Our Lord asks us to care for one another. In this way we are His ministers of grace. Just the one chapter today, but plenty here from Peter. Have a blessed day everyone!
1 Peter 5: Shepherd the Flock of God
1 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."
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.
13 She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son.
14 Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
Things to think about…
1Pet 5:1-4 certainly applies to myself and CBC’s elders. For any future elders, it will also apply to them. These are very sobering verses. But to be honest folks these verses apply to us all in some measure. We should all aspire to shepherd (or pastor) others with grace and truth. You have heard me say many times that we are all leading someone somewhere. In this way we should be godly examples to others, especially looking out for those in the church. Who are you ministering to? Are they becoming more like Christ because of your example?
1Pet 5:5 - Younger people are called to submit and be respectful to those who are older in the congregation. My counsel to the older people is that you make sure you are worthy of respect and are in fact a godly example for those who are younger. Make sure as you grow older you are growing more in grace, not growing in grumpiness! The phrase ‘grumpy old man’, should not be known among us.
1Pet 5:6&7 speak of the simple trust we should all have in Christ. Look at the purpose clause, “Because He cares for you”. Don’t ever doubt the love our Lord has for you. Just because it doesn’t always feel good doesn’t mean it isn’t good. Keep trusting!
Look at this devil, 1Pet 5:8. He can’t stand us folks. He seeks to destroy us. We are not alone. In fact, as Peter says, our brothers and sisters are suffering the world over. My question would be, are we really suffering for Christ in Australia? If not, why not? If we are not, perhaps it’s because we are not opening our mouths wide enough to warrant any suffering for Christ. When Christians are so absorbed in what they can take or get rather than how they can serve and what they can give, we have missed the true Spirit of Christ’s commission. May ‘Saved to Serve’ be a motto for you this year.
Who do you think Babylon is in 1Pet 5:13? Likely it refers to the city of Rome. The actual place of Babylon in Peter’s day as well as our own is a city in ruins as prophesied by Jeremiah, Jer 51:37. This prophecy has been fulfilled, but one day we will we will see the end times Babylon as prophesied by the Apostle John, Rev 18 ascend to power. This power seat is in all likelihood to be established from Rome.
A quick note that it is not on;y Paul who speaks about greeting one another with a holy kiss, but here Peter finishes his letter by saying “Greet one another with the kiss of love”, vs 14. Remember he began his letter addressing the elders and shepherds, hence the men are being exhorted to show public displays of affection with one another. Rather than a repulsion this should be a joy, even for Aussie men.
Vision statement for CBC
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Prayer Points
1. Leaders meetings this week. Year planning services.
2. The right choice for a full time Youth and Young Adults Pastor.
3. New contacts remain engaged and connected into the church.
4. Our One for Israel ministry.
5. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
6. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Wonderful start to the new year. Thankyou Doug and Graham for preaching.
2. Thankyou to those who have supported the church and youth and young adults role - $49. 640 raised thus far.
3. New folk becoming members of CBC
4. Those who faithfully serve in ministries, Worship, Sound/Technical/Kids Church/ Cell Groups/Admin - Bulletins/Finances/Property/Welcoming/Spiritual Leadership/Cafe
5. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Special meeting confirming Youth and Young Adults role engagement/employment tasks – 22nd Jan after the morning service.
2. Sign up for a cell group or welcoming team.
3. Remember to check your duty rosters.
4. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
5. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism questions for January...
Q. 4. How can you glorify God? A. By loving Him and doing what He commands.
