Shepherding Series-4: “When The Chief Shepherd Appears”

 

Messenger: Mark Vucekovich (Chicago UBF Senior Pastor)

WHEN THE CHIEF SHEPHERD APPEARS

*Introduction to Shepherding Series 2025: https://www.chicagoubf.org/sermon/introduction-to-shepherding-series-2025

1 Peter 5:1–4
Key Verse: 5:4

1.  How did Peter view church leaders (1)? What does it mean that he “exhorts” them? Why did he include that he was a fellow witness of Christ’s sufferings and partaker in the glory to be revealed (2 Pet.1:16)?
2.  When did Peter himself first receive this directive (2; John 21:15)? Why did he make this exhortation a priority? What other things can easily become priorities for church leaders?
3.  In verse 2 does Peter use the word “shepherd” as a title or a verb? What does a shepherd of people do (2b–3; Matt.18:10–14; 1 Pet.2:21–23)?
4.  With what motive and attitude should a shepherd leader serve (2b–3)? What does it mean to shepherd with “oversight,” “willingly,” and “eagerly.” How does shepherding others test our character and motives? Why is this important to know (1Cor.4:5)?
5.  Read verse 4.  What hope is Peter sharing here?  Why do these elders need to hear that Jesus is the chief Shepherd?  How does this hope inspire us to live as shepherd leaders?

References:

• Question 1

2 Pe 1:16 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

• Question 2

John 21:15-17  When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 

• Question 3

Matthew 18:10-14  “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.  What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?  And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray.  So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

1 Pe 2:21-23 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.  He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.  When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.

1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.