14 day plan

Words of Wisdom for Believers

Day 4 of 14

NIV

1 Peter 5:3

3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

Reflection: Those entrusted to you

What a contrast – lording it over people versus being an example! The key thing here is the people we are serving: ‘Those entrusted to you’! The church and the mission we serve in are God’s hands, and we play our part in our particular way. It is not our right to lord it over people as if they are there to serve us. We should follow Christ’s example of service and self-giving. If we model love and thoughtfulness, ironically those who we lead will give a lot more in return.

Prayer:  O God, whose Son Jesus is the Good Shepherd of your people: help us when we hear his voice to know him who calls each by name, and to follow where he leads; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, forever and ever. Amen (Collect for Fourth Sunday of Easter).

The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.

Days

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14

1 Peter 5:1-14

To the Elders and the Flock

1To 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: 2Be 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; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

5In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud

but shows favor to the humble.”

6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

8Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

12With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.

13She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.

14Greet one another with a kiss of love.

Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.