A MESSAGE FOR TODAY’S CHURCH FROM PETER THE APOSTLE I & II PETER The Meaning of Grace: Service 5

The Effects of Grace: I Peter 1.I Peter 1:1-12 – Grace Produces Security 2.I Peter 1:13-2:10 – Grace Produces Sobriety 3.I Peter 2:11-3:7 – Grace Produces Submission 4.I Peter 3:8-12 – Grace Produces Harmony 5.I Peter 3:13-4:19 – Grace Produces Suffering 6.I Peter 5:1-11 – Grace Produces Service

5 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, - I Peter 5:1

Three Terms – One Person 1.Shepherd (Pastor) The way one serves 2.Bishop/Overseer (Episkopos) The AUTHORITY of leaders 3.Elder (Presbyter) The MATURITY of leaders

Leaders Touched by Grace 1.Shepherd willingly 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; - I Peter 5:2a

Leaders Touched by Grace 2.Shepherd for spiritual reasons and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; - I Peter 5:2b

Leaders Touched by Grace 3.Shepherd by example 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. - I Peter 5:3

Leaders Touched by Grace 3.Shepherd with hope 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. - I Peter 5:4

5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; - I Peter 5:5a

and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. - I Peter 5:5b

Good shepherds and a responsive congregation are necessary because: 1.God loves the humble 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. - I Peter 5:6-7

Good shepherds and a responsive congregation are necessary because: 2.The devil seeks the proud 8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. - I Peter 5:8

Good shepherds and a responsive congregation are necessary because: 3.There is a reward 9 But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. 10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. - I Peter 5:9-10

Doxology 11 To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen. - I Peter 5:11

Salutation 12 Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it! - I Peter 5:12

Salutation 13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and so does my son, Mark. - I Peter 5:13

Salutation 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to you all who are in Christ. - I Peter 5:14

So far, this course has taught: 1.The Grace of God saves you. 2.The Grace of God changes you.

HOWEVER IF GRACE HASN’T CHANGED YOUR LIFE, IT HASN’T SAVED YOUR SOUL.