1 Peter 5 1 7 Shepherd the Flock

1 Peter 5: 1 -7 Shepherd the Flock

15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16“You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they? 17“Even so, every good tree bears good fruit; but the bad tree bears bad fruit. --Matthew 7: 15 -17

28“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29“I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; --Acts 20: 28, 29

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

“…many, if not most, gurus use their esteemed position to exploit their followers financially and sexually. The Bagwan Sri Rajneesh accumulated dozens of Rolls Royces as gifts from his followers. The Beatles became disenchanted with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi when they learned that he was much more interested in the body of one of the women in their party than with any of their spirits. They admitted, “We made a mistake. ” --Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics By Norman L. Geisler

“You don't get rich writing science fiction. If you want to get rich, you start a religion. ” --L. Ron Hubbard

The young preacher once threw his Bible to the floor and yelled at his associates, “Too many people are looking at this instead of looking at me!” --Time Magazine, December 4, 1978

Thomas ''Kip'' Mc. Kean

It was one of the fastest-growing and most controversial churches in America, banned as a cult from dozens of college campuses while boasting 135, 000 members worldwide. Its followers were known for spending their free time recruiting new members and waiting on doorsteps at 4 in the morning, hoping to persuade those who had ''fallen away'' to come back to the fold. But now the central organization of the International Churches of Christ, a strict religious body founded in Boston, is collapsing. Thomas ''Kip'' Mc. Kean, its charismatic founder, has stepped down.

Though at first glance much of the International Churches of Christ's theology appears to be orthodox, many of its doctrines and practices are, in fact, controversial and cultic. While the ICC proclaims itself to be "God's modern-day movement, " Christian apologists and countercult experts consider it to be a cult of Christianity (theologically). In addition, the ICC includes many of the sociological characteristics of a cult: Among other things, this movement • has a prideful, elitist attitude, • frequently engages in dishonest recruitment practices, • has a heavy-handed approach to authority • employs a controversial discipling system, and • misrepresents the Bible's teachings regarding grace, baptism, and salvation These and other issues have led theologians, cult experts, as well as secular anticult- and Christian countercult organizations to warn against involvement in the ICC.

A cult of Christianity is defined as. . . a group of people, which claiming to be Christian, embraces a particular doctrinal system taught by an individual leader, group of leaders, or organization, which (system) denies (either explicitly or implicitly) one or more of the central doctrines of the Christian faith as taught in the sixty-six books of the Bible. A wider definition takes actions and practices into account as well. A movement that appears theologically sound with regard to the central doctrines of Christianity, but whose actions and practices are cultic in nature, can still be considered a cult of Christianity (e. g. International Churches of Christ).

“Pastoral abuse can be spotted quite easily, at least in its advanced stages. Abusive religion substitutes human power for true freedom in Christ. Unquestioning obedience and blind loyalty are its hallmarks. Leaders who practice spiritual abuse exceed the bounds of legitimate authority and "lord it over the flock, " often intruding into the personal lives of members. God's will is something that they determine for you rather than something you individually seek to know. Abusive leaders are self-centered and adversarial rather than reconciling and restorative. ” –Ron Enroth

20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn. --Isaiah 8: 20 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. --2 Tim. 3: 16, 17 11 Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so. --Acts 17: 11

Then the word of the LORD came to me saying, 2“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and say to those shepherds, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Woe, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock? 3“You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat sheep without feeding the flock. 4“Those who are sickly you have not strengthened, the diseased you have not healed, the broken you have not bound up, the scattered you have not brought back, nor have you sought for the lost; but with force and with severity you have dominated them. ” –Ezek. 34: 1 -4

11 For thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out. 12“As a shepherd cares for his herd in the day when he is among his scattered sheep, so I will care for My sheep and will deliver them from all the places to which they were scattered on a cloudy and gloomy day. 13“And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries and bring them to their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the streams, and in all the inhabited places of the land. ” --Ezek. 34: 11 -13

Psalm 23 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. 5 Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

15 So 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, “Tend My lambs. ” 16 He *said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me? ” He *said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You. ” He *said to him, “Shepherd My sheep. ” 17 He *said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me? ” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me? ” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You. ” Jesus *said to him, “Tend My sheep. ” --John 21: 15 -17

1 Pet 5: 1 -7 1 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed,

16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him. 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. --Romans 8: 16 -18 4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. --Col. 3: 4

Elder Presbuteros (4245) from presbus, “an old man, an elder, ” is used of age; in the Jewish nation, those who were the heads or leaders of the tribes and families; in the Christian churches those who, being raised up and qualified by the work of the Holy Spirit, were appointed to have the spiritual care of, and to exercise oversight over, the churches. sumpresbuteros (4850), “a fellow-elder” (sun, “with”), is used in 1 Pet. 5: 1. --Vine, W. E. ; Merrill F. Unger (1996 -08 -28). Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words

5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you might set in order what remains, and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, 6 namely, if any man be above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. 7 For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, 8 but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict. --Titus 1: 5 -9

And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ. --Ephesians 4: 11 -13

2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.

Shepherd “The word poimanate means ‘to tend. ’ Besides feeding, it includes caring, leading, guiding, and protecting— all duties and responsibilities a shepherd has for his flock. ” --Bible Knowledge Commentary “Since the primary objective of shepherding is feeding, that is, teaching, every elder must be able to teach” --John Mac. Arthur

“In this context, lords means to lead by dominating someone or some situation. It implies leadership by manipulation and intimidation. (See notes on Matthew 20: 25– 28. ) True spiritual leadership is by example (see 1 Tim. 4: 12). --John Mac. Arthur

25 But Jesus called them to Himself, and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 26“It is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, 27 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. ” --Matt. 20: 25 -28

10“The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly. 11“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. --John 10: 10, 11 20 Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, --Hebrews 13: 20 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. --1 Peter 5: 4

28“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29“Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and YOU SHALL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. 30“For My yoke is easy, and My load is light. ” --Matt. 11: 28 -30

4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

5: 4 An elder's work involves a tremendous expenditure of physical and emotional energy. He must sympathize, counsel, reprove, rebuke, teach, discipline, and warn. At times it may seem a thankless task. But a special reward is promised to the faithful elder. When the Chief Shepherd appears, he will receive an unfading crown of glory. Frankly, we don't know too much about the promised crowns of Scripture—the crown of rejoicing (1 Thess. 2: 19), the crown of righteousness (2 Tim. 4: 8), the crown of life (Jas. 1: 12; Rev. 2: 10); and the crown of glory…. they will be ample recompense for any tears, trials, and sufferings we have experienced down here. --William Mac. Donald

“God is eager to reward us and does everything possible to help us lay up rewards. But if we are slothful and carnal, so that our service counts for nothing, we shall be saved, yet so as by fire. Let us determine by the grace of God not to be empty handed when we stand before the bema, the Judgment Seat of Christ. ” -- Theodore H. Epp

5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. ” --James 4: 6

Humble tapeinoo (5013), signifies “to make low, ” --Vine, W. E. ; Merrill F. Unger (1996 -08 -28). Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words

HUMILITY — a freedom from arrogance that grows out of the recognition that all we have and are comes from God…. Humble people focus more on God and others than on themselves. Biblical humility is also a recognition that by ourselves we are inadequate…. Yet, because we are created in God’s image and because believers are in Christ, we have infinite worth and dignity (1 Cor. 4: 6– 7; 1 Pet. 1: 18– 19). True humility does not produce pride but gratitude. Since God is both our Creator and Redeemer, our existence and righteousness depend on Him (John 15: 5; Acts 17: 28; Eph. 2: 8– 10). --Youngblood, Ronald F. (2000 -11 -15). Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary (Kindle Locations 2962229633). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.