Sermon Tone Analysis

1 "I exhort the elders among you as a fellow elder and witness to the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory about to be revealed: 2 "Shepherd God’s flock among you, not overseeing out of compulsion but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed for money but eagerly; 3 "not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

4 "And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”

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So a church, like one described in 1 Peter, which is a church that’s under persecution needs a

responsible church structure and order is important

for seeing the church through the fiery ordeal of testing.

In v2 Peter tells the elders in that congregation to “shepherd” Or some say, “Be shepherds” or “feed”

There’s a herding imagery, which is common through the OT.

Ministers are to do their God-given task or work of preaching and teaching in a right spirit and w/out covetous motives.

The role of the shepherd produces the imagery of caring, protecting, and disciplining and guiding.

Sproul, R. C. (Ed.).

(2015).

The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (p.

2246).

Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust.

[Familiar OT imagery for God’s care of His covenant people (; ; ), here applied to Christ (5:4; ; ; )]

Not lording it over God’s people (v3).

Not domineering, but as an example.

Pastors aren’t to be haughty and abuse their authority but are to be like Jesus

servant of all (;

to love others ();

to be humble (.

So the model or pattern that is supposed to be copied is servanthood, loving others, and humility!

And for those who are faithful to that calling in v4, will receive the reward of “the unfading crown of glory” which comes in the next life, not this one.

Again, eschatology (the end times) is again utilized to motivate present behavior!

(cf ).

No matter the persecution or hardship, continue on in the work of guarding and guiding God’s family.