Humble Oversight
Audio Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Maturing in Christ
1 Peter 5:1-5 (ESV)
1 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: 2 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; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Sermon Outline
As we help one another walk the path of following Jesus, some are entrusted with the responsibility of oversight (vv1-2)
1. Motivation
vv2-3
Not: under compulsion… for shameful gain…. domineering…
But: willingly… eagerly… being examples to the flock
2. Qualification
v5 Clothe yourselves… with humility…
v1 So I exhort… as a fellow elder and a witness…
3. Reward
v1 a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed
v4 when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
Prayer of Confession
Our great Shepherd: who is like you, who leads us on a path to glory but walks before us through suffering? Forgive us for all we have taken for granted. With pride, we have insisted on forging our own path. With fear, we have lacked faith to follow where you lead. With cynicism, we have used our energy to complain and resist, rather than walk with you. We are guilty of resentful compliance, seeking shameful gain, and domineering over others. Forgive these and all our sins. Thank you for Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, whose grace makes us wholeheartedly willing and ready, from now on, to live for him. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
What do you enjoy contributing to the church, or what forms of service are appealing? Why?
Why is maturity needed for roles of oversight?
Which corrupt desires do you recognize at work within you which effect choices you make regarding participation, leadership and responsibility?
Is it possible to untangle corrupt motives from good desires? How do you move forward when you discern your motives are not pure?
How can you cultivate good, God-honoring desires, to motivate you for your tasks outside of church? What does it look like to do work or pursue your interests along with people who may have similar goals but different motivations?
What are you currently doing that feels like obligation or that you are compelled to do? How are you processing resentment? What can it look like to take ownership of what you choose to do?
What can you infer about Peter, who writes because he is an Apostle, but makes his appeal as a “fellow elder”? What does this teach about Christian leadership?
Is it wrong to be motivated by rewards? What role do rewards play in Christianity and how does it fit within a message of grace?
How does grace provide intrinsic motivation to live a life energized for what is good?