Who's In Charge Here? A Series on Authority
Saturday, January 24, 2004
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My Prayer Today
Dear Jesus, I thank you that you are the Author and Finisher of my faith. I thank you that you began this good work in me, and you will be faithful to complete it within me. Sometimes I get tired of running this race called life, but I know that you are my strength and my hope. Help me to keep the end in mind this day. I know that you have called me to serve you, so I ask that I would be faithful in all that I do. May I live not by what I can see, but rather by faith. I know that in the end, I will receive a reward from you. Help me to remember that. I need your strength this day. I pray this all in your wonderful name. Amen.
Bible Verses
1 Peter 5:1-4
And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share his glory and his honor when he returns. As a fellow elder, this is my appeal to you: Care for the flock of God entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly -- not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don't lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your good example. And when the head Shepherd comes, your reward will be a never-ending share in his glory and honor.
Reflecting on God's Word
According to verse 4, what will happen to those in authority within the church when the head Shepherd comes?
Is the "glory and honor" found in the church leader, or the head Shepherd? Why?
According to verse 4, how long will the reward last?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
Will every person in any type of authority be called into account for the way they led? How so?
Is there are greater responsibility upon those who lead? Why or why not?
(Note: it is important to know that all will receive a reward if we have faithfully followed Jesus -- but this passage is explicitly talking to church leaders and something they will receive).
Understanding God's Purpose for Us
Does thinking about the end give you joy, hope, and peace? Why or why not?
Are you as a church leader (or also a church member) expecting rewards now? How so?
If all authority will be called to account on the Day of Judgment, how will you fare?
Applying God's Word to Our Purpose
If you could rank on as scale of 1-10 (10 being always), how much do you think of the end of the race?
Why do you, or do you not, think about your final reward in heaven?
If the head Shepherd came today, would you be ashamed of the way you have ran the race? If so, how can you "run" this race faster for the Lord Jesus?
Thoughts
When I was in high school I used to run track. I remember all the training that went into running each race. It really was hard work, and not easy at all. But all the work seemed to be worth it when I crossed the finish line -- especially if I received a medal of honor. Whether or not I received a medal was dependant upon how I ran the race, which in many ways was dependent on how I trained. So as I both trained for the race, and ran the race itself, I always had the end in mind. As Peter addresses the elders in authority at the various churches, he concludes his charge to them by keeping the end in mind. He states "And when the head Shepherd comes, your reward will be a never ending share in his glory and honor." He explains to them that the end is when they will receive their reward, just like any race. To those who are in spiritual leadership, their reward will not come based upon their own abilities or agendas, but rather upon their dependence upon the true head Shepherd. Their honor and glory, as explained in this verse, is and will be rooted in Jesus Christ.
Right now, we as Christians are in a race. Those who are in spiritual authority are also on the track as well. We are all running the race (of life) in order to receive a reward. But Peter is saying to those in church leadership as also the case for all of us, the reward will come at the end. Unfortunately, many pastors and leaders in the church want their rewards now. At times they crave recognition, honor, and respect (and this should naturally come if they are following Jesus) -- but sometimes it isn't always there. Sometimes it is downright painful. But Peter is saying to always expect the reward to come at the end -- simply put -- always have the end in mind. Whether you are in church leadership or not, live such a way today that you have the end in mind. Your reward will come if you fix your eyes upon Jesus -- the "author and FINISHER of our faith."