September 7, 2025
9/07/25 1 Peter 5:1-4 Pastors are to Lead the Way into Suffering for Christ
In the context of calling the church to be prepared to suffer for Christ, Peter turns his focus on the Church’s leaders. Peter was restored personally and powerfully by the resurrected Jesus three times with the command to “shepherd my sheep.” The rest of Peter’s ministry flowed out of this. Now at the end of his letter, he passes this command on to the presbyters of the churches in Asia Minor. Presbyters (elders) are to “pastor (shepherd) the flock of God.” This includes everything a shepherd does: feeding, protecting, leading and caring for the people of God that He has given them to oversee. And Peter clearly states that presbyters who are in it for the money and for power are out of line and Christ will judge. Sadly, today, too many churches are being led by pastors desiring money and power to dominate Christ’s sheep. But those presbyters who faithfully set the example of humility, submission to Christ and who embrace suffering for Christ, will receive the crown of unfading glory from the Chief Shepherd Himself.