INTRODUCTION - WHEN PETER ASSURED THE CHURCH THE CHIEF SHEPHERD WOULD APPEAR IT MEANT CROWN & JUDGEMENT

• Jesus Christ is our Chief Shepherd, and He is coming to reward those who have been faithful
• He will not judge us regarding rewards contrary to His revealed will- & He has revealed it
• We can face the Lord with joy if we obey His will- The Chief Shepherd will guide us to reward

Since 4:17 tells us that Judgement must begin with the Church- how will our church fare?

I. GOD'S WORD INSTRUCTS THE PASTORS I Pet. 5:1-4

There was an intricate organization in the early church and the Lord wanted it Christlike!

A.  THE ELDER MUST HAVE HAD A REAL EXPERIENCE WITH THE LORD JESUS CHRIST - Cf. v. 1

1. Peter had witnessed the sufferings and the glory of Christ- so he knew & believed the Gospel
2. He exhorted-(encouraged, entreated) with appeal to sympathy instead of to authority-no Pope
3. I appreciate the C.B. Autonomy- Independence- but we need more dynamic leadership-

B.  THE PASTOR MUST EXERCISE AN OVERSIGHT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE FLOCK, AND GUIDE THEM v.2

1. The Church is to be organized- the word "feed"-means to Tend the flock- shepherd to pasture
2. To feed them on the Word is vital- but can't feed a scattered flock-Organize-discipline-administrate
3. This must not be for filthy lucre (no fleecing flock) but willingly-ready mind-for Jesus sake

C.  THE PASTOR MUST NOT LORD IT OVER THE FLOCK - BE EXAMPLE v. 3 - II Tim 2:24-"Gentle, apt to teach"

1. Leadership must not be by constraint-no lording it over the flock-Bible has much pleading
2. I have been fearful of offending here too careful- Today we need dynamic leadership-hard.
3. These apply to all officers officers of Church-no honorary officers here - work to do - examples

The promise (or threat) is the appearance of Christ- reward of a Crown of glory-

II.  GOD'S WORD INSTRUCTS THE MEMBERS TOO - I Pet 5:6-9

"Likewise ye younger," has reference to church people who are not elders? all members-ministers

A.  SUBMIT YOURSELVES, BE SUBJECT ONE TO THE OTHER - Cf. v. 4:8 need for fervent charity

1. This is contrary to the modern worship of youth, and exploitation of generation gap -God's
2. The early church had much trouble with squabbles for leadership, swelled up with importance
3. If we all realize that we'd resists the proud, getting rid of pride would solve lots problems

B.  AND BE CLOTHED WITH HUMILITY - HUMBLE YOURSELF IN THE SIGHT OF GOD v.5b, 6, 7

1. The word "Be Clothed"-means to wear the smock of a slave- gird on the workman's apron-uniform
2. If we are humble- God can work with us, & we do not go around being hurt by friends!
3. When we cast all our care on Him- He as shepherd can help us! So can your pastor!

C.  WE ALL FACE A COMMON ENEMY, AND THE DANGER FROM WITHOUT SHOULD GATHER THE SHEEP CLOSE -v.8,9

1. Be sober-vigilant, keep your mind clear- no alcohol, pills, no way give Satan an advantage
2. Our adversary is the Devil- not each other! Christian "discussion" intermural, not Armageddon
3. Resist steadfast in the faith- Satan's power is more evidenced today - don't play with him!  Astrology, Zodiac, entertainment, movies, education, tricks

Don't feel sorry for self-"knowing-same afflictions-in your brethren" stand together!

III. PETER GIVES PRAISE FOR GOD'S HELP 1 Peter 5:10-11

Lest you should be overburdened & faint beneath the load of being faithful-look here

A.  BUT THE GOD OF ALL GRACE HATH CALLED US UNTO HIS ETERNAL GLORY BY CHRIST JESUS - v10a

1. Our God specializes in mercy, grace, forgiveness, tender compassion, "He cares for you" - v7
2. He has called us to join in His eternal glory- an invitation from God- will you accept it?
3. The only way is by Christ Jesus- The Blood of Jesus is our Call- no other way - accept Him!

B.  GOD'S PLAN INCLUDES "AFTER THAT YE HAVE SUFFERED A WHILE" - v.10b - DON'T YOU MISS THIS

1. The purpose of our life on earth is a testing time- Heaven & rest- is not yet! now cursed - ministry of suffering
2. There was much suffering (physical) then- 4:12-16, Today too easy- so we suffer emotionally
3. But any person should be able to stand a few seconds hardship when victory is promised-soon

C.  THE LORD OF ALL GRACE "MAKE YOU PERFECT, STABLISH, STRENGTHEN, SETTLE YOU" - 10c  -PRAISE GOD!

1. It is God's grace that can change your heart, empower you to conquer sin- CLAIM IT IN JESUS
2. God guides us into the spiritual exercises we need to stablish, strengthen, settle -trust Him
3. He has predestined your ultimate victory! But a special crown if you claim it today!

So "to Him be glory & dominion" if you want the Glory- accept His dominion!

CONCLUSION - THE CHIEF SHEPHERD IS COMING BACK SOON, WE WILL GIVE ACCOUNT TO HIM, ARE YOU READY

1. Some have not even listened to the undershepherd in little things-follow to green pastures
2. Some have left the weightier matters of the law- like Pharisees- Judgement, mercy, faith-
3. He is showing us the nearness of His coming- Wake up! There is a deadline for directory?
4. What of the directory in Heaven? God has appointed a time- & we know not the hour!