Who's in Charge?

Peter’s Instruction to Elders and the Church                                   4.6.25

1 Peter 5:1-7

MAIN POINT: God has commissioned the elders to humbly lead, feed, and protect the church of God, and the church members to humbly put themselves under the elders.

Two Notes on Elders in the New Testament:

1. The New Testament uses the terms "Elder," "Pastor," "Shepherd," and "Overseer" synonymously.

2. The New Testament refers to the office of Pastors in the plural, and to the church in the singular.

I. Instruction to Elders (v1-4)

A. The Authority of the Elders 

B. The Motives of the Elders

C. The Example of Elders

II. Instruction to Church Members (5a)

A. Be subject to the elders Teaching

B. Be subject to the elders Accountability

C. Be subject to the elders Discipline

III. Instruction for the Whole Church (5b-7)

Weekly Reading/Meditation List:

Day 1: 1 Timothy 3:1

What qualities in this passage stand out as most important for an elder?

How does this passage emphasize the seriousness and responsibility of eldership?

Since these are qualities for all Christians to emulate, what is one area in which I need growth? How can I look to the Elders for an example of this quality?

Day 2: Hebrews 13:17

How does this verse emphasize the importance of the relationship between the congregation and its leadership?

What does healthy submission to leadership look like?

How can you contribute to a spirit of unity? How can the congregation create an environment that allows the elders to properly shepherd the congregation?

Day 3: 1 Timothy 5:17-18

What does it mean to "honor" elders?

How can the church practically support elders in their ministry?

How does this passage highlight the significance of the elders who teach and preach?

Day 4: Ephesians 6:18-19

What specific things should we be praying for regarding our elders?

How can we, as a congregation, commit to consistent prayer for our elders?

Day 5: Proverbs 11:14

How does the book of Proverbs emphasize the importance of wise counsel?

How can elders serve as wise counselors within the church?

How can a congregation value and utilize the wisdom of its elders?

Day 6: Acts 20:28-31

What responsibilities does Paul emphasize for the elders in this passage?

What warnings does Paul give, and what do they reveal about the challenges of leadership?

How does the phrase "to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood" impact your view of eldership?