1 Peter 5:1-5 English Standard Version

Shepherd the Flock of God

5 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Think of one individual in your experience that you have submitted to willingly.

Odds are that person exhibits gracious humility. For all the respect and honor bestowed upon that person, they have not allowed it to go to their head.

They will choose their words wisely. They will consider the situation and offer sound advice that brings peace to doubt. Their lives will be ordered without chaos or clutter. They will be focused on the subject at hand. Their calm makes you comfortable, putting you at ease and reducing any stress you might have come with in the moment.

These are the attributes of one person I know has shown the best examples which inspire me to be better than my past. We should be inspired. They are human and have achieved a measure of grace, wisdom and humility which should say to us, “Christ can do this in me also.”

None of the attributes listed are restricted to title or position, gifts or callings. Peter calls for all of us to be clothed in like manner, to be an example to the next generation. Examples do not need titles to be effective. 

Philippians 2:13 English Standard Version (ESV) for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

2 Corinthians 9:8 English Standard Version (ESV) And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency[all contentment] in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

Philemon 6 English Standard Version (ESV) and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.[in serving Christ]

The flesh wants to take credit for those things that are done. That is human nature but not scriptural in our life with Christ. God’s grace, Christ sufficiency, and our service to Christ is all predetermined by the will of God according to His plan.

We are told to lay up our treasures in heaven but the flesh wants instant gratification, to feel good about self, to reap just rewards. That is the way of the world. We can do great things without God and take the credit, but that isn’t serving Christ and it isn’t walking in God’s will.

Paul’s prayer to Philemon is that his faith may become effective. Effective faith is faith that hears God’s plan in what we are called to do in participation of God’s glory, which is Christ. That is Christ in us and obedience of faith will lead to a more complete picture of how Christ in us is “every good thing” in us.

2 Timothy 4:8 English Standard Version (ESV) Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

Our crown is awarded after all that can be done is done and we have met with Him after our labors are finished. All that we did for ourselves will have perished.

2 Corinthians 3:10-11 English Standard Version

10 Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. 11 For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory.