1 Peter 5:1-4

Go Deep

(1 Peter 5:1-4)

Read 1 Peter 5:1-4. How does this relate to the rest of the letter? (The NIV leaves untranslated the word “therefore,” but in Greek the sentence begins: “Therefore, I urge the elders…)

Have you ever known someone whom you respected enough to want to know what they thought and would do? What was it about this person that led to your high opinion of them?

Why does Peter identify himself as a “fellow elder”? Wouldn’t it be more impressive to refer to himself as an “apostle”?

Peter witnessed Christ’s sufferings and testified to them. How might that have changed Peter’s way of looking at things?

Peter describes himself as one who is a sharer in the glory that is about to be revealed. How might seeing himself as such have impacted Peter’s life? Do you think of yourself as a sharer in the glory to be revealed? Why or why not?

What is involved in shepherding the flock of God? What work does it entail? (Acts 20:28-31.)

Read verses 2-3. Peter gives three contrasting pairs of motivations. Why not list proficiencies (examples: proficient in Greek, in preaching, in leading worship, in counseling) instead?

The first contrasting motivations are: “not under compulsion, but willingly.” Does this mean a pastor shouldn’t work if he doesn’t feel like it? Explain.

What experiences (or thoughts and ideas) would lead a person to serve willingly? How might this apply to the church family (and not just the pastor)?

The second pair of motivations are: “not for shameful gain, but eagerly.” For what kind of “shameful gain” (not necessarily financial) might a person do ministry?

What experiences (or thoughts and ideas) would lead a person to serve eagerly (paraphrase: “With a fire in your belly”)?

The final set of contrasts is: “not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” What might “domineering over” someone look like? If a Christian is doing that, should you say something to him/her? What would you say?