1 Peter 5:2-3 - Caring For Your Flock.
1 Peter 5:2-3 (NLT) Care for the flock that
God has entrusted to you. Watch over it
willingly, not grudgingly - not for what you will get
out of it, but because you are eager to serve
God. 3 Dont lord it over the people assigned
to your care, but lead them by your own good
example.
1 Peter 5:2-3 (AMP) Tend (nurture, guard,
guide, and fold) the flock of God that is [your
responsibility], not by coercion or constraint, but
willingly; not dishonorably motivated by the advantages
and profits [belonging to the office], but
eagerly and cheerfully; 3 Not domineering [as
arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over
those in your charge, but being examples (patterns
and models of Christian living) to the flock
(the congregation).
INTRODUCTION
Peter describes several characteristics of
good leaders in the church: (1) They realize they
are caring for God's flock, not their own; (2)
they lead out of eagerness to serve, not out of
obligation; (3) they are concerned for what they can
give, not for what they can get; (4) they lead by
example, not force. All of us lead others in some
way. Whatever our role, our leadership should be
in line with these characteristics. [Life
Application SB]
COMMENTARY PEARL
I love watching TV. Many of my favorite
shows had servants, especially those shows from
back in the day. Among them was the ever-present
Lurch from The Addams Family, sassy Florence from
The Jeffersons, and the quick-witted Alice from
The Brady Bunch.
All of these fictional servants had
different personalities and ways to approach the
situations that were presented to them by the
hodgepodge group of people they served - some kooky,
some sweet, some self-absorbed.
I have similar types of folks - and more
- among my family, friends, church members,
and colleagues. They are my people, the ones
whom the Lord has put within my reach to serve.
Peter says to be shepherds of God's
flock, and not only willing shepherds but those who
are eager to serve and be examples to the flock.
That can sometimes be a pretty tall order for me.
But with Jesus's help, I can willingly serve
those who come with last-minute requests for help.
I can eagerly assist people with personal
challenges who on the surface may not be so lovable or
easy to work with. And with Jesus's help, I can
be an example of a true servant who walks
humbly with Him.
This is part of the work that the Lord
has given me to do. While I am watching over my
flock, He is watching me as I represent Him. I like
to think of myself as a servant in Jesus's
everyday reality show. Barbranda Lumpkins Walls
Faith Step: Reach out to serve a member
of your flock in some way today. [Mornings With
Jesus 2022 Devotional by Guideposts and
Zondervan]
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS TOPIC
1 Peter 4:10, 11 - Gifts with Grace to the
Glory of God.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210601-1029.html
Galatians 5:13 - Choose Freedom Not Slavery;
Service Not Sin.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220125-0852.html
Matthew 25:31-46 - The Parable of The Sheep
and Goats; The Final Judgment.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210524-1002.html
YOUR COMMENTS
If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in
hearing from you. Thanks in advance and let's keep
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred
Gibbs
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
A Man without Equal by Bill Bright:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo
Steps to Peace by Billy Graham:
https://stepstopeace.org/
Seeking God Made Real:
http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies:
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Voice of Prophecy Discover Bible Study
Guides:
https://www.voiceofprophecy.com/study/discover
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies:
http://www.bibleresearch.info/
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of
Adventist World Radio: https://www.awr.org/bible
Panorama of Prophecy with Pastor Doug
Batchelor: https://www.panoramaofprophecy.com/
Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW:
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
Islam and Christianity in Prophecy, The
Third and Final Conflict by Tim Roosenberg:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHSJB-fuHLU&list=PLWhQIHGTHlkaGg5Cwe3NDzWtFX8vNSpsE
