15:24.000 --> 00:15:26.000 So that's the responsibility of the shepherd. 00:15:26.159 --> 00:15:28.000 We're going to look now at the heart of the shepherd. 00:15:28.159 --> 00:15:30.240 And that I read part of this at verse 2. 00:15:30.320 --> 00:15:32.960 I'll start again in the middle of verse 2 and verse 3. 00:15:33.279 --> 00:15:39.039 Uh exercise oversight not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you. 00:15:39.200 --> 00:15:41.840 Not for shameful gain, but eagerly. 00:15:42.240 --> 00:15:46.960 Not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 00:15:47.120 --> 00:15:49.840 I like how he's contrast comparing and contrasting there. 00:15:49.919 --> 00:15:51.360 I like how Peter's doing that. 00:15:51.919 --> 00:15:54.080 He gives those three contrasts. 00:15:54.480 --> 00:15:59.600 And each of the contrasts reveals the inner motives of spiritual leadership. 00:15:59.679 --> 00:15:59.919 Okay? 00:16:00.080 --> 00:16:02.639 You have willingly and not under compulsion. 00:16:02.960 --> 00:16:07.039 Ministry is never merely a job, it's a calling. 00:16:07.679 --> 00:16:14.240 A man shouldn't shepherd because no other career is available to him, or because he thinks I don't want a real job. 00:16:14.480 --> 00:16:21.360 And if you're a pastor here, hi Stan, if you're a pastor here, you probably chuckle to yourself because you know how much work pastoring is. 00:16:21.840 --> 00:16:23.840 But people do have that perception. 00:16:25.600 --> 00:16:28.960 But a man shepherds because Christ has called him. 00:16:29.519 --> 00:16:34.879 Jeremiah declared in Jeremiah 20 that his word is in my heart like a burning fire. 00:16:36.000 --> 00:16:39.279 That holy compulsion produces willing service. 00:16:40.559 --> 00:16:46.639 And John Calvin wrote that those who undertake the government of the church ought to be constrained by love. 00:16:46.879 --> 00:16:53.039 This is important, because love sustains ministry long after enthusiasm may fade. 00:16:54.639 --> 00:16:58.480 Okay, next we have eagerly and not for shameful gain. 00:16:58.720 --> 00:17:01.120 Peter's warning here against greed. 00:17:01.600 --> 00:17:06.799 Throughout Scripture, false teachers are frequently marked by financial exploitation. 00:17:08.160 --> 00:17:12.799 Paul warned the Ephesian elders that wolves would arise from within the church. 00:17:13.039 --> 00:17:20.160 And Peter similarly warns in 2 Peter 2, verse 3, that false teachers exploit others in their greed. 00:17:21.200 --> 00:17:23.359 Money is a horrible master. 00:17:23.680 --> 00:17:27.920 We know, of course, that the Bible tells us the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. 00:17:29.680 --> 00:17:33.680 Faithful pastors absolutely deserve financial support. 00:17:54.160 --> 00:17:57.359 Okay, so pastors definitely deserve financial support. 00:17:57.759 --> 00:18:01.119 But they must never view ministry as a means to wealth. 00:18:02.400 --> 00:18:07.200 Charles Spurgeon warned his students, do not enter the ministry if you can help it. 00:18:08.160 --> 00:18:16.400 What he meant by that is that unless a man is irresistibly called by God, the hardships of ministry are going to overwhelm him. 00:18:19.839 --> 00:18:22.160 This was some time ago, but I thought I had an out biblically. 00:18:22.720 --> 00:18:27.200 Because the word says that we shouldn't presume to be teachers, because teachers are judged more harshly. 00:18:27.519 --> 00:18:31.440 So I took that as an out for a while that I didn't have to teach. 00:18:31.759 --> 00:18:35.279 But I came to grips with the fact that this is who God made me to be. 00:18:35.519 --> 00:18:39.519 I love worshiping God and being up here and helping lead the congregation in worship. 00:18:39.680 --> 00:18:41.359 That is a tremendous honor for me. 00:18:41.519 --> 00:18:43.119 But I don't have to do it. 00:18:43.359 --> 00:18:46.079 Teaching God's word, I have to do. 00:18:46.559 --> 00:18:51.200 I know that I won't experience the fullness of his joy if I hide from it. 00:18:51.519 --> 00:18:53.680 I had to yield my will to his. 00:18:54.960 --> 00:18:59.039 Only love for Christ can sustain lifelong shepherding. 00:19:00.240 --> 00:19:06.079 And third, he contrasts by Christ's example, leading by example and not domination. 00:19:06.160 --> 00:19:11.440 Okay, Peter's forbidding authoritarian leadership. 00:19:11.680 --> 00:19:13.119 Easy for me to say. 00:19:13.680 --> 00:19:19.039 The church is not a dictatorship, neither is it a popularity contest. 00:19:19.440 --> 00:19:22.559 Jesus said, the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them. 00:19:22.799 --> 00:19:25.200 It shall not be so among you. 00:19:26.720 --> 00:19:31.119 Authority in Christ's kingdom is exercised through sacrificial service. 00:19:31.680 --> 00:19:37.440 Paul repeatedly urged believers, be imitators of me as I am of Christ. 00:19:38.240 --> 00:19:41.680 People follow what they see more readily than what they hear. 00:19:42.000 --> 00:19:45.759 No amount of gifted preaching compensates for ungodly living. 00:19:46.160 --> 00:19:52.960 You have to understand, and I and I think I've said this before, but when we're up here preaching the word, we've already been preaching it to ourselves beforehand. 00:19:53.119 --> 00:19:57.920 All week I've been preaching this message to myself, and it's the same for Dan, it's the same for anybody who comes up here. 00:19:58.240 --> 00:20:02.559 It is most definitely not a rules for thee but not for me situation. 00:20:04.240 --> 00:20:06.960 So what does faithful shepherding actually look like? 00:20:07.680 --> 00:20:09.279 Shepherds feed, okay? 00:20:09.440 --> 00:20:11.680 They faithfully teach scripture. 00:20:11.920 --> 00:20:18.480 Not merely uh favorite topics or cultural trends, but they teach the whole council of God. 00:20:20.400 --> 00:20:26.079 Expository preaching allows God's agenda, not the preacher's agenda, to shape the church. 00:20:26.319 --> 00:20:26.640 Okay. 00:20:27.200 --> 00:20:28.640 Shepherds protect. 00:20:28.960 --> 00:20:30.720 Paul warned of wolves. 00:20:30.960 --> 00:20:33.839 Every generation faces new false teaching. 00:20:34.079 --> 00:20:42.559 Sometimes error comes in through uh cults that arise, sometimes it's through prosperity theology, sometimes it's through moral compromise. 00:20:42.880 --> 00:20:45.759 Sometimes it's it's a very subtle distortion of the gospel. 00:20:45.920 --> 00:20:47.039 Very subtle. 00:20:47.519 --> 00:20:51.599 And faithful shepherds lovingly guard doctrinal purity. 00:20:52.880 --> 00:21:01.039 Titus 1 9 says that elders must be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. 00:21:01.279 --> 00:21:04.960 It says that we hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught. 00:21:05.519 --> 00:21:08.319 Shepherds feed, they protect, they also lead. 00:21:09.440 --> 00:21:12.559 Shepherds help God's people discern direction. 00:21:13.279 --> 00:21:18.079 Leadership includes wisdom, prayer, and dependence upon Scripture. 00:21:18.559 --> 00:21:23.279 Moses led Israel, David led Israel, shepherded Israel. 00:21:23.519 --> 00:21:28.559 Paul established churches, and faithful pastors continue that ministry today. 00:21:29.440 --> 00:21:31.119 And shepherds also care. 00:21:32.240 --> 00:21:35.039 James instructs the elders to pray over the sick. 00:21:35.279 --> 00:21:38.079 Paul wept with and over believers. 00:21:38.480 --> 00:21:40.000 I just want to make a quick aside here. 00:21:40.079 --> 00:21:42.000 I've been I've referenced a bunch of different scriptures. 00:21:42.079 --> 00:21:44.480 Some of them I've given you the references for, some of them I haven't. 00:21:44.960 --> 00:21:48.960 We're here in the park, and thank God for the rain stopping. 00:21:49.279 --> 00:21:51.039 Turned out to be a nice day. 00:21:52.240 --> 00:21:56.240 But without the screens that we normally have in the building, I mostly have just kept it moving. 00:21:56.480 --> 00:22:02.880 With that said, I've referenced Acts chapter 20 uh a couple Multiple times, and I would greatly commend that to your reading this week. 00:22:03.119 --> 00:22:04.400 Acts chapter twenty. 00:22:05.440 --> 00:22:13.599 True shepherding includes counseling, visitation, encouragement, correction, discipleship, and compassion. 00:22:14.960 --> 00:22:16.640 People are not projects. 00:22:17.599 --> 00:22:21.200 Remodeling and updating bathrooms, that's a project. 00:22:21.440 --> 00:22:24.720 People are not projects, they are precious souls. 00:22:25.839 --> 00:22:28.799 Peter concludes by lifting our eyes to Jesus. 00:22:29.039 --> 00:22:32.400 And we're moving on to the hope of the shepherd now in verse 4. 00:22:32.799 --> 00:22:37.599 When the chief shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 00:22:38.160 --> 00:22:40.880 Every earthly shepherd is temporary. 00:22:41.200 --> 00:22:43.200 Jesus alone is eternal. 00:22:43.839 --> 00:22:46.720 Scripture presents Christ in three beautiful ways. 00:22:46.880 --> 00:22:50.240 He in John 10 is the good shepherd who died for the sheep. 00:22:50.400 --> 00:22:53.759 In Hebrews 13, he is the great shepherd who rose again. 00:22:54.000 --> 00:22:58.079 And here in our passage this morning, he is the chief shepherd who will return. 00:22:58.720 --> 00:23:01.440 Everything in pastoral ministry points to him. 00:23:02.079 --> 00:23:03.680 Pastors save no one. 00:23:03.920 --> 00:23:05.599 Christ alone saves. 00:23:06.319 --> 00:23:08.319 Pastors don't forgive sins. 00:23:08.720 --> 00:23:10.240 Christ forgives. 00:23:11.599 --> 00:23:13.839 Pastors don't build an eternal kingdom. 00:23:14.160 --> 00:23:16.160 Christ builds his church. 00:23:16.480 --> 00:23:18.720 He promised that in Matthew 16. 00:23:19.759 --> 00:23:23.680 So Peter here promises, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 00:23:23.839 --> 00:23:30.160 In the ancient Olympic Games, victors received wreaths woven from leaves. 00:23:30.400 --> 00:23:34.000 You can imagine within days they faded and decayed. 00:23:34.480 --> 00:23:39.119 Peter intentionally contrasts that fading wreath with an eternal reward. 00:23:39.440 --> 00:23:46.160 Paul writes similarly in 1 Corinthians, they do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 00:23:46.880 --> 00:23:50.960 Faithful service is never unnoticed by God. 00:23:51.680 --> 00:23:54.160 Most pastors labor in obscurity. 00:23:54.400 --> 00:23:56.640 Some shepherd tiny congregations. 00:23:57.039 --> 00:23:59.920 Some preach to dozens rather than thousands. 00:24:00.240 --> 00:24:02.640 I actually know a pastor in a resort town. 00:24:02.799 --> 00:24:07.839 When it's the off season there, his congregation shrinks from over a hundred to under twelve. 00:24:08.160 --> 00:24:09.759 Isn't that remarkable? 00:24:10.319 --> 00:24:16.319 But there he is, faithfully bringing the word of God each week, whether to many or just a few. 00:24:16.640 --> 00:24:17.279 Why? 00:24:17.680 --> 00:24:20.079 Because even just a few still need it. 00:24:21.519 --> 00:24:24.960 Many pastors receive little recognition in this life. 00:24:25.200 --> 00:24:36.079 If all you knew of what church was what you could see on services on television, you'd be right to be skeptical, but that represents such a minuscule percentage of pastors in this country. 00:24:36.319 --> 00:24:41.200 Most aren't there for recognition or fame, which is a good thing because it's not coming anyway. 00:24:41.599 --> 00:24:44.000 We do things for God and not man. 00:24:44.720 --> 00:24:58.559 And Christ sees every unseen sacrifice, every hospital visit, every late night prayer, every tear shed over wandering sheep, every faithful sermon, nothing escapes the chief shepherd's notice. 00:24:59.359 --> 00:25:05.680 As Hebrews assures us, 6.10, God is not unjust so as to overlook your work. 00:25:07.920 --> 00:25:09.599 So how does this apply for us? 00:25:09.839 --> 00:25:14.000 Peter's words here are not only for pastors, they challenge every believer. 00:25:14.799 --> 00:25:19.039 First, pray consistently for your spiritual leaders. 00:25:19.359 --> 00:25:23.359 Ministry places men on the front lines of spiritual warfare. 00:25:23.599 --> 00:25:26.640 Paul repeatedly asked churches to pray for him. 00:25:27.440 --> 00:25:29.680 Second, encourage faithful shepherds. 00:25:30.079 --> 00:25:32.480 I've given some criteria here for shepherds. 00:25:32.799 --> 00:25:40.880 We talked about a shepherd's humility, we talked about a shepherd's responsibility, we looked at a shepherd's heart, and we saw a shepherd's hope. 00:25:42.000 --> 00:25:50.720 How does Dan especially, but also the rest of the leadership, do in these areas, recognizing that we are all works in progress and there is always room for growth? 00:25:51.039 --> 00:25:55.039 I think he does good to great in every area. 00:25:55.599 --> 00:25:59.119 Frankly, I wouldn't be here if that wasn't the case. 00:25:59.680 --> 00:26:05.519 And if you if you agree, remember that I said at the beginning that we had some responsibilities to him. 00:26:06.000 --> 00:26:10.480 We talked about praying for leaders, and we're talking now about encouraging them. 00:26:10.720 --> 00:26:17.039 Galatians 6, 6 says, Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 00:26:17.279 --> 00:26:19.279 Not some good things, all. 00:26:20.000 --> 00:26:22.799 Bless them in every way you can think of. 00:26:23.119 --> 00:26:28.319 If you are putting what you are taught into practice and God is changing you, tell us about it. 00:26:28.480 --> 00:26:33.119 Not for our glory, that's God's, of course, but for our edification. 00:26:33.440 --> 00:26:36.640 We overcome the evil one with the word of our testimony. 00:26:37.039 --> 00:26:45.680 If God puts it on your heart, get a small Tim Hortons gift card or just a greeting card that lets him know you appreciate his service to us, that you're praying for him and his family. 00:26:45.920 --> 00:26:48.000 Take them out or have them over for dinner. 00:26:48.160 --> 00:26:49.680 Whatever you can think of. 00:26:50.000 --> 00:26:53.519 One time God laid it on my heart to buy him clothes, buy Dan Clothes. 00:26:53.680 --> 00:26:57.119 It was really kind of a random thing, but I did it. 00:26:58.000 --> 00:27:02.079 A sincere word of gratitude can strengthen a weary servant of God. 00:27:06.079 --> 00:27:07.759 Hebrews chapter 13. 00:27:07.839 --> 00:27:11.920 I'm going to read verses 7 and 8, and then 17 and 18. 00:27:12.400 --> 00:27:18.880 Hebrews 13, 7 and 8, and then 17 and 18 says, Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. 00:27:19.039 --> 00:27:22.720 Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. 00:27:22.960 --> 00:27:27.039 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 00:27:27.599 --> 00:27:33.680 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. 00:27:33.920 --> 00:27:38.640 Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. 00:27:38.880 --> 00:27:45.119 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. 00:27:45.279 --> 00:27:50.960 I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner. 00:27:53.359 --> 00:27:55.119 Dan doesn't claim authority. 00:27:55.359 --> 00:27:56.799 He's been given it. 00:27:57.200 --> 00:27:57.839 By God. 00:27:58.799 --> 00:28:06.640 If he tells you to join a life group or to seek to get involved in serving in some capacity, do everything you can to obey him. 00:28:07.039 --> 00:28:08.480 The word commands it. 00:28:08.640 --> 00:28:12.880 And it's not to bolster some attendance number or anything superficial. 00:28:13.039 --> 00:28:18.960 It's because we grow in service and in community, and he cares about the health of your soul. 00:28:20.240 --> 00:28:20.559 Okay. 00:28:21.680 --> 00:28:23.759 So pray for your leaders, encourage them. 00:28:23.920 --> 00:28:25.839 Third, evaluate leaders biblically. 00:28:26.000 --> 00:28:28.160 Okay, we've done that here this morning. 00:28:28.480 --> 00:28:34.720 Charisma, popularity, or administrative skill, those are not primary qualifications of leadership. 00:28:34.960 --> 00:28:41.680 You look for humility, for sound doctrine, for godly character, and for sacrificial love. 00:28:43.200 --> 00:28:46.400 Fourth, remember that no earthly shepherd is perfect. 00:28:46.559 --> 00:28:48.720 Even Peter denied Christ. 00:28:48.960 --> 00:28:54.400 The church's ultimate confidence must always rest in Jesus, not in any human leader. 00:28:55.839 --> 00:29:01.279 And finally, if you are not a pastor, embrace Peter's call by being a faithful disciple. 00:29:01.519 --> 00:29:03.359 Parents shepherd their children. 00:29:03.599 --> 00:29:06.240 Mature believers mentor younger Christians. 00:29:06.559 --> 00:29:12.559 Every follower of Christ has the opportunities to reflect the compassion of our chief shepherd. 00:29:13.920 --> 00:29:16.079 Peter knew what it meant to fail. 00:29:16.640 --> 00:29:19.039 He also knew what it meant to be restored. 00:29:19.279 --> 00:29:22.160 That's why his exhortation carries such weight. 00:29:22.400 --> 00:29:27.759 He writes not as a man who has always succeeded, but as a man who was transformed by grace. 00:29:28.160 --> 00:29:32.720 The same Savior who restored Peter continues to restore sinners today. 00:29:33.119 --> 00:29:35.359 Perhaps you have wandered like a sheep. 00:29:35.599 --> 00:29:37.519 Perhaps you have grown cold. 00:29:37.759 --> 00:29:42.960 Perhaps disappointment, suffering, or sin has left you feeling distant from God. 00:29:43.359 --> 00:29:46.880 Hear again this morning the invitation of the good shepherd. 00:29:47.200 --> 00:29:53.279 He still seeks the lost, he still carries the weak, he still forgives the repentant. 00:29:53.599 --> 00:29:56.079 He still calls his sheep by name. 00:29:56.559 --> 00:30:00.720 One day the heavens will open, and the chief shepherd will appear in glory. 00:30:01.200 --> 00:30:14.799 On that day, every faithful shepherd will gladly lay down his crown before the throne of Christ, confessing that every victory, every converted soul, every act of perseverance, and every blessing came from him alone. 00:30:15.200 --> 00:30:20.960 Until that day, may our pastors and leaders shepherd willingly, eagerly, and humbly. 00:30:21.200 --> 00:30:26.319 May churches love, support, and pray for those who watch over their souls. 00:30:26.559 --> 00:30:36.720 And may every believer keep his eyes fixed on Jesus Christ, the good shepherd who died for us, the great shepherd who lives for us, and the chief shepherd who is coming again. 00:30:37.200 --> 00:30:44.400 In the words of Charles Spurgeon, our chief desire is that the sheep should be fed, and that the chief shepherd should be glorified. 00:30:44.640 --> 00:30:55.279 May that be the prayer of every church, every pastor, every elder, and every follower of Christ, until faith becomes sight, and we stand in the presence of our glorious shepherd forever. 00:30:55.759 --> 00:30:56.319 Amen.