Notes for Sunday, June 3rd

Act with Humility

1 PETER 5:1-14

What evidence do you find in your life that you have learned to serve others humbly in Jesus’ name? ____________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

Lead by Example

Peter identified himself as having authority to say these things in three ways.

• First, he called himself a __________ ____________ so he is holding himself to the same _______________.
• Second, he called himself a ______________ to the suffering of the __________, thus identifying himself as an apostle.
• Third, he said he was a _____________ in the glory about to be revealed, showing that he was looking toward the __________ __________ of Christ just like they were

Leaders are more effective by ________________ then they are by _______ ________.

How can we pray for and encourage church leaders to model humility? In what ways can we learn humility from these leaders’ examples? ________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Put Others First

Believers are to ___________ themselves with humility.

Humble ourselves before God so that we may be ___________ at the _____________ _________.

To what extent do you relate to others with a spirit of humility? ____________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Always Be Alert

Our true enemy is ____________.

What are the Devil’s strategies? _____________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

What are appropriate ways believers can effectively resist the Devil? ________________ ________________________________________________________________________

Exploration

Overseeing (1 peter 5:2)

“Overseeing” in 1 Peter 5:2 is a verb form of the Greek word for “overseer” or “bishop.” This term has often been linked to the civil offices of overseers in Greek city governments. The civil officeholders carrying the title, though, bear little resemblance to the New Testament office of overseers or bishops.

The meaning of “overseer” in the New Testament is tied up with the concept of careful watching over someone. First Peter 2:25 describes Jesus as “the shepherd and guardian of your souls.” The word translated “guardian” is the word for “overseer.” In Acts 20:28 Paul told the elders at Ephesus that God had appointed them “overseers, to shepherd the church of God.” In 1 Peter 5:2 the apostle instructed the elders to oversee the church and shepherd God’s flock. In 1 Timothy 3:5 Paul wrote that one duty of overseers is to “take care of God’s church.”

In the first three texts, overseers are described as shepherds. The fourth text reflects the same concept of watchful care over the congregation. “Overseeing,” therefore caries the meaning of a watchful care and nurture of the congregation, as a shepherd cares for his flock.

Take your stand in grace!

Biblical Truths

· Believers should follow the example of church leaders who carry out Christian responsibilities with a willing servant spirit.

· Believers should relate to one another in a spirit of humility.

· Believers are to rely on God’s grace and be on guard against the Devil’s attacks, keeping a spirit of faith and humility toward Christ.