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. In this way we should be godly examples to others 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!
1Pet 5:6&7 speak of a 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.
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 that it would be a city in ruins as prophesied by Jeremiah, Jer 51:37. This prophecy has been fulfilled as it one day will be for the end times Babylon as prophesied by the Apostle John, Rev 18.
Vision Point for cell groups
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
The reading for Sunday came from 2 Samuel 19:1-15.
1. King David has been so overwhelmed by the death of his son Absalom that he is overcome by emotion to the point where he does not think or act rationally. Describe the situation and background of what is going on here. Have you ever been in a situation where you are so emotionally tied into a situation where you have not responded in rational manner? Discuss.
2. Joab takes a different tact to that of Nathan when he spoke to David to make him see sense. Describe the differences in Joab’s response to David and why it was effective.
3. Can you remember a time in your life where someone said something that changed the course of events for your life? What were the circumstances?
4. Alexander the Great once said that he was not afraid of an army of lions being led by a sheep, but an army of sheep being led by a lion. As the leader goes so the people follow in whatever context. We are Christ’s sheep and follow Him as the Lion of Judah. Is He leading you daily through the counsel of His word? In what way?
Prayer Points
1. Graham Willey as he preaches next Sunday morning.
2. Clarity of life and freedoms through to the end of the year.
3. Pray for testimonies that people will be doing every second week. Please consider when you would like to do yours when the pastor asks you to share yours.
4. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof and solar.
5. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points.
1. Tim’s testimony on Sunday
2. Creation Ministries International and the talk and discussion from Dr Don Batton.
3. New visitors to the church on Sunday.
4. The unity and grace on display at CBC.
Announcements
1. Communion is on this Sunday.
2. PlayPatch for toddlers at church, Fridays 9:30-11am. Please get the word out. See Maddison for details.
3. Recharge Youth – 6:30-8:30pm. Parents to contact Melinda for details.
4. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
