2010-10-31
1 Peter - The Heart of a Shepherd
Steve Lane

A. Review/Introduction
Fervently loving one another from the heart produces fertile soil for spiritual growth
There is a call to all sorts of suffering. All suffering is for our good, but we must stay on the path!
You must acknowledge suffering to embrace it and get the good from it—even the daily trials
How many can say, "to live like I am is foolish if there is no resurrection"?
1 Corinthians 15: 19
3 John 3 - 4
Shepherds and guides on this trail... walking side-by-side, rescuing, protecting, correcting

B. Come On, Shepherds. Stay Focused

1 Peter 5: 1
Peter a "first among equals" in the group of Apostles
But, he knew what it was like—he had a deep identification with their labor and tears
1 Timothy 5: 17 Elders and plurality of leadership

C. Be Shepherds of God's Flock

Heart-to-heart relationships, communication, life on life, real hospitality, loving fervently...

1 Peter 5: 2 - 4
Peter had received the same type of instruction in an intense conversation
John 21: 15

How do we shepherd?
Colossians 1: 28 - 29
1 Thessalonians 2: 4 - 14
Galatians 4: 19
Acts 20: 17 - 31
2 Corinthians 4: 5 - 12

When you look into the heart of a shepherd, you should see his absolute dependence.
John 8: 28 - 29 I do nothing on my own. The one who sent me is with me...
John 14 In the same way Jesus presented the Father, we too are to present Jesus
John 15: 5 If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me...
John 14 I tell you the truth: anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing
Jesus was among them. He shared His life with them. They saw the love and joy of fellowship with the Father in Him.

[Q]: So, what is required of the shepherd?
[A]: Personal, absolute surrender, and the resulting presentation of Christ in the life on life relationships

One of his key ministries is being an example and showing others how disciples can be made, simply by doing it! It is an example for all to follow. This is how you are to live.

Are we up to the task? There is something life encompassing and sacrificial about it.

Who are we investing our live in? What are their names?

Then, what is your responsibility? If much has been given to you, much will be required.

2 Corinthians 2: 15 - 17 This is the life I am living. Come and see. Come follow me as I follow Jesus