BE SHEPHERDS OF GOD’S FLOCK
1 Peter 5:1-14
Key Verses: 5:2-3
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
1. On what basis did Peter appeal to the elders (1)? Read verses 2-3. What does it mean to be a shepherd of God’s flock (Jn 10:11; 21:15-17; Ac 20:28-31)? Why is it so important to have the right motive as a shepherd? What is the reward (4)?
2. What exhortation did Peter give to younger people (5a)? What virtue did Peter emphasize practicing in the Christian community, and why (5b-6)? Why might anxiety arise in regard to humbling oneself, and how can we solve it (7)?
3. What warning did Peter give and why (8; cf. 1:13; 4:7b)? How can we defeat the devil (9; Jas 4:7)? What encouragement do we find in the fellowship of believers worldwide?
4. What will the God of all grace do for suffering believers (10)? What can you learn about God from Peter’s doxology (11; 4:11b)? Who was with Peter when he wrote this letter (12a,13)? Why did he write this letter (12b)? What was his final greeting (14)?