Relevant Worship Models Proper Worship for Others

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:1-4

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, 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; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.  And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Insights:  This week we wrap up the book of First Peter.  We have been learning the practical side of worship in every aspect of our lives.  We titled this practical worship as being relevant.  As we come to this final chapter in some ways it is a summary of the meaning of the entire book and the in this first part of the chapter we find Peter addressing the leadership of the church specifically.  It is true this section is written to the elders, shepherds, overseers or pastors.  These terms are often interchangeable in the New Testament.  I explained to FBCBG that even though these verses deal specifically with this positional leader, the principle being taught is true for us all.  Peter was telling them they need to be examples or models for those weaker than they in the faith.  In other words, these leaders needed to mentor and help younger believers to grow in their faith.  Another word we use for this process is called discipleship.  Unfortunately, somewhere in recent history, discipleship became a class and not a lifestyle.  We need to return to the days in which ministry was not done alone or in a class room, but in everyday life with a younger believer watching and observing a more mature believer live out their faith.  Then at some point the younger believer doing what they observed in the more mature believer and the more solid believer giving instructional feedback to the younger believer.  Eventually the younger believer would be able to do the work properly and the elder believer would encourage them along the way, but would have them go and model the very same principles to a new younger believer.  Beloved, look for ways and ask for the Lord to put someone in your life that can be a mentor to you.  At the same time, pray for the Lord to put someone in your life with whom you can invest and help them grow in their faith.  To God be the glory!

Questions:

1.  Do you have a mentor in the faith?

2.  Do you have someone with whom you are personally mentoring?

Prayer: Father, thank You for those individuals You have placed in my life that have helped mature me in my faith.  Grant me the grace and wisdom to know the best way to mentor those with whom You have placed in my path.  Amen.