Elders

Introduction

I do not know nor have I ever known perfect elders. I have known elders that loved the Lord dearly and I have known elders who like the idea of being an elder a little too well. I have known elders who enjoyed telling people what to do and think and I have known elders who prayed, wept, and begged individuals to stay committed to the faith that they once named. The common thread with all elders is that none of them have been perfect nor will there ever be a perfect elder. Just as elders are not perfect neither are the members that make up a congregation. So if we can for a time admit that only imperfect people occupy places on this earth, maybe today’s lesson will allow us to see elders and our response to them in a different light.

Most elders love the Lord and want to honor him. Most elders know that they fail miserably at times. This is not to gain sympathy as an elder. So let me say at the outset that Barney, Paul, Carl, Mike and I have spent much time in prayer for this congregation and every person has had their name lifted in prayer at one time or another. We have each expressed the blessing of serving this congregation. You have made our work easy for the most part and when challenges have come, you have been far more supportive than critical. The infrequent times of criticism have been deserved many times. But on behalf of the elders here we confess that we are not perfect and we value trying to listen to God’s voice even as we listen to yours. Thank you for the mutual trust we share.

Our text this morning provides insight to what is expected of elders and what elders are to expect of themselves. There is insight given to motivation and to the role of elders. In our study today we also will notice that Jesus serves as the model for elders and for the heart of God in leading. Let’s be encouraged.

Shepherding

The shepherding image is largely lost on us. Typically we have some idea of a shepherd with sheep but rarely are we so familiar with this role to understand its implications. Notice in verse 1 that Peter identifies himself as an elder as well. First, the role of elder and apostle are distinct but both roles have some connection. While elders are not apostles the role of elders and apostles share a common theme---to point to Jesus. It seems that Peter’s abrupt movement from praising God in the face of suffering to elders means that the connection is definite. Since suffering helps to determine who is really committed to Jesus then elders who will be among the first to suffer will also be the first to see how important it is to model for fellow Christians a commitment to God that goes beyond the suffering. Peter says he has seen suffering and as a fellow elder, we keep our eyes on the prize.

Look at verse 5. There is a clue word that helps us understand this section. It is the phrase “in the same way” as translated in the NIV or “likewise” as translated in the KJV. This tells us what Peter’s emphasis is. Having addressed elders, Peter turns to the young men and tells them “in the same way” be submissive. This is the same word that Peter has used in 3:1 when addressing how wives are to be submissive to their husbands. That text comes in a section about submission in reference to government and masters. The same word is also used in 3:7 to speak to how husbands are to treat their wives. The idea of submission continues although the word submission itself is not used. Yet, in 5:5 the word is used in connection with submission. What is Peter doing in this text?

Elders are to (v.2) oversee the flock. This word carries the meaning to be diligent in watching while tinged with the idea of a deep care for the sheep. To oversee includes a mixture of great concern while watching to keep people safe but also to protect and guide and at times to correct. In many ways this oversight requires a submission to God. Elders do not oversee their flock, they oversee God’s flock. This means there is submission to God and we as elders take on the role of making sure that God’s flock is safe and protected. This role is difficult in a culture that endorses independence and individualism. The difficulty is in both directions. Elders may shrink from this responsibility by being unwilling to engage as needed and individuals may being unwilling to have elders engage. But the role is imperative for God’s kingdom.

Notice that Peter gives three reasons why elders are to serve as overseers. First, elders are to oversee because they are willing. Second, elders are to oversee because they are eager to serve. Set in opposition to greed, the idea is that elders are willing to serve at their own peril. Third, elders are to oversee as examples to all. Set in opposition to “lording it over” the flock, elders are to be examples of submission. Wouldn’t this be the opposite of lording over? Peter says to the elders that they are to show the flock how to submit at personal peril for the benefit of the flock not their own benefit.

Now the “in the same way” makes sense. Just as elders are demonstrating by example their own submission, these young men are to submit to the elders. Given the situation, this attitude was needed to endure. Persecution is often met with criticism and complaining. Young tend to criticize the older. The older tend to criticize the young. There is no place for such in God’s kingdom. Young and old must learn to submit to one another because we are learning to honor the Chief Shepherd.

Application

Even as Peter addresses elders specifically, the application needs to apply to both elders and those under elders’ care. First, as elders we are to model what it looks like to live for Jesus when faith is under attack. There is a reason why elders move slowly and carefully---we are trying to model what it looks like to follow Jesus. There are times that you want us to move more quickly and times we probably need to but overall we try to be deliberate so that we patiently wait for God.

Second, we are all moving the same direction. We are moving toward the day when we will see Jesus face to face. Peter mentions that elders will receive a crown of glory that will never fade in verse 4. Peter uses a word to describe the unfading that is based upon a flower. Amaranth comes in a variety of colors. It is a healthy plant. The leaves can be cooked like spinach and eaten. The seeds are like quinoa and can be eaten. But the flowers do not fade. You can remove the flower from the plant and it takes a long time for the color to fade. In fact, just placing the flower into water will almost immediately restore the vivid color. Peter uses this image to describe the crown. But it is an image that reminds us all that we are living life in a different way because we are looking at a different ending.

Our faith journey leads us through the suffering and through the persecution in order to eventually get to see the face of God. We endure because the end is not about comfort or about winning as this world achieves such success. We endure in order to be ready when Christ returns. Elders are to help us all get there. Elders stick their noses into your business to speak words of encouragement, words of correction, and words of quiet assurance that what you are experiencing is not it. Elders exist in God’s view in order to guide his people to him. This is where we are going. Elders serve to remind us all that winning in this world is to lose in the next. To focus your attention on this world’s view of success is to lose sight of what ultimately matters. Elders willing model what it looks like to keep our eyes on the prize---the return of the Chief Shepherd and being with him forever. Invitation.

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