Instructions to elders

1 Pe 5:1-4

5:1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, [1] not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; [2] not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Footnotes
[1] 5:2 Some manuscripts omit exercising oversight
[2] 5:2 Some manuscripts omit as God would have you

• What is your understanding of an elder's functions?
  
• What does it mean to shepherd?
  
• What does the phrase "the flock of God" say to you?
  
• How does an elder exercise oversight? What does it look like?
  
• Why might a man be compelled to exercise oversight involuntarily?
  
• Why is it God's will that oversight be performed voluntarily?
  
• How might an elder receive "sordid gain"?
  
• How is not getting money related to eagerness?
  
• How might an elder "lord it over" the flock?
  
• What does being an example accomplish among the flock?
  
• How effective will an elder be if the flock does not want to be overseen?
  
• What is your role in regard to your elders?
  
• Why did Peter wait until he had discussed suffering many times before talking to elders?

Suffer for right reasons

1 Pe 4:15-19

15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And

“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” [1]

19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Footnotes
[1] 4:18 Greek where will the ungodly and sinner appear?

• Why might a person suffer because of unrighteousness?
  
• How should a Christian respond to suffering that results from sin?
  
• What shame is associated with suffering because of a sin?
  
• Why does Peter specifically mention not being ashamed for suffering for Christ?
  
• What should result from the Christian's suffering?
  
• What judgement is waiting for everyone?
  
• What does Peter mean by "obey the gospel of God"?
  
• Is obeying the gospel a one-time thing or not?
  
• Why does Peter state that is difficult for the righteous to be saved?
  
• Why does Peter jump from judgement to suffering for Christ?
  
• How does what you put your trust in affect your response to suffering?
  

Rejoicing in suffering

1 Pe. 4:12-14

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory [1] and of God rests upon you.

Footnotes
[1] 4:14 Some manuscripts insert and of power

• Why do some tout "good-time gospel", i.e. if you become a Christian, everything will be great here on earth?
  
• Why would anyone even expect "good-time gospel" after reading v. 12?
  
• How does Peter state that we should expect suffering?
  
• What connection does Peter make between suffering and rejoicing?
  
• How might it help to consider your suffering as sharing with Christ?
  
• What is the outcome of rejoicing in suffering?
  
• When have you been insulted for the name of Christ?
  
• When have you been ridiculed for behaving in a Christian manner?
  
• What ridicule are you trying to avoid?
  
• Whose ridicule are you trying to avoid?
  
• Is your life different enough from the world that anyone would notice?
  
• How might realizing that the Spirit of glory and God rests on you help you deal with the risk of ridicule and persecution?
  

Everything to God's Glory

1 Pe 4:10-11

10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

• What gifts/talents has God given you?
  
• What are you supposed to do with the gifts God has given you?
  
• Whom do you commonly serve with your gifts/talents?
  
• What does it mean to be a good steward of something?
  
• How does serving one another reflect stewardship of God's grace?
  
• What should you be aware of when you speak?
  
• What does it mean to speak as if you were speaking God's words?
  
• How often do you say things that God would not say?
  
• What should be the source of strength that supports your service?
  
• How often are you aware of God's strength when you serve others?
  
• How often do you try to serve others from your own strength?
  
• What is the bottom line purpose for all that you do?
  
• How often are you aware of this purpose?
  
• By what means can you do this?
  
• Who do you most commonly seek glory and praise from?