The Shepherd You Can Trust (1 Peter 5:1-5)

In this sermon from 1 Peter 5:1-5, Peter addresses the church's elders and tells the church and the world what kind of shepherd is worthy of trust. We see that faithful pastors help keep a church fastened to Christ through the storms of suffering and cultural pressure. Peter gives three postures every pastor must embrace: serving willingly rather than under compulsion, eagerly rather than for shameful gain, and as an example rather than by domineering. Then he turns to the flock, calling them to a humble, voluntary submission that cuts against our anti-authority age.

Above every undershepherd stands Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, who is both the model and the reward for all who shepherd His people. He is also the cure for the pride that makes humble submission so hard.