1. Pray. Ask the Lord to open your eyes, that you might behold wondrous things out of his Word (Ps. 119:18). 

2. Read Sunday's passage. Feel free to read it more than once, or in another translation.

3. Review the sermon outline. Try to see how the points came out of the text.

4. Answer the questions below. Focus on personal application.

5. Pray. Praise and thank the Lord, then ask him to work in mighty ways. 

Remember, we live not by bread alone, but by every word which proceeds from the mouth of God (Dt. 8:3; Mt. 4:4).

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, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; 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.

Intro: A healthy church will have Christlike Elders. This is the next aspect of a healthy church in our series "Life in God's House." we see four points in the text: 

I. The Reason for Elders' Leadership (v. 1). The word "so," which could be translated "therefore," connects this text with the preceding passage on suffering for Christ. In this context, the reason for Elders' leadership is the fact that the church will suffer. One thing God has done to help, is provide us with Elders to lead through the suffering.

II. The Task of Elders' Leadership (v. 1–2a). The Elders shepherd (care for) the church of God, overseeing it. Like actual shepherds, they provide good food (by teaching God's Word) and they protect from predators (by guarding against false teaching), helping the flock grow. 

III. The Motivation for Elders' Leadership (v. 2b–3). Elders do not lead because of what they might gain; they lead because of what they can give, emulating the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who gave himself to save sinners. 

IV. The Reward for Elders' Leadership (v. 4). There is a reward for faithful service, but it's not in this life. When Christ returns, he will give Elders an unfading crown of glory.  

Conclusion: A healthy church will have Christlike Elders. Let's recall these points whenever we consider someone for the role of Elder. Let's also continue praying that God will make us into a healthy church. 

1. Elders ought to help the church learn how to endure suffering for Christ.

- Why is Peter uniquely qualified to speak about this? (see Acts 4; 5; 12). 

- How have you seen the church endure suffering? 

- How have you seen Elders lead––or not lead––through the trials? 

- Why is it essential that leaders can endure hardship? 

2. Elders are pastors. They shepherd (care for) the flock of God.

- What are the most important tasks for Elders to do? 

- What are some things that Elders could do, but which might be better for other members of the body to do? 

- What do you believe the Lord is leading you to do in this season? 

- What might happen if Elders neglect prayer and the teaching of God's Word?

3. Elders do not serve because of what they might get; they serve because they have a heart to give, like Jesus.

- In what ways is Christian leadership similar to secular leadership? 

- In what ways is Chrisitan leadership different from secular leadership? 

- What could happen in a church where the Elders were in it for themselves? 

- How can we guard against this? 

4. Jesus will reward faithful Elders when he returns.

- Name a "crown" you have received in your life. Has it retained the same value or importance, or has it begun to fade? 

- Why is this crown of glory "unfading?"

- What does it show us about Jesus, that he would give Elders to his church? 

1. Praise the Lord Jesus Christ for being the Chief Shepherd and Overseer of our souls. 

2. Thank God for the Elders he has given us. Pray for them and their families as they lead the church throught trials. 

3. Ask God to help the church identify Christlike qualities in any future Elder candidates. 

4. Pray that God would continue to provide for and protect his flock at Grace, using the Elders to do so. 

Thanks for reading the Bible Study Guide! I pray it helps us "continue to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ" (Eph. 4:15).

Sincerely, your brother in Christ,

Tom Hansen, Senior Pastor