Post by poetsunshine on Nov 30, 2010 15:11:34 GMT -6
GODLY LEADERS...1 PETER 5:1-5.
In verse 2 of the text, the word feed more precisely means to tend, to the work of a shepherd. The minister of the Gospel is here represented as a shepherd, his congregation is called the flock. The shepherd is responsible to his Lord as well as to His people for faithful stewardship over the flock.
The relationship between shepherd and flock is one of voluntary mutual privilege and responsibility. In some cases at least, pastors received some kind of payment. Were some congregations affluent enough even then to make the position of pastor lucrative and attractive to unspiritual men? Filthy lucre or dishonorable gain.
The true pastoral motive is found in II Cor. 12:14 where Paul said too the church, I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you.
The ministry had its temptations, especially in the misuse of authority. There is a pastoral authority that is biblical, legitimate, and proper. Peter has in mind certain men who ruled dictatorially, enjoying the seat of power. Peter charges them to follow the example of the Chief Shepherd from whom they had received their commission and to whom they would one day give an account.
In verse 5 of I Peter 5, Peter urges the younger members of the church to recognize and submit to the leadership of elders. In some congregations there were younger members who were leading prideful, sensual lives. Peter here uses a term, be clothed with humility, which suggests as slave’s apron under which the loose garments were girt up.
Pride has no place in the service of Him who humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Peter says, God resists the proud. Literally, God sets Himself in battle array against the proud, even as a general lines up his battalions against an enemy. Grace, and more grace, is promised to those who humble themselves in their relationships with God and fellow Christians.
In verse 2 of the text, the word feed more precisely means to tend, to the work of a shepherd. The minister of the Gospel is here represented as a shepherd, his congregation is called the flock. The shepherd is responsible to his Lord as well as to His people for faithful stewardship over the flock.
The relationship between shepherd and flock is one of voluntary mutual privilege and responsibility. In some cases at least, pastors received some kind of payment. Were some congregations affluent enough even then to make the position of pastor lucrative and attractive to unspiritual men? Filthy lucre or dishonorable gain.
The true pastoral motive is found in II Cor. 12:14 where Paul said too the church, I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you.
The ministry had its temptations, especially in the misuse of authority. There is a pastoral authority that is biblical, legitimate, and proper. Peter has in mind certain men who ruled dictatorially, enjoying the seat of power. Peter charges them to follow the example of the Chief Shepherd from whom they had received their commission and to whom they would one day give an account.
In verse 5 of I Peter 5, Peter urges the younger members of the church to recognize and submit to the leadership of elders. In some congregations there were younger members who were leading prideful, sensual lives. Peter here uses a term, be clothed with humility, which suggests as slave’s apron under which the loose garments were girt up.
Pride has no place in the service of Him who humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Peter says, God resists the proud. Literally, God sets Himself in battle array against the proud, even as a general lines up his battalions against an enemy. Grace, and more grace, is promised to those who humble themselves in their relationships with God and fellow Christians.
