Get Up and Grow: Humility
Speaker: Steve Jeffrey
Date: 26th March 2011
Passage: 1 Peter 5:1-14
00:00:00 --> 00:00:10 If you'd like to keep your Bibles open or your iPhones turned on at 1 Peter chapter 5, and let's pray.
00:00:11 --> 00:00:20 Father God, we thank you for your word, and as we come to the end of this series on 1 Peter and Peter's final words here,
00:00:20 --> 00:00:24 Lord, we ask that they would bear fruit in the life of us as a church.
00:00:25 --> 00:00:31 We thank you for that in your wisdom you have ordained some to be elders and shepherds.
00:00:31 --> 00:00:35 Lord, we pray that they would pursue your glory as they minister under the chief shepherd,
00:00:35 --> 00:00:40 and I pray that you would move the hearts of your flock to submission.
00:00:41 --> 00:00:47 And Father, we pray that in all this we'd be prepared for the coming of the chief shepherd with him
00:00:47 --> 00:00:52 and the eternal reward that comes with him, and so we ask it for your glory. Amen.
00:00:52 --> 00:00:58 Today we come to the end of our look in 1 Peter.
00:00:59 --> 00:01:06 Peter ends his letter by addressing the elders amongst God's people.
00:01:06 --> 00:01:12 Not just the elders amongst God's people, but it's obviously a clear aspect of 1 Peter 5.
00:01:12 --> 00:01:19 In chapter 4, which is what you looked at last week, the overall thrust was about suffering.
00:01:19 --> 00:01:26 It appears as Peter moves into chapter 5 that he shifts gear to finish on a completely different topic.
00:01:27 --> 00:01:33 And so to help us to understand 1 Peter 5, we need to put it in context.
00:01:34 --> 00:01:42 This section in which chapter 5 sits actually started back in chapter 4, verse 12.
00:01:42 --> 00:01:46 Remember, Peter addresses the churches with,
00:01:47 --> 00:01:51 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering.
00:01:52 --> 00:01:59 Or quite literally, do not be surprised by the fiery ordeal that you are currently going through.
00:01:59 --> 00:02:11 Then in verse 17 of chapter 4, the suffering he refers to in verse 12 is explained as the beginning of the judgment of God,
00:02:11 --> 00:02:16 which starts with the church and then moves out to the unbelieving world.
00:02:16 --> 00:02:20 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God.
00:02:20 --> 00:02:26 And if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
00:02:26 --> 00:02:31 And then Peter jumps into chapter 5 with,
00:02:31 --> 00:02:35 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder.
00:02:36 --> 00:02:46 What is missing at the very beginning of the NIV translation that was just read out to us and that we're using this morning
00:02:46 --> 00:02:48 is the word therefore.
00:02:48 --> 00:02:54 It's in the original language and for some reason it's left out of the NIV,
00:02:55 --> 00:02:58 but it is the link between chapter 5 and chapter 4.
00:02:59 --> 00:03:06 That is, chapter 5 is an application of these last verses of chapter 4 from verse 12 onwards.
00:03:06 --> 00:03:13 Therefore, in the light of the suffering in the church and in the light of the judgment of God
00:03:13 --> 00:03:16 that is purifying the church before it punishes the world,
00:03:16 --> 00:03:22 in the light of that, here is how to shepherd the suffering flock
00:03:22 --> 00:03:25 and how the suffering flock respond to the shepherding.
00:03:29 --> 00:03:32 Elders are the normal way churches were led in the New Testament.
00:03:32 --> 00:03:38 Peter begins without hesitation or qualification by addressing the elders.
00:03:38 --> 00:03:40 He refers to the elders as shepherds.
00:03:40 --> 00:03:43 Verse 2 says, be shepherds of God's flock.
00:03:43 --> 00:03:47 Notice too that these elder shepherds are charged with oversight.
00:03:47 --> 00:03:51 In verse 2, Peter calls the elders to serve as overseers.
00:03:52 --> 00:03:55 Oversight is not the only duty of shepherding,
00:03:55 --> 00:03:58 but it is the one that Peter mentions here.
00:03:59 --> 00:04:01 Elder shepherds exercise oversight.
00:04:01 --> 00:04:06 They look out over the flock and God holds them accountable
00:04:06 --> 00:04:09 for seeing the big picture and acting for the good of the whole flock.
00:04:10 --> 00:04:15 Of course, the elder shepherds are just sheep themselves,
00:04:15 --> 00:04:18 like every other Christian, with Christ as the chief shepherd.
00:04:19 --> 00:04:22 But by virtue of their calling and their gifting
00:04:22 --> 00:04:24 and their affirmation by the church,
00:04:24 --> 00:04:32 they have a responsibility that is different from the rest of the flock.
00:04:33 --> 00:04:35 And responsibility is the key word here.
00:04:35 --> 00:04:36 It means accountability.
00:04:37 --> 00:04:41 The chief shepherd, when he comes, will hold them accountable.
00:04:41 --> 00:04:47 He will call them to give an account for the exercising of their oversight.
00:04:47 --> 00:04:53 The rest of the sheep will not be called to give an account for oversight.
00:04:53 --> 00:04:57 And the rest of the sheep will not stand with the shepherds
00:04:57 --> 00:05:00 as they are being held accountable for their oversight.
00:05:00 --> 00:05:02 They will not gather around for support.
00:05:02 --> 00:05:04 There won't be letters of encouragement.
00:05:04 --> 00:05:07 They won't even accuse.
00:05:09 --> 00:05:10 It is only the chief shepherd.
00:05:14 --> 00:05:16 And so they'll be held accountable.
00:05:17 --> 00:05:18 Did they see the big picture?
00:05:19 --> 00:05:20 Did they act accordingly?
00:05:20 --> 00:05:21 Did they exercise oversight?
00:05:23 --> 00:05:26 And so as he addresses this situation of the suffering church,
00:05:26 --> 00:05:28 Peter gives three charges to the elders.
00:05:29 --> 00:05:33 And each of these three charges is both a negative and a positive.
00:05:33 --> 00:05:35 Firstly, the second half of verse two,
00:05:35 --> 00:05:41 serve as overseers, not because you must, but because you are willing.
00:05:42 --> 00:05:45 You see, I think there's a threat that these elders in these churches
00:05:45 --> 00:05:50 are feeling like the work is not something that they really would want to do.
00:05:51 --> 00:05:52 They're feeling forced to do it
00:05:52 --> 00:05:56 when they would rather really be doing something else.
00:05:57 --> 00:05:58 It's very simple, I think, really,
00:05:58 --> 00:06:03 that the elder shepherds have less desire to be elders and shepherds
00:06:03 --> 00:06:05 if it's dangerous and it's difficult.
00:06:06 --> 00:06:10 And I think here that Peter has two dangers in mind,
00:06:10 --> 00:06:11 the two difficulties in mind, if you like.
00:06:12 --> 00:06:14 One is that when persecution comes,
00:06:15 --> 00:06:19 the leaders of the flock are the most visible and the most vulnerable.
00:06:19 --> 00:06:22 If you are the shepherd of the suffering flock,
00:06:23 --> 00:06:25 you will be among the first to fall.
00:06:26 --> 00:06:30 It is a dangerous duty to be a leader when the church is under persecution.
00:06:30 --> 00:06:33 And we know from chapter four, verse two,
00:06:33 --> 00:06:36 that these churches were going through a fiery ordeal.
00:06:37 --> 00:06:40 And it is understandable that the elder shepherds
00:06:40 --> 00:06:44 might be looking for another vocation in the midst of that.
00:06:44 --> 00:06:50 A second reason that the elder shepherds might shrink back from their duty
00:06:50 --> 00:06:57 is not only are they vulnerable to the normal antagonism of people,
00:06:57 --> 00:07:01 but they are also vulnerable to God's judgment in a peculiar way.
00:07:03 --> 00:07:05 Recall that chapter four, verse 17,
00:07:05 --> 00:07:09 says God's judgment had begun with the house of God.
00:07:09 --> 00:07:16 And in that there is a very scary reference to Ezekiel chapter nine.
00:07:18 --> 00:07:23 Ezekiel chapter nine is a description of the way that God brought judgment
00:07:23 --> 00:07:25 on his people once before.
00:07:26 --> 00:07:29 And he not only begun at the house of God,
00:07:29 --> 00:07:31 but he began with the elders.
00:07:32 --> 00:07:36 Chapter four, verse nine, sorry, chapter Ezekiel nine, verse four says,
00:07:36 --> 00:07:39 And God said to him, go throughout the city of Jerusalem
00:07:39 --> 00:07:41 and put a mark on the foreheads of those who grieve
00:07:41 --> 00:07:46 and lament over all the detestable things that are done in it.
00:07:47 --> 00:07:49 As I listened, he said to the others,
00:07:49 --> 00:07:55 follow him through the city and kill without showing pity or compassion.
00:07:56 --> 00:07:59 Slaughter old men, young men and maidens, women and children,
00:08:00 --> 00:08:03 but do not touch anyone who has the mark.
00:08:03 --> 00:08:06 Begin at my sanctuary.
00:08:08 --> 00:08:13 And so they began with the elders who were in front of the temple.
00:08:14 --> 00:08:19 In other words, it has been God's way to bring judgment on his own people,
00:08:20 --> 00:08:23 beginning with the house of God, as chapter four, 17 refers to,
00:08:24 --> 00:08:28 and in the house of God, beginning with the elder shepherds.
00:08:28 --> 00:08:34 The fiery trial that chapter four, verse 12 refers to
00:08:34 --> 00:08:40 is the refining fire of God's disciplining judgment upon his people.
00:08:41 --> 00:08:47 It is the same refining fire that Peter refers to back in chapter one, verse 17.
00:08:48 --> 00:08:51 Fiery trials are not easily endured,
00:08:51 --> 00:08:54 but the testing does not destroy us.
00:08:54 --> 00:08:58 These fiery trials are not the destruction fiery trials,
00:08:59 --> 00:09:02 but they are the refining, the purging fiery trials.
00:09:03 --> 00:09:07 They are the firing trials that we must go through in order to be saved.
00:09:08 --> 00:09:11 The trials are designed by God
00:09:11 --> 00:09:15 to purge us of all sinful self-reliance on the flesh.
00:09:15 --> 00:09:20 These fiery trials shape us, if you like, for eternity.
00:09:21 --> 00:09:22 As James says,
00:09:22 --> 00:09:24 Consider it pure joy, my brothers,
00:09:24 --> 00:09:26 whenever you face trials of many kinds,
00:09:26 --> 00:09:30 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
00:09:31 --> 00:09:33 Perseverance must finish its work
00:09:33 --> 00:09:35 so that you may be mature and complete,
00:09:35 --> 00:09:36 not lacking anything.
00:09:36 --> 00:09:43 The role of the elder shepherd
00:09:43 --> 00:09:46 is to lead God's flock
00:09:46 --> 00:09:49 into the fiery trial in humble submission of God.
00:09:51 --> 00:09:53 They open the doors
00:09:53 --> 00:09:55 and they walk into the furnace
00:09:55 --> 00:09:59 of God's purifying trials
00:09:59 --> 00:10:02 and they call the flock to follow them
00:10:02 --> 00:10:04 as they follow Christ.
00:10:06 --> 00:10:08 They don't open the doors
00:10:08 --> 00:10:09 and get their stick
00:10:09 --> 00:10:10 and whack the sheep in there.
00:10:12 --> 00:10:13 How's it going in there, guys?
00:10:13 --> 00:10:14 Odd enough for you?
00:10:17 --> 00:10:18 Tell me what you're learning.
00:10:21 --> 00:10:22 They open the doors
00:10:22 --> 00:10:23 and they walk in.
00:10:24 --> 00:10:25 They call the flock to join them
00:10:25 --> 00:10:27 and as they struggle themselves
00:10:27 --> 00:10:29 in their own hearts and lives
00:10:29 --> 00:10:32 through the fiery trials
00:10:32 --> 00:10:34 of God's purification of them
00:10:34 --> 00:10:36 as sheep and as shepherds,
00:10:36 --> 00:10:39 in the process of their own struggle
00:10:39 --> 00:10:40 in the fiery trials,
00:10:40 --> 00:10:42 they assist the sheep
00:10:42 --> 00:10:43 who have come with them
00:10:43 --> 00:10:45 to endure it
00:10:45 --> 00:10:47 by teaching them
00:10:47 --> 00:10:49 and modelling patient endurance
00:10:49 --> 00:10:50 in the midst of the fiery trials.
00:10:53 --> 00:10:56 They call the flock to endure it
00:10:56 --> 00:10:57 and rejoice in it
00:10:57 --> 00:10:58 and to seek it
00:10:58 --> 00:11:00 from the hand of a gracious
00:11:00 --> 00:11:02 and merciful and sovereign God.
00:11:02 --> 00:11:05 And what this means
00:11:05 --> 00:11:06 is the danger and difficulty
00:11:06 --> 00:11:07 is one test
00:11:07 --> 00:11:08 of a true elder shepherd.
00:11:11 --> 00:11:12 And for whatever you want
00:11:12 --> 00:11:13 in a pastor
00:11:13 --> 00:11:15 and we all have a view
00:11:15 --> 00:11:16 of what one should be like,
00:11:17 --> 00:11:18 you need one
00:11:18 --> 00:11:19 who's courageous enough
00:11:19 --> 00:11:20 not to walk away
00:11:20 --> 00:11:21 from that fiery trial
00:11:21 --> 00:11:22 but to walk into the furnace
00:11:22 --> 00:11:23 in front of you.
00:11:23 --> 00:11:28 And so it's not surprising
00:11:28 --> 00:11:28 that the elders
00:11:28 --> 00:11:29 might be reluctant
00:11:29 --> 00:11:30 to exercise oversight.
00:11:32 --> 00:11:33 And so Peter says
00:11:33 --> 00:11:34 exercise your oversight
00:11:34 --> 00:11:35 not because you must
00:11:35 --> 00:11:37 but because you are willing.
00:11:38 --> 00:11:39 As you, the elder shepherd,
00:11:39 --> 00:11:41 walk into that fiery furnace,
00:11:41 --> 00:11:43 do it with pure joy
00:11:43 --> 00:11:45 on behalf of the people.
00:11:45 --> 00:11:50 But Peter warns
00:11:50 --> 00:11:51 that there are a couple
00:11:51 --> 00:11:53 of strong worldly motives
00:11:53 --> 00:11:54 for being an elder shepherd
00:11:54 --> 00:11:55 even when your heart's not in it
00:11:55 --> 00:11:57 and they are money and power.
00:11:58 --> 00:11:59 At the end of verse 2,
00:12:00 --> 00:12:01 serving as overseers,
00:12:01 --> 00:12:02 not greedy for money
00:12:02 --> 00:12:03 but eager to serve.
00:12:04 --> 00:12:05 Greedy for money
00:12:05 --> 00:12:07 means making the ministry
00:12:07 --> 00:12:09 a means to get rich.
00:12:10 --> 00:12:12 It means being motivated
00:12:12 --> 00:12:15 by money in the ministry.
00:12:15 --> 00:12:16 It means being motivated
00:12:16 --> 00:12:18 by your own comfort.
00:12:18 --> 00:12:20 It means the bad shepherds
00:12:20 --> 00:12:21 of Ezekiel 34
00:12:21 --> 00:12:23 devouring the flock
00:12:23 --> 00:12:24 for your own gain.
00:12:26 --> 00:12:29 It also means thinking constantly
00:12:29 --> 00:12:31 about vacations and days off
00:12:31 --> 00:12:32 and retirement benefits
00:12:32 --> 00:12:34 instead of thinking about
00:12:34 --> 00:12:35 the value of the human soul
00:12:35 --> 00:12:37 and the preciousness of truth
00:12:37 --> 00:12:38 and the power of the Holy Spirit
00:12:38 --> 00:12:39 and the coming glory
00:12:39 --> 00:12:40 of the chief shepherd.
00:12:42 --> 00:12:44 And then in verse 3,
00:12:44 --> 00:12:45 Peter warns against
00:12:45 --> 00:12:46 the other worldly motive.
00:12:46 --> 00:12:48 He says that they should serve
00:12:48 --> 00:12:49 as overseers,
00:12:49 --> 00:12:50 not lording it over
00:12:50 --> 00:12:52 those entrusted to you
00:12:52 --> 00:12:53 but being examples
00:12:53 --> 00:12:53 to the flock.
00:12:56 --> 00:12:57 Lording it over here
00:12:57 --> 00:12:57 is not a reference
00:12:57 --> 00:12:59 to personality types
00:12:59 --> 00:13:00 but it does imply
00:13:00 --> 00:13:02 that the elder shepherd here
00:13:02 --> 00:13:03 is driven by power,
00:13:04 --> 00:13:05 by the love of power.
00:13:05 --> 00:13:08 He gets an ego high
00:13:08 --> 00:13:10 from flaunting his authority
00:13:10 --> 00:13:10 and prestige
00:13:10 --> 00:13:11 and dominance.
00:13:12 --> 00:13:13 He needs to be up front.
00:13:14 --> 00:13:15 He likes to be addressed
00:13:15 --> 00:13:15 with titles.
00:13:16 --> 00:13:17 He craves the praise
00:13:17 --> 00:13:18 and the dependence of people.
00:13:20 --> 00:13:22 The elder does have authority.
00:13:23 --> 00:13:24 They are called to exercise
00:13:24 --> 00:13:26 oversight over the flock.
00:13:26 --> 00:13:29 Christ the chief shepherd
00:13:29 --> 00:13:30 has called them
00:13:30 --> 00:13:31 for the task
00:13:31 --> 00:13:32 of this oversight
00:13:32 --> 00:13:34 but the under shepherd
00:13:34 --> 00:13:35 is not a standing
00:13:35 --> 00:13:36 for the Lord.
00:13:37 --> 00:13:38 The shepherd presents
00:13:38 --> 00:13:40 the word of the Lord,
00:13:40 --> 00:13:41 the chief shepherd,
00:13:42 --> 00:13:43 not their own decrees.
00:13:44 --> 00:13:46 The shepherd enforces
00:13:46 --> 00:13:47 the revealed will
00:13:47 --> 00:13:48 of the Lord,
00:13:48 --> 00:13:50 not their own wishes.
00:13:50 --> 00:13:52 And for that reason,
00:13:53 --> 00:13:54 any undermining
00:13:54 --> 00:13:55 of the authority
00:13:55 --> 00:13:56 of the scripture
00:13:56 --> 00:13:59 turns church government
00:13:59 --> 00:14:02 into spiritual tyranny.
00:14:04 --> 00:14:06 If shepherds add to
00:14:06 --> 00:14:07 or subtract from
00:14:07 --> 00:14:08 the word of God,
00:14:08 --> 00:14:10 they make themselves lords
00:14:10 --> 00:14:11 over the consciences
00:14:11 --> 00:14:12 of others.
00:14:14 --> 00:14:16 And it says here,
00:14:16 --> 00:14:17 far from being a lord
00:14:17 --> 00:14:17 and master,
00:14:17 --> 00:14:19 the shepherd is an example.
00:14:19 --> 00:14:20 That is,
00:14:20 --> 00:14:21 they are to lead others
00:14:21 --> 00:14:22 in humble obedience
00:14:22 --> 00:14:23 to God
00:14:23 --> 00:14:24 by themselves
00:14:24 --> 00:14:25 being humbly
00:14:25 --> 00:14:26 obedient to God
00:14:26 --> 00:14:28 as they put into practice
00:14:28 --> 00:14:29 the word of God
00:14:29 --> 00:14:30 in their lives.
00:14:31 --> 00:14:32 The word of God
00:14:32 --> 00:14:33 is their rule
00:14:33 --> 00:14:36 and they pursue it
00:14:36 --> 00:14:37 in obedience.
00:14:39 --> 00:14:40 And so Peter says
00:14:40 --> 00:14:41 the test of an elder shepherd
00:14:41 --> 00:14:42 is their life,
00:14:43 --> 00:14:44 their whole life.
00:14:44 --> 00:14:46 Are they examples
00:14:46 --> 00:14:46 for the flock?
00:14:46 --> 00:14:48 Is their public oversight
00:14:48 --> 00:14:49 a show
00:14:49 --> 00:14:50 or does their whole life
00:14:50 --> 00:14:51 prove their authenticity?
00:14:52 --> 00:14:53 Is there a public shepherd
00:14:53 --> 00:14:54 and a private shepherd?
00:14:54 --> 00:14:55 What about their family
00:14:55 --> 00:14:56 and their finances
00:14:56 --> 00:14:57 and their hospitality
00:14:57 --> 00:14:58 and their discernment
00:14:58 --> 00:14:59 and their reputation
00:14:59 --> 00:15:00 among spiritual people
00:15:00 --> 00:15:01 and those outside?
00:15:01 --> 00:15:08 are they bringing
00:15:08 --> 00:15:09 the word of God
00:15:09 --> 00:15:11 to bear in their lives
00:15:11 --> 00:15:12 and walking forward
00:15:12 --> 00:15:13 in humble submission
00:15:13 --> 00:15:14 no matter what the cost
00:15:14 --> 00:15:17 of that obedience?
00:15:17 --> 00:15:21 Oh how discerning
00:15:21 --> 00:15:22 the church needs to be.
00:15:24 --> 00:15:26 Oh how we elder shepherds
00:15:26 --> 00:15:27 need to take heed
00:15:27 --> 00:15:28 to ourselves
00:15:28 --> 00:15:31 as well as all the flock
00:15:31 --> 00:15:32 as Acts 2 says
00:15:32 --> 00:15:35 to search ourselves
00:15:35 --> 00:15:36 and to test ourselves
00:15:36 --> 00:15:37 and see if there is
00:15:37 --> 00:15:38 any wicked way in us
00:15:38 --> 00:15:41 because if we don't
00:15:41 --> 00:15:43 God will.
00:15:46 --> 00:15:47 These are but just
00:15:47 --> 00:15:48 a couple of verses
00:15:48 --> 00:15:52 and the rest of scripture
00:15:52 --> 00:15:54 set a very high standard
00:15:54 --> 00:15:54 for shepherds.
00:15:56 --> 00:15:58 The shepherd serves the flock.
00:15:58 --> 00:16:00 They love the flock.
00:16:00 --> 00:16:01 They tend the flock.
00:16:01 --> 00:16:02 They lead the flock.
00:16:02 --> 00:16:03 He's accountable for the flock.
00:16:04 --> 00:16:05 They sacrifice for the flock.
00:16:06 --> 00:16:07 They protect their flock.
00:16:07 --> 00:16:09 They pour their lives
00:16:09 --> 00:16:10 out in service
00:16:10 --> 00:16:11 of the flock.
00:16:15 --> 00:16:16 And the high calling
00:16:16 --> 00:16:17 of their vocation
00:16:17 --> 00:16:19 makes the shepherd
00:16:19 --> 00:16:19 vulnerable
00:16:19 --> 00:16:21 to the judgment
00:16:21 --> 00:16:22 of the sheep.
00:16:24 --> 00:16:26 It is not an easy thing
00:16:26 --> 00:16:26 for a pastor
00:16:26 --> 00:16:27 to stand up
00:16:27 --> 00:16:28 in front of the flock.
00:16:28 --> 00:16:29 He leads to preach
00:16:29 --> 00:16:30 a message about
00:16:30 --> 00:16:31 the high calling
00:16:31 --> 00:16:32 and nature
00:16:32 --> 00:16:33 of his vocation.
00:16:33 --> 00:16:38 Because it's easy
00:16:38 --> 00:16:40 to point an accusatory finger
00:16:40 --> 00:16:40 and just say
00:16:40 --> 00:16:41 we're just not that.
00:16:44 --> 00:16:45 You just fall
00:16:45 --> 00:16:45 so far short.
00:16:48 --> 00:16:49 You're defective.
00:16:50 --> 00:16:51 You're substandard.
00:16:52 --> 00:16:53 You may even be false.
00:16:58 --> 00:16:59 In that place
00:16:59 --> 00:17:00 of vulnerability
00:17:00 --> 00:17:01 it is comforting
00:17:01 --> 00:17:02 to know
00:17:02 --> 00:17:02 that the Peter
00:17:02 --> 00:17:03 who calls
00:17:03 --> 00:17:04 the elders
00:17:04 --> 00:17:05 to be shepherds
00:17:05 --> 00:17:06 of God's flock
00:17:06 --> 00:17:07 is the Peter
00:17:07 --> 00:17:08 who had an unforgettable
00:17:08 --> 00:17:10 breakfast with Jesus.
00:17:12 --> 00:17:13 This is the Peter
00:17:13 --> 00:17:13 who
00:17:13 --> 00:17:15 through his three years
00:17:15 --> 00:17:16 of ministry
00:17:16 --> 00:17:17 with Jesus
00:17:17 --> 00:17:19 basically
00:17:19 --> 00:17:20 stuffed it up
00:17:20 --> 00:17:20 every time.
00:17:23 --> 00:17:24 This is the Peter
00:17:24 --> 00:17:25 who consistently
00:17:25 --> 00:17:25 failed,
00:17:26 --> 00:17:26 consistently suffered
00:17:26 --> 00:17:28 from foot-in-mouth disease.
00:17:28 --> 00:17:29 Peter
00:17:29 --> 00:17:29 and
00:17:29 --> 00:17:30 he's the only one
00:17:30 --> 00:17:30 who Jesus
00:17:30 --> 00:17:31 referred to
00:17:31 --> 00:17:33 as Satan
00:17:33 --> 00:17:35 get behind me
00:17:35 --> 00:17:36 as he tried
00:17:36 --> 00:17:37 to hinder
00:17:37 --> 00:17:37 Jesus
00:17:37 --> 00:17:39 going to the cross.
00:17:40 --> 00:17:41 He's the one
00:17:41 --> 00:17:41 who
00:17:41 --> 00:17:44 for all of history
00:17:44 --> 00:17:45 has gone down
00:17:45 --> 00:17:46 as the one
00:17:46 --> 00:17:46 who ran
00:17:46 --> 00:17:47 from Jesus
00:17:47 --> 00:17:49 in his greatest
00:17:49 --> 00:17:50 hour of need.
00:17:51 --> 00:17:52 In the greatest
00:17:52 --> 00:17:53 hour of fiery
00:17:53 --> 00:17:54 trial
00:17:54 --> 00:17:54 trial,
00:17:55 --> 00:17:56 Peter denied
00:17:56 --> 00:17:56 Jesus
00:17:56 --> 00:17:57 three times
00:17:57 --> 00:17:58 and ran.
00:18:00 --> 00:18:01 What a coward.
00:18:01 --> 00:18:05 there was
00:18:05 --> 00:18:05 the self-assured
00:18:05 --> 00:18:06 bravado
00:18:06 --> 00:18:06 that he would
00:18:06 --> 00:18:07 never turn
00:18:07 --> 00:18:07 his back
00:18:07 --> 00:18:08 on Jesus
00:18:08 --> 00:18:08 but in that
00:18:08 --> 00:18:09 fiery trial
00:18:09 --> 00:18:10 he thought
00:18:10 --> 00:18:11 only of himself
00:18:11 --> 00:18:12 and his safety.
00:18:15 --> 00:18:16 And then
00:18:16 --> 00:18:17 just a matter
00:18:17 --> 00:18:17 of weeks
00:18:17 --> 00:18:18 later
00:18:18 --> 00:18:19 on the
00:18:19 --> 00:18:20 shore of
00:18:20 --> 00:18:21 Lake Galilee
00:18:21 --> 00:18:23 days later
00:18:23 --> 00:18:24 even the shore
00:18:24 --> 00:18:24 of Lake Galilee
00:18:24 --> 00:18:25 the risen Lord
00:18:25 --> 00:18:26 Jesus
00:18:26 --> 00:18:29 restores
00:18:29 --> 00:18:30 the failed
00:18:30 --> 00:18:31 Peter.
00:18:31 --> 00:18:35 restores
00:18:35 --> 00:18:36 the failed
00:18:36 --> 00:18:36 Peter
00:18:36 --> 00:18:37 to his
00:18:37 --> 00:18:37 apostolic
00:18:37 --> 00:18:38 office
00:18:38 --> 00:18:38 and he
00:18:38 --> 00:18:39 charges
00:18:39 --> 00:18:39 him
00:18:39 --> 00:18:40 to be
00:18:40 --> 00:18:41 a shepherd
00:18:41 --> 00:18:42 to Christ's
00:18:42 --> 00:18:43 little ones.
00:18:45 --> 00:18:45 And so
00:18:45 --> 00:18:46 when calling
00:18:46 --> 00:18:47 others to
00:18:47 --> 00:18:47 be elders
00:18:47 --> 00:18:48 and shepherds
00:18:48 --> 00:18:48 of his
00:18:48 --> 00:18:49 sheep
00:18:49 --> 00:18:50 of the
00:18:50 --> 00:18:50 flock
00:18:50 --> 00:18:51 Peter
00:18:51 --> 00:18:52 was well
00:18:52 --> 00:18:52 aware
00:18:52 --> 00:18:52 of his
00:18:52 --> 00:18:53 own
00:18:53 --> 00:18:53 failings
00:18:53 --> 00:18:53 and
00:18:53 --> 00:18:54 shortcomings.
00:18:56 --> 00:18:57 There was
00:18:57 --> 00:18:57 plenty of room
00:18:57 --> 00:18:58 for people
00:18:58 --> 00:18:58 to point a
00:18:58 --> 00:18:59 finger at
00:18:59 --> 00:18:59 Peter
00:18:59 --> 00:18:59 and say
00:18:59 --> 00:19:00 Peter
00:19:00 --> 00:19:03 weren't
00:19:03 --> 00:19:04 you the
00:19:04 --> 00:19:04 one
00:19:04 --> 00:19:04 who ran
00:19:04 --> 00:19:07 how dare
00:19:07 --> 00:19:07 you give
00:19:07 --> 00:19:08 such a
00:19:08 --> 00:19:08 high
00:19:08 --> 00:19:09 standard
00:19:09 --> 00:19:09 of the
00:19:09 --> 00:19:09 elder
00:19:09 --> 00:19:10 shepherd.
00:19:12 --> 00:19:12 But this
00:19:12 --> 00:19:13 Peter
00:19:13 --> 00:19:14 loved
00:19:14 --> 00:19:15 the good
00:19:15 --> 00:19:15 shepherd
00:19:15 --> 00:19:17 who lays
00:19:17 --> 00:19:17 down his
00:19:17 --> 00:19:18 life for
00:19:18 --> 00:19:18 the sheep.
00:19:18 --> 00:19:20 Peter
00:19:20 --> 00:19:20 and all
00:19:20 --> 00:19:21 the elders
00:19:21 --> 00:19:22 are under
00:19:22 --> 00:19:23 shepherds
00:19:23 --> 00:19:23 serving the
00:19:23 --> 00:19:24 good
00:19:24 --> 00:19:24 shepherd
00:19:24 --> 00:19:25 and Peter
00:19:25 --> 00:19:26 like all
00:19:26 --> 00:19:26 the elder
00:19:26 --> 00:19:27 shepherds
00:19:27 --> 00:19:27 are firstly
00:19:27 --> 00:19:28 sheep
00:19:28 --> 00:19:28 themselves
00:19:28 --> 00:19:29 who have
00:19:29 --> 00:19:30 come to
00:19:30 --> 00:19:30 the good
00:19:30 --> 00:19:30 shepherd
00:19:30 --> 00:19:31 who is
00:19:31 --> 00:19:32 the overseer
00:19:32 --> 00:19:33 of their
00:19:33 --> 00:19:33 souls.
00:19:35 --> 00:19:36 But for
00:19:36 --> 00:19:36 this gathered
00:19:36 --> 00:19:37 flock
00:19:37 --> 00:19:38 he has
00:19:38 --> 00:19:39 promised to
00:19:39 --> 00:19:40 raise up
00:19:40 --> 00:19:40 faithful
00:19:40 --> 00:19:41 shepherds
00:19:41 --> 00:19:42 faithful
00:19:42 --> 00:19:43 shepherds
00:19:43 --> 00:19:43 who can
00:19:43 --> 00:19:44 stand
00:19:44 --> 00:19:45 and shepherd
00:19:45 --> 00:19:47 because the
00:19:47 --> 00:19:47 good shepherd
00:19:47 --> 00:19:48 is their
00:19:48 --> 00:19:49 love
00:19:49 --> 00:19:49 their hope
00:19:49 --> 00:19:50 their forgiveness
00:19:50 --> 00:19:51 their enabling
00:19:51 --> 00:19:52 and their
00:19:52 --> 00:19:52 comfort
00:19:52 --> 00:19:54 even when
00:19:54 --> 00:19:54 they don't
00:19:54 --> 00:19:55 feel worthy
00:19:55 --> 00:19:56 even
00:19:56 --> 00:19:57 when they
00:19:57 --> 00:19:58 fail
00:19:58 --> 00:19:59 faithful
00:19:59 --> 00:20:00 shepherds
00:20:00 --> 00:20:00 look to the
00:20:00 --> 00:20:01 good shepherd
00:20:01 --> 00:20:02 for their
00:20:02 --> 00:20:03 affirmation
00:20:03 --> 00:20:04 and for
00:20:04 --> 00:20:05 their rebuke
00:20:05 --> 00:20:06 not the
00:20:06 --> 00:20:06 changing
00:20:06 --> 00:20:07 whims
00:20:07 --> 00:20:07 of the
00:20:07 --> 00:20:08 flock.
00:20:08 --> 00:20:11 So what
00:20:11 --> 00:20:12 sustains
00:20:12 --> 00:20:12 a good
00:20:12 --> 00:20:13 shepherd?
00:20:14 --> 00:20:14 What
00:20:14 --> 00:20:15 sustains
00:20:15 --> 00:20:16 a faithful
00:20:16 --> 00:20:16 shepherd?
00:20:19 --> 00:20:20 How
00:20:20 --> 00:20:20 might a
00:20:20 --> 00:20:20 good
00:20:20 --> 00:20:21 shepherd
00:20:21 --> 00:20:22 exercise
00:20:22 --> 00:20:22 oversight
00:20:22 --> 00:20:23 willingly
00:20:23 --> 00:20:25 and eager
00:20:25 --> 00:20:26 to serve?
00:20:28 --> 00:20:28 That is
00:20:28 --> 00:20:29 what makes
00:20:29 --> 00:20:29 the good
00:20:29 --> 00:20:30 shepherd
00:20:30 --> 00:20:30 want to
00:20:30 --> 00:20:31 serve?
00:20:31 --> 00:20:31 To love
00:20:31 --> 00:20:32 to serve?
00:20:32 --> 00:20:33 To delight
00:20:33 --> 00:20:33 to shepherd?
00:20:34 --> 00:20:35 Not motivated
00:20:35 --> 00:20:35 by money
00:20:35 --> 00:20:36 not motivated
00:20:36 --> 00:20:37 by power
00:20:37 --> 00:20:40 verse 4
00:20:40 --> 00:20:40 and when
00:20:40 --> 00:20:41 the chief
00:20:41 --> 00:20:41 shepherd
00:20:41 --> 00:20:41 appears
00:20:41 --> 00:20:43 you receive
00:20:43 --> 00:20:43 the crown
00:20:43 --> 00:20:44 of glory
00:20:44 --> 00:20:44 that will
00:20:44 --> 00:20:45 never fade
00:20:45 --> 00:20:45 away.
00:20:49 --> 00:20:50 What's
00:20:50 --> 00:20:50 the motivation?
00:20:51 --> 00:20:52 The good
00:20:52 --> 00:20:52 shepherd
00:20:52 --> 00:20:53 the chief
00:20:53 --> 00:20:54 shepherd
00:20:54 --> 00:20:56 a shepherd
00:20:56 --> 00:20:56 who loves
00:20:56 --> 00:20:57 the good
00:20:57 --> 00:20:57 shepherd
00:20:57 --> 00:20:58 will have
00:20:58 --> 00:20:59 a strong
00:20:59 --> 00:20:59 sense of
00:20:59 --> 00:21:00 his
00:21:00 --> 00:21:00 accountability
00:21:00 --> 00:21:01 before God
00:21:01 --> 00:21:01 for the
00:21:01 --> 00:21:02 souls of
00:21:02 --> 00:21:02 his flock
00:21:02 --> 00:21:05 even when
00:21:05 --> 00:21:05 they don't
00:21:05 --> 00:21:05 want him
00:21:05 --> 00:21:06 to.
00:21:07 --> 00:21:08 A good
00:21:08 --> 00:21:09 shepherd
00:21:09 --> 00:21:11 will look
00:21:11 --> 00:21:11 to the
00:21:11 --> 00:21:11 end
00:21:11 --> 00:21:12 they will
00:21:12 --> 00:21:12 take
00:21:12 --> 00:21:12 the
00:21:12 --> 00:21:12 long
00:21:12 --> 00:21:13 view
00:21:13 --> 00:21:16 they will
00:21:16 --> 00:21:16 walk
00:21:16 --> 00:21:17 into the
00:21:17 --> 00:21:17 fiery
00:21:17 --> 00:21:18 furnace
00:21:18 --> 00:21:21 and prepare
00:21:21 --> 00:21:21 God's
00:21:21 --> 00:21:22 people
00:21:22 --> 00:21:23 for
00:21:23 --> 00:21:23 eternity.
00:21:25 --> 00:21:26 What
00:21:26 --> 00:21:26 keeps true
00:21:26 --> 00:21:27 shepherds
00:21:27 --> 00:21:28 going is
00:21:28 --> 00:21:28 that when
00:21:28 --> 00:21:28 the chief
00:21:28 --> 00:21:29 shepherd
00:21:29 --> 00:21:29 comes
00:21:29 --> 00:21:30 with him
00:21:30 --> 00:21:31 will come
00:21:31 --> 00:21:31 his
00:21:31 --> 00:21:32 everlasting
00:21:32 --> 00:21:32 reward
00:21:32 --> 00:21:33 the unfading
00:21:33 --> 00:21:34 crown of
00:21:34 --> 00:21:34 glory
00:21:34 --> 00:21:34 glory
00:21:34 --> 00:21:35 and that
00:21:35 --> 00:21:36 in
00:21:36 --> 00:21:36 itself
00:21:36 --> 00:21:36 is
00:21:36 --> 00:21:37 enough
00:21:37 --> 00:21:39 not
00:21:39 --> 00:21:39 money
00:21:39 --> 00:21:40 not
00:21:40 --> 00:21:41 power
00:21:41 --> 00:21:46 but there
00:21:46 --> 00:21:46 is a
00:21:46 --> 00:21:46 message here
00:21:46 --> 00:21:47 for the
00:21:47 --> 00:21:47 flock
00:21:47 --> 00:21:47 in all
00:21:47 --> 00:21:47 this
00:21:47 --> 00:21:48 verse 5
00:21:48 --> 00:21:49 young men
00:21:49 --> 00:21:49 in the
00:21:49 --> 00:21:49 same way
00:21:49 --> 00:21:50 be submissive
00:21:50 --> 00:21:50 to those
00:21:50 --> 00:21:51 who are
00:21:51 --> 00:21:51 older
00:21:51 --> 00:21:52 all of
00:21:52 --> 00:21:52 you
00:21:52 --> 00:21:53 clothe
00:21:53 --> 00:21:53 yourselves
00:21:53 --> 00:21:53 with
00:21:53 --> 00:21:54 humility
00:21:54 --> 00:21:54 towards
00:21:54 --> 00:21:55 one
00:21:55 --> 00:21:55 another
00:21:55 --> 00:21:55 because
00:21:55 --> 00:21:55 God
00:21:55 --> 00:21:56 opposes
00:21:56 --> 00:21:56 the
00:21:56 --> 00:21:56 proud
00:21:56 --> 00:21:56 but
00:21:56 --> 00:21:57 gives
00:21:57 --> 00:21:57 grace
00:21:57 --> 00:21:58 to
00:21:58 --> 00:21:58 the
00:21:58 --> 00:21:58 humble
00:21:58 --> 00:22:01 the
00:22:01 --> 00:22:01 reference
00:22:01 --> 00:22:02 to
00:22:02 --> 00:22:02 younger
00:22:02 --> 00:22:02 men
00:22:02 --> 00:22:03 here
00:22:03 --> 00:22:03 being
00:22:03 --> 00:22:04 submissive
00:22:04 --> 00:22:04 to
00:22:04 --> 00:22:04 older
00:22:04 --> 00:22:04 is
00:22:04 --> 00:22:05 linked
00:22:05 --> 00:22:05 to
00:22:05 --> 00:22:05 this
00:22:05 --> 00:22:05 issue
00:22:05 --> 00:22:05 of
00:22:05 --> 00:22:06 eldership
00:22:06 --> 00:22:06 it's
00:22:06 --> 00:22:06 not
00:22:06 --> 00:22:06 a
00:22:06 --> 00:22:07 complete
00:22:07 --> 00:22:07 change
00:22:07 --> 00:22:07 of
00:22:07 --> 00:22:08 gear
00:22:08 --> 00:22:08 into
00:22:08 --> 00:22:08 something
00:22:08 --> 00:22:08 else
00:22:08 --> 00:22:09 the
00:22:09 --> 00:22:10 reference
00:22:10 --> 00:22:10 to
00:22:10 --> 00:22:10 older
00:22:10 --> 00:22:10 is
00:22:10 --> 00:22:11 a
00:22:11 --> 00:22:11 reference
00:22:11 --> 00:22:11 to
00:22:11 --> 00:22:12 spiritual
00:22:12 --> 00:22:12 eldership
00:22:12 --> 00:22:13 it
00:22:13 --> 00:22:13 was
00:22:13 --> 00:22:14 normally
00:22:14 --> 00:22:14 the
00:22:14 --> 00:22:14 case
00:22:14 --> 00:22:14 that
00:22:14 --> 00:22:15 the
00:22:15 --> 00:22:15 older
00:22:15 --> 00:22:15 members
00:22:15 --> 00:22:15 of
00:22:15 --> 00:22:15 the
00:22:15 --> 00:22:16 community
00:22:16 --> 00:22:17 were
00:22:17 --> 00:22:17 the
00:22:17 --> 00:22:17 elders
00:22:17 --> 00:22:17 but
00:22:17 --> 00:22:18 it's
00:22:18 --> 00:22:18 not
00:22:18 --> 00:22:18 always
00:22:18 --> 00:22:18 the
00:22:18 --> 00:22:19 case
00:22:19 --> 00:22:20 Timothy
00:22:20 --> 00:22:21 according
00:22:21 --> 00:22:21 to
00:22:21 --> 00:22:21 church
00:22:21 --> 00:22:22 tradition
00:22:22 --> 00:22:22 was
00:22:22 --> 00:22:22 anywhere
00:22:22 --> 00:22:23 from
00:22:23 --> 00:22:23 between
00:22:23 --> 00:22:23 the
00:22:23 --> 00:22:23 age
00:22:23 --> 00:22:23 of
00:22:23 --> 00:22:24 18
00:22:24 --> 00:22:24 and
00:22:28 --> 00:22:31 Peter
00:22:31 --> 00:22:32 particularly
00:22:32 --> 00:22:33 identifies
00:22:33 --> 00:22:33 the
00:22:33 --> 00:22:33 younger
00:22:33 --> 00:22:33 men
00:22:33 --> 00:22:34 probably
00:22:34 --> 00:22:34 because
00:22:34 --> 00:22:35 they
00:22:35 --> 00:22:35 most
00:22:35 --> 00:22:36 likely
00:22:36 --> 00:22:37 typified
00:22:37 --> 00:22:37 the
00:22:37 --> 00:22:37 rejection
00:22:37 --> 00:22:38 of
00:22:38 --> 00:22:38 authority
00:22:38 --> 00:22:40 but
00:22:40 --> 00:22:40 the
00:22:40 --> 00:22:40 point
00:22:40 --> 00:22:40 here
00:22:40 --> 00:22:41 is
00:22:41 --> 00:22:41 that
00:22:41 --> 00:22:41 there
00:22:41 --> 00:22:41 is
00:22:41 --> 00:22:41 to
00:22:41 --> 00:22:42 be
00:22:42 --> 00:22:42 church
00:22:42 --> 00:22:42 wide
00:22:42 --> 00:22:43 submission
00:22:43 --> 00:22:44 to
00:22:44 --> 00:22:45 spiritual
00:22:45 --> 00:22:46 eldership
00:22:46 --> 00:22:49 and
00:22:49 --> 00:22:49 my
00:22:49 --> 00:22:50 friends
00:22:50 --> 00:22:50 our
00:22:50 --> 00:22:50 culture
00:22:50 --> 00:22:50 doesn't
00:22:50 --> 00:22:51 help us
00:22:51 --> 00:22:51 with
00:22:51 --> 00:22:51 this
00:22:51 --> 00:22:54 right
00:22:54 --> 00:22:54 from
00:22:54 --> 00:22:54 our
00:22:54 --> 00:22:55 convict
00:22:55 --> 00:22:55 beginnings
00:22:55 --> 00:22:55 we
00:22:55 --> 00:22:56 have
00:22:56 --> 00:22:56 rejected
00:22:56 --> 00:22:57 authority
00:22:57 --> 00:22:58 our
00:22:58 --> 00:22:58 national
00:22:58 --> 00:22:59 heroes
00:22:59 --> 00:22:59 are
00:22:59 --> 00:22:59 the
00:22:59 --> 00:23:00 underdogs
00:23:00 --> 00:23:00 and
00:23:00 --> 00:23:00 those
00:23:00 --> 00:23:00 who
00:23:00 --> 00:23:00 stand
00:23:00 --> 00:23:01 against
00:23:01 --> 00:23:01 authority
00:23:01 --> 00:23:03 we
00:23:03 --> 00:23:03 live
00:23:03 --> 00:23:03 in a
00:23:03 --> 00:23:04 time
00:23:04 --> 00:23:04 when
00:23:04 --> 00:23:04 we
00:23:04 --> 00:23:04 are
00:23:04 --> 00:23:04 very
00:23:04 --> 00:23:05 quick
00:23:05 --> 00:23:05 to
00:23:05 --> 00:23:05 know
00:23:05 --> 00:23:06 our
00:23:06 --> 00:23:06 rights
00:23:06 --> 00:23:06 and
00:23:06 --> 00:23:06 to
00:23:06 --> 00:23:06 stand
00:23:06 --> 00:23:07 on
00:23:07 --> 00:23:07 them
00:23:07 --> 00:23:08 we
00:23:08 --> 00:23:08 even
00:23:08 --> 00:23:08 have
00:23:08 --> 00:23:08 bumper
00:23:08 --> 00:23:09 stickers
00:23:09 --> 00:23:09 which
00:23:09 --> 00:23:09 say
00:23:09 --> 00:23:10 question
00:23:10 --> 00:23:10 authority
00:23:10 --> 00:23:13 but
00:23:13 --> 00:23:13 in
00:23:13 --> 00:23:13 case
00:23:13 --> 00:23:14 you
00:23:14 --> 00:23:14 think
00:23:14 --> 00:23:14 that
00:23:14 --> 00:23:14 you
00:23:14 --> 00:23:14 have
00:23:14 --> 00:23:15 left
00:23:15 --> 00:23:15 that
00:23:15 --> 00:23:15 culture
00:23:15 --> 00:23:16 behind
00:23:16 --> 00:23:18 another
00:23:18 --> 00:23:18 issue
00:23:18 --> 00:23:18 for
00:23:18 --> 00:23:18 us
00:23:18 --> 00:23:19 is
00:23:19 --> 00:23:19 our
00:23:19 --> 00:23:19 evangelical
00:23:19 --> 00:23:20 church
00:23:20 --> 00:23:21 history
00:23:21 --> 00:23:23 our
00:23:23 --> 00:23:23 origin
00:23:23 --> 00:23:23 my
00:23:23 --> 00:23:24 friends
00:23:24 --> 00:23:24 is in
00:23:24 --> 00:23:24 the
00:23:24 --> 00:23:25 reformation
00:23:25 --> 00:23:26 and
00:23:26 --> 00:23:26 its
00:23:26 --> 00:23:26 reaction
00:23:26 --> 00:23:27 to
00:23:27 --> 00:23:27 ecclesiastical
00:23:27 --> 00:23:28 abuses
00:23:28 --> 00:23:29 as
00:23:29 --> 00:23:30 one
00:23:30 --> 00:23:31 person
00:23:31 --> 00:23:31 has
00:23:31 --> 00:23:32 noted
00:23:32 --> 00:23:32 Catholics
00:23:32 --> 00:23:33 preach
00:23:33 --> 00:23:33 contraception
00:23:33 --> 00:23:34 but
00:23:34 --> 00:23:34 don't
00:23:34 --> 00:23:34 practice
00:23:34 --> 00:23:34 it
00:23:34 --> 00:23:35 and
00:23:35 --> 00:23:36 evangelicals
00:23:36 --> 00:23:36 preach
00:23:36 --> 00:23:37 submission
00:23:37 --> 00:23:37 but
00:23:37 --> 00:23:37 don't
00:23:37 --> 00:23:38 practice
00:23:38 --> 00:23:38 it
00:23:38 --> 00:23:42 we
00:23:42 --> 00:23:42 have
00:23:42 --> 00:23:43 been
00:23:43 --> 00:23:43 taught
00:23:43 --> 00:23:43 for
00:23:43 --> 00:23:44 centuries
00:23:44 --> 00:23:44 that
00:23:44 --> 00:23:44 we
00:23:44 --> 00:23:45 have
00:23:45 --> 00:23:45 direct
00:23:45 --> 00:23:45 access
00:23:45 --> 00:23:46 to
00:23:46 --> 00:23:46 the
00:23:46 --> 00:23:46 good
00:23:46 --> 00:23:46 shepherd
00:23:46 --> 00:23:47 to
00:23:47 --> 00:23:47 God
00:23:47 --> 00:23:48 through
00:23:48 --> 00:23:48 the
00:23:48 --> 00:23:48 good
00:23:48 --> 00:23:48 shepherd
00:23:48 --> 00:23:50 the
00:23:50 --> 00:23:50 Lord
00:23:50 --> 00:23:50 Jesus
00:23:50 --> 00:23:51 Christ
00:23:51 --> 00:23:51 we
00:23:51 --> 00:23:51 have
00:23:51 --> 00:23:51 been
00:23:51 --> 00:23:51 taught
00:23:51 --> 00:23:52 for
00:23:52 --> 00:23:52 centuries
00:23:52 --> 00:23:52 to
00:23:52 --> 00:23:53 believe
00:23:53 --> 00:23:54 as
00:23:54 --> 00:23:54 the
00:23:54 --> 00:23:54 scriptures
00:23:54 --> 00:23:55 say
00:23:55 --> 00:23:55 the
00:23:55 --> 00:23:56 priesthood
00:23:56 --> 00:23:56 of all
00:23:56 --> 00:23:56 believers
00:23:56 --> 00:23:57 scriptures
00:23:57 --> 00:23:57 we
00:23:57 --> 00:23:58 have
00:23:58 --> 00:23:58 the
00:23:58 --> 00:23:58 Bible
00:23:58 --> 00:23:59 as
00:23:59 --> 00:24:00 I
00:24:00 --> 00:24:00 have
00:24:00 --> 00:24:00 the
00:24:00 --> 00:24:00 Bible
00:24:00 --> 00:24:01 and
00:24:01 --> 00:24:01 we
00:24:01 --> 00:24:01 have
00:24:01 --> 00:24:01 the
00:24:01 --> 00:24:01 indwelling
00:24:01 --> 00:24:02 presence
00:24:02 --> 00:24:02 of the
00:24:02 --> 00:24:03 spirit
00:24:03 --> 00:24:05 to bring
00:24:05 --> 00:24:05 out the
00:24:05 --> 00:24:06 richness
00:24:06 --> 00:24:06 of the
00:24:06 --> 00:24:07 scriptures
00:24:07 --> 00:24:09 and so
00:24:09 --> 00:24:09 submission
00:24:09 --> 00:24:10 is hard
00:24:10 --> 00:24:11 when you're
00:24:11 --> 00:24:11 not even
00:24:11 --> 00:24:12 sure you
00:24:12 --> 00:24:12 need the
00:24:12 --> 00:24:12 people that
00:24:12 --> 00:24:13 you're
00:24:13 --> 00:24:13 meant to
00:24:13 --> 00:24:14 submit to
00:24:14 --> 00:24:14 people
00:24:14 --> 00:24:16 and
00:24:16 --> 00:24:16 yet
00:24:16 --> 00:24:17 God
00:24:17 --> 00:24:17 in
00:24:17 --> 00:24:17 his
00:24:17 --> 00:24:17 wisdom
00:24:17 --> 00:24:17 has
00:24:17 --> 00:24:18 appointed
00:24:18 --> 00:24:18 shepherds
00:24:18 --> 00:24:18 for
00:24:18 --> 00:24:19 his
00:24:19 --> 00:24:19 flock
00:24:19 --> 00:24:20 and
00:24:20 --> 00:24:20 he
00:24:20 --> 00:24:21 says
00:24:21 --> 00:24:21 that
00:24:21 --> 00:24:21 they
00:24:21 --> 00:24:21 are
00:24:21 --> 00:24:22 absolutely
00:24:22 --> 00:24:22 crucial
00:24:22 --> 00:24:23 for
00:24:23 --> 00:24:23 the
00:24:23 --> 00:24:23 flock
00:24:23 --> 00:24:27 the
00:24:27 --> 00:24:27 flock
00:24:27 --> 00:24:28 need
00:24:28 --> 00:24:28 the
00:24:28 --> 00:24:29 shepherd
00:24:29 --> 00:24:30 they
00:24:30 --> 00:24:30 need
00:24:30 --> 00:24:30 feeding
00:24:30 --> 00:24:31 they
00:24:31 --> 00:24:31 need
00:24:31 --> 00:24:31 tending
00:24:31 --> 00:24:32 and they
00:24:32 --> 00:24:32 need
00:24:32 --> 00:24:32 protecting
00:24:32 --> 00:24:34 because
00:24:34 --> 00:24:34 the
00:24:34 --> 00:24:34 devil
00:24:34 --> 00:24:36 is
00:24:36 --> 00:24:36 on
00:24:36 --> 00:24:36 the
00:24:36 --> 00:24:37 prowl
00:24:37 --> 00:24:37 and
00:24:37 --> 00:24:37 he's
00:24:37 --> 00:24:37 waiting
00:24:37 --> 00:24:38 to
00:24:38 --> 00:24:38 pounce
00:24:38 --> 00:24:38 and
00:24:38 --> 00:24:38 he
00:24:38 --> 00:24:39 wants
00:24:39 --> 00:24:39 to
00:24:39 --> 00:24:39 devour
00:24:39 --> 00:24:42 and
00:24:42 --> 00:24:42 what
00:24:42 --> 00:24:42 makes
00:24:42 --> 00:24:42 the
00:24:42 --> 00:24:43 difference
00:24:43 --> 00:24:43 is
00:24:43 --> 00:24:44 the
00:24:44 --> 00:24:44 shepherd
00:24:44 --> 00:24:46 the
00:24:46 --> 00:24:47 shepherd
00:24:47 --> 00:24:47 working
00:24:47 --> 00:24:47 under
00:24:47 --> 00:24:48 the
00:24:48 --> 00:24:48 good
00:24:48 --> 00:24:48 shepherd
00:24:48 --> 00:24:52 and
00:24:52 --> 00:24:52 so
00:24:52 --> 00:24:53 let
00:24:53 --> 00:24:53 me
00:24:53 --> 00:24:54 finish
00:24:54 --> 00:24:55 by
00:24:55 --> 00:24:56 considering
00:24:56 --> 00:24:56 the
00:24:56 --> 00:24:56 words
00:24:56 --> 00:24:57 of
00:24:57 --> 00:24:57 one
00:24:57 --> 00:24:57 of
00:24:57 --> 00:24:57 the
00:24:57 --> 00:24:57 all
00:24:57 --> 00:24:57 time
00:24:57 --> 00:24:58 great
00:24:58 --> 00:24:58 shepherds
00:24:58 --> 00:24:59 in
00:24:59 --> 00:24:59 my
00:24:59 --> 00:24:59 view
00:24:59 --> 00:25:00 Charles
00:25:00 --> 00:25:00 Simeon
00:25:00 --> 00:25:02 his
00:25:02 --> 00:25:02 church
00:25:02 --> 00:25:02 at
00:25:02 --> 00:25:02 Cambridge
00:25:02 --> 00:25:03 didn't
00:25:03 --> 00:25:03 want
00:25:03 --> 00:25:03 him
00:25:03 --> 00:25:03 to
00:25:03 --> 00:25:04 be
00:25:04 --> 00:25:04 their
00:25:04 --> 00:25:04 shepherd
00:25:04 --> 00:25:05 and
00:25:05 --> 00:25:05 he
00:25:05 --> 00:25:06 suffered
00:25:06 --> 00:25:06 terribly
00:25:06 --> 00:25:06 for
00:25:06 --> 00:25:07 at
00:25:07 --> 00:25:07 least
00:25:07 --> 00:25:07 the
00:25:07 --> 00:25:07 first
00:25:07 --> 00:25:07 12
00:25:07 --> 00:25:08 years
00:25:08 --> 00:25:08 he
00:25:08 --> 00:25:08 was
00:25:08 --> 00:25:08 there
00:25:08 --> 00:25:10 in
00:25:10 --> 00:25:10 his
00:25:10 --> 00:25:11 first
00:25:11 --> 00:25:11 year
00:25:11 --> 00:25:12 there
00:25:12 --> 00:25:12 he
00:25:12 --> 00:25:13 preached
00:25:13 --> 00:25:13 a
00:25:13 --> 00:25:13 sermon
00:25:13 --> 00:25:14 on
00:25:14 --> 00:25:14 the
00:25:14 --> 00:25:14 nature
00:25:14 --> 00:25:15 of
00:25:15 --> 00:25:15 his
00:25:15 --> 00:25:15 office
00:25:15 --> 00:25:15 a
00:25:15 --> 00:25:15 very
00:25:15 --> 00:25:16 bold
00:25:16 --> 00:25:16 thing
00:25:16 --> 00:25:17 to
00:25:17 --> 00:25:17 do
00:25:17 --> 00:25:18 in
00:25:18 --> 00:25:18 the
00:25:18 --> 00:25:18 face
00:25:18 --> 00:25:18 of
00:25:18 --> 00:25:18 the
00:25:18 --> 00:25:19 enormous
00:25:19 --> 00:25:19 opposition
00:25:19 --> 00:25:19 he
00:25:19 --> 00:25:20 was
00:25:20 --> 00:25:20 facing
00:25:20 --> 00:25:20 from
00:25:20 --> 00:25:20 his
00:25:20 --> 00:25:21 congregation
00:25:21 --> 00:25:24 he
00:25:24 --> 00:25:24 said
00:25:24 --> 00:25:24 the
00:25:24 --> 00:25:25 pastor
00:25:25 --> 00:25:25 is
00:25:25 --> 00:25:25 like
00:25:25 --> 00:25:25 the
00:25:25 --> 00:25:26 keeper
00:25:26 --> 00:25:26 of
00:25:26 --> 00:25:26 a
00:25:26 --> 00:25:26 lighthouse
00:25:26 --> 00:25:28 and
00:25:28 --> 00:25:28 he
00:25:28 --> 00:25:28 painted
00:25:28 --> 00:25:29 a
00:25:29 --> 00:25:29 vivid
00:25:29 --> 00:25:29 picture
00:25:29 --> 00:25:30 in
00:25:30 --> 00:25:30 this
00:25:30 --> 00:25:31 sermon
00:25:31 --> 00:25:32 of
00:25:32 --> 00:25:32 the
00:25:32 --> 00:25:32 rocky
00:25:32 --> 00:25:33 coast
00:25:33 --> 00:25:34 just
00:25:34 --> 00:25:35 strewn
00:25:35 --> 00:25:35 with
00:25:35 --> 00:25:36 dead
00:25:36 --> 00:25:36 and
00:25:36 --> 00:25:37 mangled
00:25:37 --> 00:25:37 bodies
00:25:37 --> 00:25:38 with
00:25:38 --> 00:25:38 the
00:25:38 --> 00:25:39 wailing
00:25:39 --> 00:25:39 of
00:25:39 --> 00:25:39 the
00:25:39 --> 00:25:40 widows
00:25:40 --> 00:25:40 and
00:25:40 --> 00:25:40 the
00:25:40 --> 00:25:41 orphans
00:25:41 --> 00:25:41 on
00:25:41 --> 00:25:41 the
00:25:41 --> 00:25:42 shore
00:25:42 --> 00:25:44 with
00:25:44 --> 00:25:44 the
00:25:44 --> 00:25:44 big
00:25:44 --> 00:25:45 question
00:25:45 --> 00:25:45 ringing
00:25:45 --> 00:25:45 out
00:25:45 --> 00:25:46 why
00:25:46 --> 00:25:49 how
00:25:49 --> 00:25:49 did
00:25:49 --> 00:25:49 this
00:25:49 --> 00:25:50 happen
00:25:50 --> 00:25:53 and
00:25:53 --> 00:25:53 then
00:25:53 --> 00:25:53 he
00:25:53 --> 00:25:54 pictured
00:25:54 --> 00:25:54 the
00:25:54 --> 00:25:54 delinquent
00:25:54 --> 00:25:55 keeper
00:25:55 --> 00:25:56 being
00:25:56 --> 00:25:56 brought
00:25:56 --> 00:25:57 out
00:25:57 --> 00:25:58 and
00:25:58 --> 00:25:58 finally
00:25:58 --> 00:25:59 the
00:25:59 --> 00:25:59 answer
00:25:59 --> 00:26:00 as
00:26:00 --> 00:26:00 to
00:26:00 --> 00:26:00 why
00:26:00 --> 00:26:01 this
00:26:01 --> 00:26:01 tragedy
00:26:01 --> 00:26:01 happened
00:26:01 --> 00:26:02 was
00:26:02 --> 00:26:02 given
00:26:02 --> 00:26:04 asleep
00:26:04 --> 00:26:07 asleep
00:26:07 --> 00:26:13 and
00:26:13 --> 00:26:13 he
00:26:13 --> 00:26:13 went
00:26:13 --> 00:26:13 on
00:26:13 --> 00:26:13 to
00:26:13 --> 00:26:13 say
00:26:13 --> 00:26:15 remember
00:26:15 --> 00:26:15 the
00:26:15 --> 00:26:16 nature
00:26:16 --> 00:26:16 of
00:26:16 --> 00:26:16 my
00:26:16 --> 00:26:17 office
00:26:17 --> 00:26:17 and
00:26:17 --> 00:26:17 the
00:26:17 --> 00:26:17 care
00:26:17 --> 00:26:18 incumbent
00:26:18 --> 00:26:19 on
00:26:19 --> 00:26:19 me
00:26:19 --> 00:26:19 for
00:26:19 --> 00:26:19 the
00:26:19 --> 00:26:19 welfare
00:26:19 --> 00:26:20 of
00:26:20 --> 00:26:20 your
00:26:20 --> 00:26:21 immortal
00:26:21 --> 00:26:21 souls
00:26:21 --> 00:26:22 consider
00:26:22 --> 00:26:23 whatever
00:26:23 --> 00:26:23 may
00:26:23 --> 00:26:24 appear
00:26:24 --> 00:26:24 in
00:26:24 --> 00:26:24 my
00:26:24 --> 00:26:25 discourse
00:26:25 --> 00:26:25 as
00:26:25 --> 00:26:26 harsh
00:26:26 --> 00:26:26 earnest
00:26:26 --> 00:26:26 or
00:26:26 --> 00:26:27 alarming
00:26:27 --> 00:26:28 not
00:26:28 --> 00:26:28 as
00:26:28 --> 00:26:28 the
00:26:28 --> 00:26:29 effects
00:26:29 --> 00:26:29 of
00:26:29 --> 00:26:30 enthusiasm
00:26:30 --> 00:26:31 but
00:26:31 --> 00:26:31 as
00:26:31 --> 00:26:31 the
00:26:31 --> 00:26:32 rational
00:26:32 --> 00:26:33 dictates
00:26:33 --> 00:26:33 of a
00:26:33 --> 00:26:33 heart
00:26:33 --> 00:26:34 impressed
00:26:34 --> 00:26:35 with
00:26:35 --> 00:26:35 a
00:26:35 --> 00:26:35 sense
00:26:35 --> 00:26:36 both
00:26:36 --> 00:26:36 of
00:26:36 --> 00:26:37 the
00:26:37 --> 00:26:37 value
00:26:37 --> 00:26:37 of
00:26:37 --> 00:26:37 the
00:26:37 --> 00:26:38 soul
00:26:38 --> 00:26:38 and
00:26:38 --> 00:26:39 the
00:26:39 --> 00:26:39 importance
00:26:39 --> 00:26:40 of
00:26:40 --> 00:26:40 eternity
00:26:40 --> 00:26:42 by
00:26:42 --> 00:26:42 recollecting
00:26:42 --> 00:26:43 the
00:26:43 --> 00:26:43 awful
00:26:43 --> 00:26:44 consequences
00:26:44 --> 00:26:44 of
00:26:44 --> 00:26:44 my
00:26:44 --> 00:26:45 neglect
00:26:45 --> 00:26:46 you'll
00:26:46 --> 00:26:46 be
00:26:46 --> 00:26:46 more
00:26:46 --> 00:26:47 inclined
00:26:47 --> 00:26:47 to
00:26:47 --> 00:26:48 receive
00:26:48 --> 00:26:48 favorably
00:26:48 --> 00:26:49 any
00:26:49 --> 00:26:49 well-meant
00:26:49 --> 00:26:51 admonitions
00:26:51 --> 00:26:55 pray for
00:26:55 --> 00:26:56 your elders
00:26:56 --> 00:26:58 pray that
00:26:58 --> 00:26:58 we would
00:26:58 --> 00:26:58 not
00:26:58 --> 00:26:59 neglect
00:26:59 --> 00:26:59 our
00:26:59 --> 00:27:00 charge
00:27:00 --> 00:27:01 that
00:27:01 --> 00:27:01 we
00:27:01 --> 00:27:02 would
00:27:02 --> 00:27:02 not
00:27:02 --> 00:27:04 go
00:27:04 --> 00:27:04 to
00:27:04 --> 00:27:04 sleep
00:27:04 --> 00:27:07 pray
00:27:07 --> 00:27:07 that
00:27:07 --> 00:27:07 we
00:27:07 --> 00:27:07 would
00:27:07 --> 00:27:08 not
00:27:08 --> 00:27:08 take
00:27:08 --> 00:27:08 our
00:27:08 --> 00:27:09 eyes
00:27:09 --> 00:27:09 off
00:27:09 --> 00:27:12 the
00:27:12 --> 00:27:12 appearing
00:27:12 --> 00:27:12 of the
00:27:12 --> 00:27:13 great
00:27:13 --> 00:27:13 shepherd
00:27:13 --> 00:27:14 pray
00:27:14 --> 00:27:14 that
00:27:14 --> 00:27:15 we
00:27:15 --> 00:27:15 would
00:27:15 --> 00:27:15 grow
00:27:15 --> 00:27:15 in
00:27:15 --> 00:27:16 humility
00:27:16 --> 00:27:16 and
00:27:16 --> 00:27:17 submit
00:27:17 --> 00:27:17 to
00:27:17 --> 00:27:18 him
00:27:18 --> 00:27:20 and
00:27:20 --> 00:27:20 to
00:27:20 --> 00:27:20 see
00:27:20 --> 00:27:21 the
00:27:21 --> 00:27:23 nature
00:27:23 --> 00:27:24 of our
00:27:24 --> 00:27:24 office
00:27:24 --> 00:27:25 with
00:27:25 --> 00:27:25 such
00:27:25 --> 00:27:26 clarity
00:27:26 --> 00:27:29 and
00:27:29 --> 00:27:29 pray
00:27:29 --> 00:27:29 that
00:27:29 --> 00:27:29 the
00:27:29 --> 00:27:30 sheep
00:27:30 --> 00:27:30 would
00:27:30 --> 00:27:31 grow
00:27:31 --> 00:27:31 in
00:27:31 --> 00:27:32 humility
00:27:32 --> 00:27:32 and
00:27:32 --> 00:27:32 submit
00:27:32 --> 00:27:33 to
00:27:33 --> 00:27:33 the
00:27:33 --> 00:27:33 shepherds
00:27:33 --> 00:27:36 and
00:27:36 --> 00:27:36 the
00:27:36 --> 00:27:36 grace
00:27:36 --> 00:27:36 of
00:27:36 --> 00:27:36 God
00:27:36 --> 00:27:37 working
00:27:37 --> 00:27:37 those
00:27:37 --> 00:27:37 things
00:27:37 --> 00:27:38 together
00:27:38 --> 00:27:38 the
00:27:38 --> 00:27:38 grace
00:27:38 --> 00:27:38 of
00:27:38 --> 00:27:39 God
00:27:39 --> 00:27:39 who
00:27:39 --> 00:27:39 called
00:27:39 --> 00:27:39 you
00:27:39 --> 00:27:40 to
00:27:40 --> 00:27:40 his
00:27:40 --> 00:27:40 eternal
00:27:40 --> 00:27:41 glory
00:27:41 --> 00:27:41 in
00:27:41 --> 00:27:41 Christ
00:27:41 --> 00:27:42 after
00:27:42 --> 00:27:42 you
00:27:42 --> 00:27:43 have
00:27:43 --> 00:27:43 suffered
00:27:43 --> 00:27:43 a
00:27:43 --> 00:27:43 little
00:27:43 --> 00:27:44 while
00:27:44 --> 00:27:44 will
00:27:44 --> 00:27:44 himself
00:27:44 --> 00:27:45 restore
00:27:45 --> 00:27:45 you
00:27:45 --> 00:27:45 and
00:27:45 --> 00:27:45 make
00:27:45 --> 00:27:46 you
00:27:46 --> 00:27:46 strong
00:27:46 --> 00:27:47 firm
00:27:47 --> 00:27:47 and
00:27:47 --> 00:27:48 steadfast
00:27:48 --> 00:27:49 to
00:27:49 --> 00:27:49 him
00:27:49 --> 00:27:49 be
00:27:49 --> 00:27:50 the
00:27:50 --> 00:27:50 power
00:27:50 --> 00:27:50 forever
00:27:50 --> 00:27:50 and
00:27:50 --> 00:27:51 ever
00:27:51 --> 00:27:52 Amen
00:27:52 --> 00:27:53 You
00:27:53 --> 00:27:54 name