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Call to worship: Psalm 23

Text: 1 Peter 5:1-5

Sermon Outline:

1. 1. The elders' concern, 5:1a.
2. The elders' companion, 5:1b-c.
3. The elders' calling, 5:2-3.
4. The elders' crown, 5:4.
5. The congregation's clothing, 5:5.

Prepare

Preparation Questions:

1. Read 1 Peter 4:17-5:5. Make time to read Ezekiel 9 and 34 also, as this seems to be the biblical framework in Peter's mind as he writes these verses.
2. How does Peter's exhortation to elders connect to Peter's exhortation to the church (in light of God's purifying judgment)? Why exhort the elders here?
3. How does Peter put himself in the elders' shoes? How does he distinguish himself in 1 Peter 5:1b-c? Why is the distinction also consoling for elders?
4. What is the elders' calling in 5:2-3? What is it basically? What will that mainly look like? How should that oversight be executed? What are the implied pitfalls for elders' in ministry? What does a healthy eldership look like?
5. What is the elder's crown in 5:4? If they would hold fast, to what and to Whom must they look? How is the whole congregation, elders included, to clothe itself toward one another in 5:5? Do elders have legitimate authority under Christ in and over the church? Does that authority exclude them from humility and mutual submission? Should the church take advantage of these self-sacrificial servants? What does God make out to pride? What does God make out to humility? What will mark a blessed congregation?