Shepherd Expectations vs. Sheep Expectations
Kingdom Family • Sermon • Submitted
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Introduction
Introduction
Life is filled with expectations. We wake up in the morning with certain expectations. We go to sleep expecting to sleep peacefully and wake up for things to be the same as they were before we went to sleep.
We hit a light switch and expect it to come on. On the other hand SRP and APS expect us to pay for the electricity we use or we can expect it to be turned off.
We have expectations for our lungs, when we inhale, we subconsciously expect to exhale. All the expectations that we have, God has expectations for how his church should look. He also has expectations of those who occupy positions in the church. Be mindful that no matter the calling God has, his expectations he has as his children are paramount.
Paul employs Timothy and Titus to appoint men to be shepherds of the flock and the expectations are spelled out vividly in scripture. The issue we run into is the fact that we usually hold expectations for the shepherd but there are expectations for the sheep as well.
The flock must be encouraged to serve not forced to fall in line.
The flock must be encouraged to serve not forced to fall in line.
Peter begins this message of encouragement with exhortation. He states that I exhort elders among you, as I who am a fellow elder and witness. Encouraging someone is one thing but when you have stood in the same experiences it brings the encouragement to life.
Peter did not grow or become an effective leader by forcing his hand due to his experiences, he is effective because he allows his actions to speak for themselves. Meanwhile not using his position as a place of coercion but a place of love and encouragement to those who have been called to do the same thing as him.
It is expected that leaders are transparent about their sufferings as well. Your testimony is a message of grace to those who are struggling. Do not hide behind the image of perfection, show people your journey! Peter was not perfect but his work was effective because God used him despite his mistakes.
Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs, And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes.
In His arm He will gather the lambs
And carry them in His bosom;
He will gently lead the nursing ewes.
Jesus employs the idea of creating more leaders because a good leader knows that they can not do it by themselves. Jesus called Peter to feed his sheep despite the future trials he would endure.
He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus *said to him, “Tend My sheep.
Verse two states “shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion.”
New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. (1995). (). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
The idea of shepherding is to protect, rule, govern and foster. It is expected that the shepherd protect the sheep. As long as the church is without leaders it does not have the proper protection.
The shepherd has to foster relationships with the congregation. Building relationships are the first step to creating more leaders. A leader is only as effective as the leaders he creates.
This phrase exercising oversight, is not being a boss. It is essentially to focus on or to look at with real interest. Focusing on the needs of the church. It is not about force, you cannot force anyone to do anything, compulsion only leads to revolt. The shepherd responds to the unwilling by building a relationship in hopes of encouraging change.
Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
(This is Christ’s church not your church)
The church does not belong to you, you are not the boss of the church. You are a protector of the flock. The church belongs to God. He is allowing you the ability to protect the people in the church.
This is why peter says this is voluntary but understand it has to be done according to the will of God, not for sordid or dishonest gain but with eagerness.
Leadership has to be done with a sense of eagerness in effort to be effective.
The Shepherd Needs Encouragement Too.
The Shepherd Needs Encouragement Too.
The shepherd needs encouragement too.
Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.
But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called Today, so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
Listen, this text of encouragement is not just for church leaders. It can be acknowledged that this can be used to facilitate encouragement across age groups. The older and the younger. Often times we are looking for encouragement from those older than us. We are looking for guidance from those older than us, but understand that God expects this type of spirit from all Christians. These are not just expectations for leaders but just like you need encouragement leaders need encouragement as well.
“Brothers if you have any word of exhortation for the people say it.”
Shepherds must serve willingly. No one is making you do anything.
Shepherds must serve willingly. No one is making you do anything.
For you were called to freedom, brethren, only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Paul entreats us by writing to Timothy that the desire has to be there, if the desire is not there, there needs to be some soul searching.
You can’t be forced to love your brother, or serve your sister. You have to give this type of service from a place of willingness. The proof is in the example you provide. It is not about lording over the flock it is about being an example to the flock. Jesus invited the apostles to follow him. He encouraged them to lead the people. Jesus did not force anyone to do anything therefore neither should you.
But the greatest among you shall be your servant.
If Money and What I can Get out of this is the motivator it will be the downfall.
If Money and What I can Get out of this is the motivator it will be the downfall.
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.
If this is a notch on your spiritual resume, if you have any type of foolish motivator by attaining this office, God has a good way of humbling us.
For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Jesus answered them and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.
“Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.”
When times get rough, when people get upset because of your decisions remember why you made this decision. Remember why you responded to this call. Jesus provides for us when we feel like no one understands us he does.