Motives of a good shepherd
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To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 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. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Read 1 Peter 5:5-7, four times this next week.
Use the ‘O.I.A.’ Study method to look at 1 Peter 5:5-7
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Personal Reflection Questions:
Who are you a minister to? Make a list and commit to praying for them this week.
Are you leading them: willingly unto God, eagerly serving them, with a Christ-like example?
Group Reflection Questions:
How is the the call to be a faithful minister applicable to all believers?
How can you safe guard against impure motives in ministry?
Which of the three areas discussed in today’s message are areas you need to be challenged on?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for your word to us, thank you for revealing yourself to us. Help us to be Christ-like leaders in the place you have placed us. Help us to check our motives and to be an example worthy of imitating.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Take some time to sit silently before God.
What action will you take this week because of what you heard from the Lord during the teaching of His Word?