INTRODUCTION:
1. Turn with me in your Bibles to 1 Peter 5:1-14.
2. We are just finishing up a book that could be summed as a book of
Yahweh's grace.
3. We have been able to see that grace touches our whole lives.
4. That for us as Christians, accepting God's grace means that our lives
begin a transformation process.
5. Last week we saw first, God's grace means we are to live expectation of
Yahshua's return:
a. That an expectant life brings focus to our lives. (Expectation is centers
us and how we live our lives)
b. This will bring sober judgment. (Making our decisions centered on
that which we are expectant of)
c. Our thought life changes. (As we plan and think about the one we are
focused on, according to His plans for us)
d. And we remain in fellowship with those that hold that same view.
(Because of who He has made us in Him)
6. Second, Grace means that we are to continue in ministry:
a. We are called to be in cooperation. (In His ministry for us)
b. We are His servants. (And He has called us all to be in ministry)
c. But not on our own. (But we are gift which is a manifestation of the
Holy Spirit, God at work through us)
d. Not for ourselves. (But for others, for the edifying of the body)
e. So we are to surrender to Him. (And allow Him to work through us to
build up the body, trusting Him)
7. Third, Grace means we are to entrust our souls to God:
a. This means faith in the middle of ministry. (This is trusting in God to
provide all that is needed)
b. Remembering His call when ministry gets tough. (And to continue to
trust Him evidenced by continued ministry)
c. No matter how it looks or feels. (Submitting ourselves to God and the
body of Messiah)
8. Which brings us to some closing comments by Peter.
9. Comments that are a warning to those in every level of the church.
10. Be on the alert, stay at the task, and remember who you are in Messiah.
11. Let's read 1 Peter 5:1-14, Pray!
I. Grace means, that Pastors are to continue to shepherd the flock: V1-4
A. This is a call that Peter gives as the Pastors peer.
1. Exercise oversight:
a. This is a calling to be an overseer of the church. (Definition is to
inspect which out for and keep an eye on)
b. This deals with training and teaching. (The Word of God both what
it says and how it applies to life)
c. This is watching for pit falls in life. (Giving warning a call to
alertness)
2. But also with an attitude of willingness:
a. Not feeling like your forced to do this. (But as one who seeks to be
pleasing to his Lord and Savior)
b. Not just with an attitude of a living. (But because God call us to it
and that is reason enough)
c. With a love for the body of Messiah. (Knowing that it is truly His
body therefore we love it because He does)
3. Not as the gentile leaders do with lording over others:
a. But instead leading by example. (Living the life God has called us
to)
b. Being open and honest with the church. (Allowing them to see your
struggles as well as your victories)
c. Encouraging the body in Yahshua. (By the way one lives his life)
APPLICATION:
1. To be a Pastor is a calling that God extends to individuals.
2. In Scripture we will see that it is a gift, one of the spiritual gifts.
3. The purpose for this gift is for the edifying of the body.
4. This is a servant that points the way to that intimacy with Messiah.
5. A servant that is only happy when it is Messiah that is glorified.
II. Grace means that we are to humble ourselves before God: V5-7
A. This is about our relationship with each other.
1. Notice: Our relationship with each other is closely tied in with God:
a. We are the body of Messiah. (His physical presence on earth)
b. Therefore, what we do to each other. (We also do to Him as well)
c. Think about this, and get this clear. (What we do to each other, we
do to Him)
2. God is the one who placed the authority in the church:
a. This word elder in the GK refers to both those older and those in
leadership. (Age group and position)
b. So he is saying those in the church who are younger. (Submit to those
that are both older and in a place of authority)
c. This is with a view to the one who is really in charge. (This is
Yahshua's church and He is the head)
3. This is shown out as he tells us to focus on Messiah:
a. Take everything to Messiah. (Talk to Him about it)
b. Then leave it with Him. (Not taking it back and trying to do it
ourselves)
c. Why, because He cares for you. (His has His eye on you and wants
to take care of your needs)
APPLICATION:
1. When we look at the church, it is not man's idea.
2. The church is God's idea, with Yahshua Messiah as head of the church.
3. So Yahshua sets up the church as it pleases Him.
4. And then He asks us to stay focused on Him.
5. Trusting Him as we are rightly related to His body.
III. Grace means that we must be sober in spirit. V8-14
A. This is a call to watchfulness or alertness.
1. Look at what he says here, the devil seeks to devour someone:
a. He is watchful for the weak people. (He is speaking to the church
here)
b. Eph. Tells us not to practice sin. (Because it gives Satan an
opportunity in our lives)
c. This is inviting him to oppress us. (Keeping hold of us)
2. We are to resist the devil in our lives:
a. And this is done by standing firm in our faith. (What does God's
Word say about things)
b. Remaining focused on Messiah in all we do. (We all are in the same
boat together, and should encourage one another)
c. God will rescue us through the trails. (He is always with us)
3. As we are focused on Messiah He will establish us:
a. He is known as the light unto our path. (He will guide us through
those unknown path in life)
b. Those paths are only unknown by us. (He knows all and knows
every step to take)
c. So we can only trust Him. (He we never leave us nor will He forsake
us)
APPLICATION:
1. This is another call to focus in our lives.
2. Yes there is an opposition, and yes it is a formable one.
3. But if we stay alert, focused on Yahshua, we will have victory.
4. Yahshua has defeated sin and death for us, so we need not fear.
CONCLUSION: