WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.080 We hope that you enjoy this teaching from Christ Church. 00:00:05.719 --> 00:00:09.500 This material is copyrighted and no unauthorized duplication, 00:00:09.880 --> 00:00:15.280 redistribution, or any other use of any part is permitted without prior consent from Christ Church. 00:00:15.280 --> 00:00:22.660 Please consider donating to this work in the San Francisco Bay Area online at ChristChurchEastBay.org. 00:00:22.660 --> 00:00:33.159 1 Peter 5, 1-14. Follow along with me, please. 00:00:33.719 --> 00:00:39.500 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ's suffering, 00:00:40.000 --> 00:00:43.159 who also will share in the glory to be revealed. 00:00:43.799 --> 00:00:48.260 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them, 00:00:48.259 --> 00:00:53.460 not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be, 00:00:53.719 --> 00:00:57.239 not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve, 00:00:57.879 --> 00:01:03.679 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 00:01:04.500 --> 00:01:09.000 And when God called, when the chief shepherd appears, 00:01:09.560 --> 00:01:13.099 you will receive a crown of glory that will never fade away. 00:01:13.099 --> 00:01:18.819 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. 00:01:19.299 --> 00:01:22.780 All of you, clothe yourselves with humility towards one another, 00:01:22.879 --> 00:01:26.299 because God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. 00:01:26.839 --> 00:01:29.819 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, 00:01:30.159 --> 00:01:32.179 that he may lift you up in due time. 00:01:32.639 --> 00:01:36.159 Cast all your anxieties on him because he cares for you. 00:01:36.479 --> 00:01:38.299 Be alert and of sober mind. 00:01:38.299 --> 00:01:44.479 Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 00:01:44.959 --> 00:01:47.500 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, 00:01:47.840 --> 00:01:51.359 because you know that the family of believers throughout the world 00:01:51.359 --> 00:01:54.979 is undergoing the same kind of suffering. 00:01:55.659 --> 00:02:00.359 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, 00:02:00.879 --> 00:02:03.000 after you have suffered a little while, 00:02:03.000 --> 00:02:08.000 will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast, 00:02:08.000 --> 00:02:10.919 to him be the power forever and ever. 00:02:11.319 --> 00:02:11.639 Amen. 00:02:12.159 --> 00:02:16.419 With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, 00:02:16.699 --> 00:02:18.199 I have written to you briefly, 00:02:18.659 --> 00:02:22.560 encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. 00:02:22.860 --> 00:02:23.840 Stand fast in it. 00:02:24.520 --> 00:02:27.939 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, 00:02:28.120 --> 00:02:31.759 sends you her greeting, and so does my son Mark. 00:02:32.180 --> 00:02:34.439 Greet one another with the kiss of love. 00:02:34.920 --> 00:02:36.580 This is the word of the Lord. 00:02:36.580 --> 00:02:37.580 Amen. 00:02:39.000 --> 00:02:40.300 Thanks, Shonsonez. 00:02:40.500 --> 00:02:41.319 Good morning, everyone. 00:02:41.719 --> 00:02:43.460 My name is Andrew, one of the pastors here. 00:02:43.560 --> 00:02:45.819 We're glad to be worshiping with you today. 00:02:46.580 --> 00:02:50.340 Why don't we go to the Lord in prayer before we open up his word together. 00:02:53.340 --> 00:03:00.780 Our Father, would you lift up our eyes to see what an amazing hope we have in Christ. 00:03:00.780 --> 00:03:04.740 Would you give us eyes to see you? 00:03:05.060 --> 00:03:06.800 Would you give us eyes to see your son? 00:03:07.240 --> 00:03:11.159 Would you give us eyes to see your church as you see it, Lord? 00:03:11.259 --> 00:03:17.240 And would the preaching of your word bring honor and glory to your son and confidence to your people? 00:03:17.240 --> 00:03:20.140 Because we have such a wonderful Savior. 00:03:20.700 --> 00:03:21.719 It's in his name we pray. 00:03:22.300 --> 00:03:22.560 Amen. 00:03:22.560 --> 00:03:22.640 Amen. 00:03:24.020 --> 00:03:24.520 All right. 00:03:24.599 --> 00:03:27.300 So we're wrapping up, finally, our series in 1 Peter. 00:03:27.520 --> 00:03:29.580 Today we're in chapter 5, the very last chapter. 00:03:29.719 --> 00:03:33.800 And in case you are new, brand new to Christ Church, or you missed the whole series, 00:03:34.520 --> 00:03:38.780 all Peter's been doing this whole letter is he's been trying to encourage and testify 00:03:38.780 --> 00:03:43.960 to like these suffering, persecuted Christian religious minorities scattered all throughout Turkey. 00:03:44.420 --> 00:03:47.140 He's been trying to encourage them that it is still worth it. 00:03:47.219 --> 00:03:49.600 It is always worth it to follow Christ. 00:03:49.600 --> 00:03:55.580 Even when it involves suffering as an outsider, as a cultural alien, being persecuted or perceived 00:03:55.580 --> 00:04:01.020 as a deviant or a weirdo, the message of 1 Peter for us is that even when following 00:04:01.020 --> 00:04:05.880 Jesus might isolate us from the cool kids at school or from the center of all the fun and 00:04:05.880 --> 00:04:10.439 attention at their parties, or even when we're disadvantaged economically or in the marketplace 00:04:10.439 --> 00:04:15.340 because of our commitment to generosity and to lifting up the burdens of our neighbors, 00:04:15.420 --> 00:04:19.560 or because we just don't elevate profit and production as our highest priority and purpose, 00:04:19.879 --> 00:04:25.000 or even when we're considered as backwards and bigoted because we are committed to following 00:04:25.000 --> 00:04:30.220 Jesus' way and holding His holy views on the human body and marriage and sex, 00:04:30.220 --> 00:04:33.480 Peter wants us to know that it's still worth it. 00:04:33.900 --> 00:04:38.600 It's still worth it to not walk in the counsel of evildoers, to not stand in the way of the 00:04:38.600 --> 00:04:41.220 wicked or to sit in the seat of scoffers. 00:04:41.300 --> 00:04:44.940 Peter's saying again and again and again throughout this letter, it's worth it, it's worth it to 00:04:44.940 --> 00:04:49.980 stand in the way of Christ like a tree planted by streams of living water. 00:04:50.820 --> 00:04:54.820 And even when it feels like we're wilting in this stream, even when it feels like Jesus' 00:04:54.819 --> 00:05:00.500 way isn't the way to favor or success or blessing or even justice, Peter wants us to know that our 00:05:00.500 --> 00:05:06.420 sufferings and our experiences of alienation are not because we're standing in the wrong stream. 00:05:07.040 --> 00:05:09.079 That's why he says in verse 12 at the end here, 00:05:09.540 --> 00:05:16.659 I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. 00:05:17.139 --> 00:05:18.079 Stand fast in it. 00:05:18.079 --> 00:05:24.120 He's saying when you're uncomfortable following Jesus, when you feel tied down by your faith and 00:05:24.120 --> 00:05:30.519 disadvantaged and like an outsider and like your commitment to Christ is costing you so much, 00:05:31.199 --> 00:05:35.360 he's saying you are actually standing in the true grace and favor of God. 00:05:35.459 --> 00:05:39.419 You are communing with the crucified and risen Christ. 00:05:39.539 --> 00:05:41.279 So continue to stand in Him. 00:05:41.699 --> 00:05:44.459 Stand fast in Him because resurrection is coming. 00:05:44.819 --> 00:05:46.000 Glory is coming. 00:05:46.000 --> 00:05:49.259 And this is not merely conceptual to Peter. 00:05:49.379 --> 00:05:52.019 Peter is writing this, as it says in verse 13, from Babylon. 00:05:52.500 --> 00:05:55.860 Now Babylon is what many Christians called Rome at the time. 00:05:56.459 --> 00:05:58.879 Babylon was, Rome was the new Babylon, right? 00:05:58.920 --> 00:06:00.680 The new domineering world power. 00:06:00.779 --> 00:06:03.839 So Peter is writing pretty much from the center of the belly of the beast. 00:06:04.259 --> 00:06:07.920 And probably fresh on his mind are some of the last words that Jesus spoke to him. 00:06:08.620 --> 00:06:14.279 In John's Gospel, chapter 21, Jesus has this moment with Peter. 00:06:14.279 --> 00:06:15.519 And he says, 00:06:15.519 --> 00:06:30.399 And John writes that Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death that Peter would glorify God with. 00:06:30.500 --> 00:06:33.359 And we know from history that he too was crucified in Rome. 00:06:33.360 --> 00:06:34.819 So Peter is no stranger to exile. 00:06:34.980 --> 00:06:35.520 He's in Rome. 00:06:35.600 --> 00:06:36.819 He's close to his crucifixion. 00:06:37.360 --> 00:06:39.560 And yet he's still telling his readers, he's still telling us, 00:06:39.860 --> 00:06:41.720 Yo, it is worth it. 00:06:42.180 --> 00:06:46.199 It is still and always worth it to follow Christ. 00:06:46.460 --> 00:06:48.699 We can entrust ourselves to him and to his ways. 00:06:48.780 --> 00:06:50.520 That's how he ended last week in chapter 4. 00:06:50.519 --> 00:06:58.079 So then those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful creator and continue to do good. 00:06:58.099 --> 00:07:03.419 He's pointing us again and again and again to the faithfulness of God and the sureness of God's promises. 00:07:03.539 --> 00:07:10.219 He's pointing us again and again and again to the example of Jesus who lived a perfect life and suffered for it on a cross. 00:07:10.959 --> 00:07:13.919 And yet rose again into imperishable glory. 00:07:14.039 --> 00:07:15.060 This is the way, he says. 00:07:15.819 --> 00:07:16.839 This is the way. 00:07:16.839 --> 00:07:17.759 You're not off track. 00:07:18.039 --> 00:07:22.979 You're suffering in and with Christ will lead to glory in and with Christ. 00:07:24.019 --> 00:07:29.019 Now I just mentioned this final chapter in John's gospel, John chapter 21. 00:07:29.459 --> 00:07:38.819 But there was something else that Jesus also said in that chapter to Peter that you've got to believe was also on his mind as he's wrapping up this letter in 1 Peter chapter 5. 00:07:39.099 --> 00:07:40.259 Maybe you remember the story. 00:07:40.659 --> 00:07:43.599 Peter is at the Lord's Supper, right? 00:07:43.599 --> 00:07:46.519 The last meal that Jesus has with his disciples. 00:07:46.839 --> 00:07:50.859 And Jesus is like, Peter, you're going to deny me three times, right? 00:07:51.239 --> 00:07:53.519 And Peter's like, no, Lord, that's never going to happen. 00:07:53.639 --> 00:07:56.419 All these busters, they might do that, but not me. 00:07:56.539 --> 00:07:59.379 I would sooner die than deny you. 00:07:59.560 --> 00:08:01.799 But of course, he denies him three times, right? 00:08:01.819 --> 00:08:02.879 When everything hits the fan. 00:08:03.819 --> 00:08:07.500 So chapter 21 of John's gospel tells us what happens next. 00:08:07.500 --> 00:08:11.339 After Jesus rises from the grave, what happens next between Peter and Jesus? 00:08:11.899 --> 00:08:19.000 And what we read there is that just as Peter denied Jesus three times, Jesus asked Peter a question three times on the beach. 00:08:19.119 --> 00:08:20.679 He says, Peter, do you love me? 00:08:20.759 --> 00:08:21.419 Peter, do you love me? 00:08:21.500 --> 00:08:22.639 Peter, do you love me? 00:08:23.279 --> 00:08:24.599 And Peter's like, yes, I love you. 00:08:24.659 --> 00:08:25.299 Yes, I love you. 00:08:25.379 --> 00:08:26.019 Yes, I love you. 00:08:26.019 --> 00:08:30.259 And then he's even hurt that Jesus asked him the same question over and over and over again. 00:08:30.319 --> 00:08:35.500 But Jesus wants it imprinted on Peter's mind for the rest of his life and for the rest of his ministry. 00:08:36.139 --> 00:08:41.799 He wants to make sure Peter hears very clearly how he will love Jesus for the rest of his life. 00:08:41.799 --> 00:08:48.439 So what Jesus tells Peter when Jesus says, I love you, I love you, I love you, he says, well then feed my lambs. 00:08:48.979 --> 00:08:49.659 Feed my lambs. 00:08:49.779 --> 00:08:50.539 Shepherd my sheep. 00:08:51.019 --> 00:08:52.039 Feed my sheep. 00:08:52.679 --> 00:08:56.039 If you are going to love me, Peter, for the rest of your life, this is the way. 00:08:56.659 --> 00:08:57.399 Feed my sheep. 00:08:57.719 --> 00:08:58.559 Shepherd my sheep. 00:08:59.179 --> 00:09:06.139 So you've got to believe that this is on Peter's mind as he's writing this very last chapter in this letter, 1 Peter chapter 5. 00:09:06.539 --> 00:09:10.279 Feed, shepherd, and guide the flock of God. 00:09:10.279 --> 00:09:16.159 And that's why in this last chapter, Peter's pivoting briefly from his discussion about suffering, 00:09:16.299 --> 00:09:20.699 and he speaks a very specific and particular word to the elders of the church. 00:09:20.819 --> 00:09:21.279 Verse 1. 00:09:22.319 --> 00:09:27.740 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ's sufferings, 00:09:27.899 --> 00:09:30.399 who also will share in the glory to be revealed, 00:09:31.059 --> 00:09:33.939 be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, 00:09:34.399 --> 00:09:38.439 watching over them not because you must, but because you are willing, 00:09:38.440 --> 00:09:40.180 as God wants you to be, 00:09:40.760 --> 00:09:43.400 not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve, 00:09:43.860 --> 00:09:47.880 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 00:09:47.980 --> 00:09:53.100 Just as Jesus had commissioned Peter to go and make disciples who would shepherd the flock of God, 00:09:53.380 --> 00:09:55.220 Peter's now commissioning his own disciples, 00:09:55.400 --> 00:09:57.900 who will make disciples, who will make disciples, who will make disciples, 00:09:58.220 --> 00:10:00.660 generation after generation of elders, 00:10:01.500 --> 00:10:04.400 generation after generation of shepherds of God's people. 00:10:04.399 --> 00:10:06.620 And that's what we're here to recognize today. 00:10:06.679 --> 00:10:10.539 I don't know if you knew that, but we are going to be ordaining two new elders today, 00:10:10.919 --> 00:10:12.480 Lori Poore and Brian Lee. 00:10:13.000 --> 00:10:17.340 And I want you to have a biblical understanding of what it means to be an elder. 00:10:17.459 --> 00:10:21.279 See, an elder, if an elder is anything, an elder is a shepherd. 00:10:21.860 --> 00:10:27.059 Not primarily a decision maker or some spiritual C-suite officer, 00:10:27.360 --> 00:10:32.340 not some just voting board member on a religious committee. 00:10:32.340 --> 00:10:36.139 See, an elder is first and foremost a shepherd. 00:10:36.800 --> 00:10:40.540 So what we're recognizing today and celebrating with Lori Poore and Brian Lee 00:10:40.540 --> 00:10:45.200 is the ministry of elders that can be traced all the way back to the ancient people of God. 00:10:45.639 --> 00:10:50.340 This commission that Jesus gave to Peter on this beach of redemption, 00:10:50.620 --> 00:10:53.580 where he entrusted this man who denied him three times, 00:10:54.180 --> 00:10:59.160 he entrusted him still with an incredibly high and holy calling and role 00:10:59.159 --> 00:11:02.000 and responsibility in the history, really, of the world. 00:11:02.719 --> 00:11:05.120 And this is what Brian and Lori are entering into today. 00:11:05.240 --> 00:11:09.219 This is what Jonathan St. Clair and Wes Selke and Karen Wastlowski 00:11:09.219 --> 00:11:14.059 and Tonya Roby, Bill Barnes, Jesus Arciniega, and myself have all stepped into. 00:11:14.219 --> 00:11:16.480 It's a really high calling. 00:11:16.620 --> 00:11:18.579 It's a really loaded responsibility. 00:11:19.519 --> 00:11:21.600 The writer of Hebrews, in Hebrews chapter 13, 00:11:21.600 --> 00:11:26.040 says that your elders are responsible for keeping watch over your souls 00:11:26.040 --> 00:11:28.500 as those who will give an account. 00:11:29.560 --> 00:11:32.899 It is a heavy and terrifying thing, actually, to be an elder. 00:11:33.159 --> 00:11:35.180 So I hope you're ready, Lori and Brian. 00:11:36.300 --> 00:11:39.360 You know, last year when I was invited to join our session of elders, 00:11:39.940 --> 00:11:42.700 I couldn't say yes right away. 00:11:43.139 --> 00:11:45.360 I wasn't exactly jumping at the opportunity. 00:11:46.060 --> 00:11:49.440 Because I kind of liked, you know, blaming all the problems of our church on Jonathan 00:11:49.440 --> 00:11:51.419 and the rest of the elders. 00:11:52.539 --> 00:11:53.899 I couldn't say yes right away. 00:11:54.019 --> 00:11:55.779 It's not because I don't love this church, 00:11:55.860 --> 00:11:58.620 but because I realize I understand the heavy responsibility 00:11:58.620 --> 00:12:01.159 of being a shepherd over this flock. 00:12:01.720 --> 00:12:07.560 A shepherd after the model and the way of our good shepherd and Lord Jesus Christ is crazy. 00:12:07.560 --> 00:12:10.980 Those are the shoes that we're stepping into in one sense. 00:12:10.980 --> 00:12:15.580 To be a shepherd is to know the flock, to feed the flock, to guide the flock, 00:12:15.680 --> 00:12:18.899 to protect the flock, like to know each of you by name, 00:12:19.000 --> 00:12:21.379 to enter into your lives with empathy, 00:12:21.560 --> 00:12:26.000 to carry the griefs of over 150 plus adult members here. 00:12:26.039 --> 00:12:29.120 It's a huge emotional capacity that this entails. 00:12:29.899 --> 00:12:33.680 And honestly, some of you are not the easiest sheep to guide, all right? 00:12:35.259 --> 00:12:36.440 But we're committed. 00:12:37.000 --> 00:12:39.320 We're committed to being in communion with our sheep. 00:12:39.320 --> 00:12:41.640 We will pursue you when you stray, 00:12:42.020 --> 00:12:47.420 when you go after self-destructing habits and ideologies and patterns and idolatries, 00:12:47.640 --> 00:12:50.340 just like the good shepherd of Jesus' parable, right? 00:12:50.440 --> 00:12:53.660 The one who leaves the 99 and pursues the one. 00:12:53.740 --> 00:12:55.260 Christ Church East Bay, you need to know, 00:12:55.760 --> 00:12:57.160 we're not going to be the kind of church 00:12:57.160 --> 00:13:00.200 where your name is just going to be stuck on some membership role 00:13:00.200 --> 00:13:03.220 and where we're going to be content to not have you show up, 00:13:03.280 --> 00:13:04.960 you know, for six months at a time. 00:13:05.040 --> 00:13:06.280 No, we're going to come after you. 00:13:06.279 --> 00:13:08.559 Because that's what a shepherd does. 00:13:08.899 --> 00:13:09.500 In love. 00:13:09.839 --> 00:13:10.899 In gentleness. 00:13:12.399 --> 00:13:13.819 Because that's what a shepherd does. 00:13:14.799 --> 00:13:17.259 We're committed to feeding you a healthy diet, right? 00:13:17.279 --> 00:13:22.459 Making sure you are nourished by the green pastures of the scriptures and the sacraments 00:13:22.459 --> 00:13:25.740 so that you'll be full with Christ and equipped to serve Him. 00:13:26.659 --> 00:13:28.500 And, you know, preaching the Bible is hard. 00:13:28.939 --> 00:13:29.779 It's hard. 00:13:30.159 --> 00:13:32.220 I have no idea what I'm doing up here most of the time. 00:13:33.299 --> 00:13:36.899 But I do it because God has ordained this institution. 00:13:37.720 --> 00:13:38.839 And He's given us His Word. 00:13:38.899 --> 00:13:40.699 And these are the words of life. 00:13:41.480 --> 00:13:43.019 And, you know, that's not even the hardest part. 00:13:43.500 --> 00:13:47.159 To guide you, to lead you towards streams of living water, right? 00:13:47.399 --> 00:13:49.899 To lead you toward the refreshment of your soul, 00:13:49.980 --> 00:13:52.759 oftentimes through the valley of the shadow of death. 00:13:52.759 --> 00:13:59.179 To make calls and take risks and to discern God's will for this whole body of people 00:13:59.179 --> 00:14:00.939 when we don't know the outcomes. 00:14:01.700 --> 00:14:06.100 To live with that kind of faith and humility and confidence all at the same time. 00:14:06.120 --> 00:14:07.419 It often feels like a tightrope. 00:14:08.580 --> 00:14:09.799 And then also to protect you. 00:14:09.879 --> 00:14:10.759 That's what we're called to do. 00:14:10.840 --> 00:14:11.439 Whether physically. 00:14:11.679 --> 00:14:15.740 You know, the elders were the ones really wanting to step up our security presence here. 00:14:16.519 --> 00:14:17.840 During our Sunday worship, 00:14:17.840 --> 00:14:21.899 they were the ones who called us to raise up our standards of safety guidelines. 00:14:22.040 --> 00:14:24.800 But also spiritually, we are called to defend you from all the wolves 00:14:24.800 --> 00:14:27.820 and all the bears and all the false voices and spirits 00:14:27.820 --> 00:14:30.800 that contend with God's Word and God's Spirit. 00:14:31.560 --> 00:14:34.120 It's our elders who, it's on us elders, 00:14:34.759 --> 00:14:36.720 to wield the rod and the staff. 00:14:36.800 --> 00:14:38.300 Not to harm you, but to comfort you. 00:14:38.600 --> 00:14:40.300 To protect you against your enemies. 00:14:40.519 --> 00:14:44.280 To preserve the peace and purity and integrity and unity of this church. 00:14:44.780 --> 00:14:47.580 I can remember a time when our elders did that before I joined. 00:14:47.840 --> 00:14:48.420 The session. 00:14:48.920 --> 00:14:51.700 A few years ago, our elders had a super tense meeting 00:14:51.700 --> 00:14:54.519 with some disgruntled members in our church 00:14:54.519 --> 00:14:57.920 who wanted to change the church's theological position 00:14:57.920 --> 00:15:00.139 on something that Jesus is very clear about. 00:15:00.360 --> 00:15:02.440 That the whole of Scripture is very clear about. 00:15:03.220 --> 00:15:04.800 And one of the disgruntled members, 00:15:05.060 --> 00:15:05.920 he was just arguing, 00:15:06.080 --> 00:15:08.019 you know, why can't we just get with the times? 00:15:08.879 --> 00:15:10.379 Why can't we just get with the times? 00:15:11.300 --> 00:15:13.500 And you know, honestly, that would be the easy thing to do. 00:15:13.960 --> 00:15:16.600 And it would probably boost up our reputation here in Berkeley. 00:15:16.600 --> 00:15:20.639 It would have allowed us to swim in the cultural mainstream of the Bay Area. 00:15:20.720 --> 00:15:23.320 But I want you to know that that kind of argument 00:15:23.320 --> 00:15:26.480 is not going to fly at Christ Church East Bay with your elders. 00:15:27.420 --> 00:15:29.399 I guess we will always consider our context. 00:15:29.519 --> 00:15:31.159 We will always seek to be relevant. 00:15:31.740 --> 00:15:35.019 But we will not just get with the times to get with the times. 00:15:35.139 --> 00:15:37.879 No, we're here to protect the flock from falsehood. 00:15:38.840 --> 00:15:42.379 So all this is to say that being an elder is a heavy responsibility. 00:15:42.379 --> 00:15:45.539 And I'm not saying this so you'll have more respect for us. 00:15:45.659 --> 00:15:48.399 I'm not trying to manipulate you into pity toward us 00:15:48.399 --> 00:15:50.100 or greater appreciation for us. 00:15:50.159 --> 00:15:54.019 But I'm here to teach you how God sees the office of elder 00:15:54.019 --> 00:15:56.279 that Lori and Brian are stepping into today. 00:15:56.360 --> 00:15:59.240 I want you to see the fullness of what is happening today 00:15:59.240 --> 00:16:01.360 as two people take up this super high calling. 00:16:01.899 --> 00:16:03.159 And not because they must, verse 2, 00:16:03.200 --> 00:16:04.039 not because they must, 00:16:04.240 --> 00:16:05.179 but because they are willing, 00:16:05.299 --> 00:16:06.320 because they love Christ, 00:16:06.559 --> 00:16:07.600 because they love His church, 00:16:07.659 --> 00:16:09.100 and because they love you. 00:16:09.100 --> 00:16:10.720 Not for dishonest gain. 00:16:11.220 --> 00:16:13.159 Lori and Brian aren't getting paid for this, all right? 00:16:13.759 --> 00:16:15.279 You know, me and Jonathan, we're teaching elders. 00:16:15.379 --> 00:16:16.300 At least we're on the payroll. 00:16:16.580 --> 00:16:19.259 But you should trust your ruling elders here, all right? 00:16:19.779 --> 00:16:20.740 You should trust them. 00:16:21.159 --> 00:16:22.340 They love you. 00:16:22.500 --> 00:16:23.740 They're doing this for free 00:16:23.740 --> 00:16:27.399 because they so believe in the mission of Christ Church East Bay 00:16:27.399 --> 00:16:29.300 to lead people into deeper relationships 00:16:29.300 --> 00:16:32.399 with Christ and His church for the good of the city. 00:16:33.120 --> 00:16:35.379 Our elders are eager to serve, as it says in verse 2. 00:16:35.540 --> 00:16:36.560 Eager to serve. 00:16:36.680 --> 00:16:38.160 And listen, that's the key word, serve. 00:16:39.079 --> 00:16:40.199 So I think for some people, 00:16:40.959 --> 00:16:42.179 especially actually where I come from 00:16:42.179 --> 00:16:43.959 in maybe like the more Asian context, 00:16:44.620 --> 00:16:46.659 it can be seen to be an elder 00:16:46.659 --> 00:16:49.000 as some kind of status symbol, right? 00:16:49.039 --> 00:16:51.299 Some kind of social, religious status symbol, 00:16:51.480 --> 00:16:53.459 or you just get lots of power now 00:16:53.459 --> 00:16:55.539 over this large group of people. 00:16:56.299 --> 00:16:58.240 But that's not the biblical understanding 00:16:58.240 --> 00:17:00.120 of what an elder is like. 00:17:00.579 --> 00:17:03.019 An elder is not like just being in the C-suite, 00:17:03.480 --> 00:17:04.480 just calling all the shots, 00:17:04.480 --> 00:17:07.059 and then making other people execute your plans. 00:17:07.059 --> 00:17:09.859 No, an elder is a servant leader. 00:17:10.700 --> 00:17:11.899 An elder is a servant leader. 00:17:12.619 --> 00:17:15.259 The church is such a unique institution and organization, 00:17:15.839 --> 00:17:17.639 and it's actually quite difficult to run 00:17:17.639 --> 00:17:21.799 because we're trying to steer this 200-plus person boat, right, 00:17:22.099 --> 00:17:23.779 into a deeper relationship with Christ, 00:17:24.079 --> 00:17:25.839 into greater impact on our city. 00:17:26.419 --> 00:17:28.259 But our elders, our shepherds, 00:17:28.519 --> 00:17:31.639 we don't have the hard accountability tools, right, 00:17:31.640 --> 00:17:34.280 of like wages or of threatening layoffs 00:17:34.940 --> 00:17:35.800 or anything like that. 00:17:35.840 --> 00:17:37.280 A church is ultimately powered, 00:17:37.980 --> 00:17:39.860 in addition to the Holy Spirit, 00:17:40.460 --> 00:17:42.320 by volunteers, right? 00:17:42.420 --> 00:17:44.960 A church operates through the organic eagerness 00:17:44.960 --> 00:17:48.020 of God's people to serve and give their time 00:17:48.020 --> 00:17:49.540 and their talent and their treasures 00:17:49.540 --> 00:17:52.259 in addition to their responsibilities at work 00:17:52.259 --> 00:17:54.000 and in their homes. 00:17:55.100 --> 00:17:57.080 So how does a shepherd elder guide sheep 00:17:57.080 --> 00:17:58.620 without being able to smack them around 00:17:58.619 --> 00:18:00.399 with their rods and with their staffs? 00:18:00.779 --> 00:18:02.479 How do they do it without being able 00:18:02.479 --> 00:18:03.759 to dangle a nice carrot? 00:18:05.319 --> 00:18:09.119 Well, elders, elders lead like our good shepherd, right? 00:18:09.159 --> 00:18:10.079 They lead like our good shepherd, 00:18:10.179 --> 00:18:12.679 not by self-interested, self-preserving, 00:18:13.099 --> 00:18:14.659 self-glorifying dominance, 00:18:15.539 --> 00:18:17.579 but through selfless, sacrificial, 00:18:18.319 --> 00:18:19.819 self-giving love. 00:18:20.459 --> 00:18:21.019 Verse 3, 00:18:21.019 --> 00:18:29.980 Effective elders and shepherds live such beautiful lives 00:18:29.980 --> 00:18:31.799 that their sheep aren't like, 00:18:31.900 --> 00:18:33.480 oh man, I had to follow Bill Barnes 00:18:33.480 --> 00:18:35.799 because they made him an elder at this church. 00:18:35.940 --> 00:18:36.440 Oh man. 00:18:37.359 --> 00:18:37.740 No. 00:18:38.740 --> 00:18:40.220 If you're an effective elder, 00:18:40.940 --> 00:18:42.059 then your people will say, 00:18:42.160 --> 00:18:44.639 oh man, I'm so glad to follow Bill Barnes. 00:18:45.379 --> 00:18:47.359 Look at the life he's living in his retirement. 00:18:47.359 --> 00:18:49.459 Look how he's giving himself 00:18:49.459 --> 00:18:51.059 to feed our houseless neighbors. 00:18:51.539 --> 00:18:54.359 Look at how he's spending days in a week, 00:18:54.819 --> 00:18:55.599 every week, 00:18:55.919 --> 00:18:58.919 to go visit and make disciples of people in prison. 00:18:59.939 --> 00:19:00.939 This is what elders do. 00:19:01.019 --> 00:19:03.339 Christ Church, your elders are your examples. 00:19:04.039 --> 00:19:06.219 These are the ones we are setting forth before you 00:19:06.219 --> 00:19:08.199 and telling you to follow them 00:19:08.199 --> 00:19:10.059 as they follow Christ. 00:19:10.159 --> 00:19:11.199 These are your examples. 00:19:12.119 --> 00:19:13.500 And this is how everything links back 00:19:13.500 --> 00:19:14.759 to everything that Peter was saying 00:19:14.759 --> 00:19:17.500 about suffering and how suffering leads to glory. 00:19:17.619 --> 00:19:18.759 See, your elders are your examples. 00:19:19.079 --> 00:19:20.740 They're meant to live lives that testify 00:19:20.740 --> 00:19:23.599 that living for Jesus is worth it. 00:19:24.079 --> 00:19:25.420 Even when it includes suffering, 00:19:25.480 --> 00:19:26.819 because it will lead to glory, 00:19:26.900 --> 00:19:28.819 our elders believe that with all their hearts. 00:19:29.420 --> 00:19:31.460 These few verses on elders here in 1 Peter 00:19:31.460 --> 00:19:33.299 are not some random change of topic 00:19:33.299 --> 00:19:34.920 that Peter's just trying to squeeze in 00:19:34.920 --> 00:19:35.680 at the end of his letter. 00:19:35.819 --> 00:19:37.299 Notice in verse 1 how he says 00:19:37.299 --> 00:19:40.440 that these elders will share in the glory 00:19:40.440 --> 00:19:42.059 to be revealed. 00:19:42.059 --> 00:19:44.919 See, what he's doing is he's saying 00:19:44.919 --> 00:19:47.019 that not only do you have the example of Jesus, 00:19:47.659 --> 00:19:49.740 whose selfless and sacrificial suffering 00:19:49.740 --> 00:19:50.839 for others led to glory, 00:19:50.940 --> 00:19:51.980 but hey, you have elders. 00:19:52.519 --> 00:19:54.839 You have shepherds who are called to do the same, 00:19:55.440 --> 00:19:56.559 who are called to point you 00:19:56.559 --> 00:19:59.119 to a suffering way of life 00:19:59.119 --> 00:20:01.619 that still leads to glory with Christ. 00:20:02.399 --> 00:20:05.339 Peter is writing to these weary religious minorities 00:20:05.339 --> 00:20:07.039 who are wondering if it was worth it 00:20:07.039 --> 00:20:07.679 to follow Jesus, 00:20:07.879 --> 00:20:09.200 and he's calling upon the elders 00:20:09.200 --> 00:20:10.140 in these churches 00:20:10.140 --> 00:20:12.039 to confirm to their wavering flocks 00:20:12.039 --> 00:20:13.080 by the way they live 00:20:13.080 --> 00:20:14.100 and by the way they lead 00:20:14.100 --> 00:20:16.039 that it is worth it to follow Jesus, 00:20:16.500 --> 00:20:18.080 even through hardship and persecution. 00:20:18.240 --> 00:20:19.519 He's calling on these elders 00:20:19.519 --> 00:20:20.940 to show their congregations 00:20:20.940 --> 00:20:23.039 by the examples of their lives 00:20:23.039 --> 00:20:24.640 that in Christ, 00:20:24.980 --> 00:20:27.019 we always have a living hope, 00:20:27.480 --> 00:20:28.559 that in Christ, 00:20:28.960 --> 00:20:31.660 we always have an imperishable inheritance 00:20:31.660 --> 00:20:32.840 that we did not earn 00:20:32.840 --> 00:20:33.960 and cannot lose 00:20:33.960 --> 00:20:36.039 no matter how terrible our suffering. 00:20:36.039 --> 00:20:40.240 See, elders are God's gift to the church 00:20:40.240 --> 00:20:42.680 to demonstrate with their lives 00:20:42.680 --> 00:20:43.559 and with their leadership 00:20:43.559 --> 00:20:46.139 that nothing can strip us 00:20:46.139 --> 00:20:48.139 of the glory and the joy 00:20:48.139 --> 00:20:49.559 and the honor and the blessing 00:20:49.559 --> 00:20:51.220 that are ours in Christ. 00:20:51.359 --> 00:20:53.099 And to me, it is so providential 00:20:53.099 --> 00:20:55.819 and fitting that we've come to this text today 00:20:55.819 --> 00:20:57.859 as we ordain Lori Poor 00:20:57.859 --> 00:20:59.619 and Brian Lee specifically. 00:20:59.619 --> 00:21:01.199 Because man, 00:21:02.119 --> 00:21:04.739 these elders, 00:21:05.719 --> 00:21:07.119 specifically Lori and Brian, 00:21:08.279 --> 00:21:10.079 if anyone believes in the glory 00:21:10.079 --> 00:21:10.919 that will be revealed, 00:21:11.019 --> 00:21:11.519 it is them. 00:21:12.519 --> 00:21:14.019 You know, we're not ordaining them today 00:21:14.019 --> 00:21:14.939 just because they're good looking 00:21:14.939 --> 00:21:16.839 or because they passed our Bible 00:21:16.839 --> 00:21:17.659 and theology 00:21:17.659 --> 00:21:18.519 and church government 00:21:18.519 --> 00:21:19.539 and church history exams 00:21:19.539 --> 00:21:20.739 or because they're willing to show up 00:21:20.739 --> 00:21:22.419 to a three-hour meeting 00:21:22.419 --> 00:21:23.699 once a month. 00:21:24.739 --> 00:21:26.319 They're being called as elders 00:21:26.319 --> 00:21:28.279 because of their faith in 00:21:28.279 --> 00:21:30.339 and love for Christ. 00:21:30.639 --> 00:21:32.700 And because of the super evident hope 00:21:32.700 --> 00:21:34.700 that we've seen them hold on to 00:21:34.700 --> 00:21:37.659 in the face of terrible tragedies. 00:21:38.759 --> 00:21:39.740 For the many of you 00:21:39.740 --> 00:21:41.159 who are newer to Christ Church, 00:21:41.720 --> 00:21:43.639 if you're planning to be part of this church, 00:21:43.720 --> 00:21:45.119 if you want to get to know us better, 00:21:45.579 --> 00:21:47.480 if you want to know the history 00:21:47.480 --> 00:21:48.319 of who we are 00:21:48.319 --> 00:21:50.359 and the events that have shaped us 00:21:50.359 --> 00:21:52.159 as a family of faith, 00:21:52.599 --> 00:21:55.159 you need to know the Poor's and the Lee's. 00:21:55.160 --> 00:21:56.320 You need to know the stories 00:21:56.320 --> 00:21:58.120 of the Poor's and the Lee's. 00:21:58.779 --> 00:22:00.360 Both families have experienced 00:22:00.360 --> 00:22:02.140 tremendous loss. 00:22:03.140 --> 00:22:05.080 The loss of Elizabeth Poor 00:22:05.080 --> 00:22:07.820 before she even turned a day old 00:22:07.820 --> 00:22:08.640 in that hospital. 00:22:09.700 --> 00:22:10.560 And three years ago, 00:22:10.620 --> 00:22:12.060 the loss of Isaac Lee. 00:22:12.900 --> 00:22:14.200 We were just hanging out with him. 00:22:14.240 --> 00:22:16.019 He was only a junior in high school. 00:22:16.140 --> 00:22:17.120 We were just hanging out with him 00:22:17.120 --> 00:22:19.140 the Wednesday before he was taken 00:22:19.140 --> 00:22:20.960 from us on Sunday 00:22:20.960 --> 00:22:23.220 from a cancer that none of us 00:22:23.220 --> 00:22:24.840 even knew that he had. 00:22:25.800 --> 00:22:27.279 You need to know these stories. 00:22:28.240 --> 00:22:30.000 You need to know these families 00:22:30.000 --> 00:22:31.840 if you want to know 00:22:31.840 --> 00:22:33.720 who Christ Church East Bay is. 00:22:34.320 --> 00:22:35.240 So that today, 00:22:35.880 --> 00:22:37.220 when you watch us lay hands 00:22:37.220 --> 00:22:38.840 on Lori and Brian, 00:22:39.800 --> 00:22:41.320 you are watching us 00:22:41.320 --> 00:22:42.720 as a church family 00:22:42.720 --> 00:22:45.380 declare that we want to follow 00:22:45.380 --> 00:22:47.080 these kinds of people. 00:22:48.120 --> 00:22:48.980 Men and women 00:22:48.980 --> 00:22:50.740 who've unreservedly 00:22:50.740 --> 00:22:52.420 placed all their marbles, 00:22:52.420 --> 00:22:54.200 all their hopes 00:22:54.200 --> 00:22:55.039 in the glory 00:22:55.039 --> 00:22:57.420 that is to be revealed. 00:22:58.300 --> 00:22:59.340 We're setting before you 00:22:59.340 --> 00:23:00.420 these people who long, 00:23:00.519 --> 00:23:01.300 as it says in verse 4, 00:23:01.360 --> 00:23:02.420 for the reappearance 00:23:02.420 --> 00:23:03.640 of the chief shepherd. 00:23:05.560 --> 00:23:06.380 These people 00:23:06.380 --> 00:23:07.240 who are coming up here 00:23:07.240 --> 00:23:08.220 are people who believe 00:23:08.220 --> 00:23:08.800 by faith 00:23:08.800 --> 00:23:10.400 in the unfading glory 00:23:10.400 --> 00:23:11.320 to come. 00:23:11.380 --> 00:23:12.120 And they don't just believe 00:23:12.120 --> 00:23:12.740 it personally, 00:23:13.580 --> 00:23:14.440 but they want it 00:23:14.440 --> 00:23:15.720 for all of us as well, 00:23:15.800 --> 00:23:16.440 for the flock 00:23:16.440 --> 00:23:17.860 of Christ Church East Bay, 00:23:17.959 --> 00:23:18.579 for the nations, 00:23:18.879 --> 00:23:19.599 for the world. 00:23:20.879 --> 00:23:21.639 Starting today 00:23:21.639 --> 00:23:22.679 for Lori and Brian 00:23:22.679 --> 00:23:23.439 and for every single 00:23:23.439 --> 00:23:24.199 one of us elders, 00:23:24.679 --> 00:23:25.979 again, Jonathan, Karen, Wes, 00:23:26.079 --> 00:23:27.000 Tonya, Bill, and Jesus, 00:23:27.779 --> 00:23:28.279 and me, 00:23:28.419 --> 00:23:29.259 our charge 00:23:29.259 --> 00:23:31.059 is to guide you 00:23:31.059 --> 00:23:32.159 into glory 00:23:32.159 --> 00:23:33.679 as shepherds 00:23:33.679 --> 00:23:34.819 guiding their sheep 00:23:34.819 --> 00:23:36.000 toward the glory 00:23:36.000 --> 00:23:37.119 of green pastures 00:23:37.119 --> 00:23:38.379 and living water 00:23:38.379 --> 00:23:39.519 even through the valley 00:23:39.519 --> 00:23:41.139 of the shadow of death. 00:23:41.939 --> 00:23:42.539 We're here 00:23:42.539 --> 00:23:43.319 to show you the way, 00:23:43.379 --> 00:23:43.839 and it's not just 00:23:43.839 --> 00:23:45.240 some way that we made up, 00:23:45.319 --> 00:23:45.919 it's the way 00:23:45.919 --> 00:23:46.959 of our good shepherd 00:23:46.960 --> 00:23:48.640 who also walked 00:23:48.640 --> 00:23:49.299 through the valley 00:23:49.299 --> 00:23:50.860 of the shadow of death 00:23:50.860 --> 00:23:51.940 and came out 00:23:51.940 --> 00:23:52.980 on the other side. 00:23:54.120 --> 00:23:54.960 Your elders exist 00:23:54.960 --> 00:23:55.720 to point you 00:23:55.720 --> 00:23:56.779 to Christ 00:23:56.779 --> 00:23:58.660 and His way 00:23:58.660 --> 00:24:00.140 that leads to life. 00:24:00.240 --> 00:24:00.920 We're here to point you 00:24:00.920 --> 00:24:02.279 to the ultimate shepherd 00:24:02.279 --> 00:24:04.120 who took the rod 00:24:04.120 --> 00:24:04.900 of God's judgment 00:24:04.900 --> 00:24:05.759 against sin 00:24:05.759 --> 00:24:06.440 and evil 00:24:06.440 --> 00:24:07.140 in our place 00:24:07.140 --> 00:24:08.160 so that we might know Him 00:24:08.160 --> 00:24:09.200 as our good shepherd, 00:24:09.759 --> 00:24:10.700 so that His rod 00:24:10.700 --> 00:24:11.440 and His staff 00:24:11.440 --> 00:24:12.920 might comfort us 00:24:12.920 --> 00:24:14.920 rather than strike us 00:24:14.920 --> 00:24:15.539 with fear. 00:24:15.539 --> 00:24:17.159 that this is what 00:24:17.159 --> 00:24:17.940 we're about here 00:24:17.940 --> 00:24:19.319 at Christ Church East Bay. 00:24:19.799 --> 00:24:20.940 We're about following 00:24:20.940 --> 00:24:21.980 the ancient traditions 00:24:21.980 --> 00:24:22.740 of the scriptures, 00:24:22.940 --> 00:24:24.059 the churchly institution 00:24:24.059 --> 00:24:26.039 that's laid out 00:24:26.039 --> 00:24:26.779 in the Bible 00:24:26.779 --> 00:24:28.200 because we trust 00:24:28.200 --> 00:24:29.619 that this way 00:24:29.619 --> 00:24:30.460 is the way of Jesus 00:24:30.460 --> 00:24:31.500 and it will direct us 00:24:31.500 --> 00:24:32.399 toward Him 00:24:32.399 --> 00:24:33.659 and deeper communion 00:24:33.659 --> 00:24:34.099 with Him, 00:24:34.180 --> 00:24:34.759 our good shepherd. 00:24:35.579 --> 00:24:36.119 And that's why 00:24:36.119 --> 00:24:36.839 for the members 00:24:36.839 --> 00:24:37.339 of this church, 00:24:37.440 --> 00:24:38.180 you will be asked 00:24:38.180 --> 00:24:39.619 when we ordain them 00:24:39.619 --> 00:24:40.799 in a couple moments, 00:24:41.379 --> 00:24:42.000 you'll be asked 00:24:42.000 --> 00:24:43.619 to submit to these elders 00:24:43.619 --> 00:24:44.839 as it says in verse 5. 00:24:44.899 --> 00:24:45.619 In the same way, 00:24:45.739 --> 00:24:46.659 you who are younger, 00:24:47.219 --> 00:24:47.879 submit yourselves 00:24:47.879 --> 00:24:48.599 to your elders. 00:24:49.199 --> 00:24:49.859 All of you, 00:24:50.339 --> 00:24:50.959 clothe yourselves 00:24:50.959 --> 00:24:51.619 with humility 00:24:51.619 --> 00:24:52.759 toward one another 00:24:52.759 --> 00:24:54.339 because God opposes 00:24:54.339 --> 00:24:54.859 the proud 00:24:54.859 --> 00:24:55.939 but shows favor 00:24:55.939 --> 00:24:56.679 to the humble. 00:24:56.839 --> 00:24:57.139 Listen, 00:24:57.239 --> 00:24:58.139 this is not a weak 00:24:58.139 --> 00:24:59.519 kind of unthinking 00:24:59.519 --> 00:25:00.379 submission 00:25:00.379 --> 00:25:01.219 to church authority, 00:25:01.399 --> 00:25:02.359 to some institutional 00:25:02.359 --> 00:25:03.279 religious figures. 00:25:04.039 --> 00:25:04.239 No, 00:25:04.279 --> 00:25:05.039 it is a humbling 00:25:05.039 --> 00:25:05.619 of ourselves, 00:25:05.699 --> 00:25:06.539 not simply under 00:25:06.539 --> 00:25:07.959 these human elders 00:25:07.959 --> 00:25:09.899 but under the divine 00:25:09.899 --> 00:25:11.479 designs of God 00:25:11.479 --> 00:25:12.739 who as we saw 00:25:12.740 --> 00:25:13.400 in the life of Jesus 00:25:13.400 --> 00:25:14.460 will always lift up 00:25:14.460 --> 00:25:15.140 the humble. 00:25:15.940 --> 00:25:16.420 This is why 00:25:16.420 --> 00:25:17.299 we clothe ourselves 00:25:17.299 --> 00:25:17.839 with humility, 00:25:17.839 --> 00:25:19.299 not because Lori 00:25:19.299 --> 00:25:20.039 and Brian 00:25:20.039 --> 00:25:20.880 and the rest of us 00:25:20.880 --> 00:25:21.480 are perfect, 00:25:21.620 --> 00:25:21.839 no, 00:25:22.240 --> 00:25:23.019 not even because 00:25:23.019 --> 00:25:23.620 they deserve 00:25:23.620 --> 00:25:24.680 our fullest confidence 00:25:24.680 --> 00:25:25.299 and dependence, 00:25:25.440 --> 00:25:25.519 no, 00:25:25.579 --> 00:25:26.519 we clothe ourselves 00:25:26.519 --> 00:25:27.319 with humility 00:25:27.319 --> 00:25:28.079 toward one another. 00:25:28.500 --> 00:25:29.440 We submit to our elders 00:25:29.440 --> 00:25:30.240 not by faith 00:25:30.240 --> 00:25:30.740 in our elders 00:25:30.740 --> 00:25:31.700 or even in the church 00:25:31.700 --> 00:25:32.480 but by faith 00:25:32.480 --> 00:25:34.759 in God's mighty hand. 00:25:34.859 --> 00:25:35.400 Verse 6, 00:25:36.019 --> 00:25:36.819 Humble yourselves 00:25:36.819 --> 00:25:37.279 therefore 00:25:37.279 --> 00:25:39.299 under God's mighty hand 00:25:39.299 --> 00:25:40.940 that He may lift you up 00:25:40.940 --> 00:25:41.900 in due time. 00:25:41.900 --> 00:25:43.519 Cast all your anxiety 00:25:43.519 --> 00:25:44.580 on Him 00:25:44.580 --> 00:25:46.160 because He cares for you. 00:25:47.140 --> 00:25:48.180 And this could be a sermon 00:25:48.180 --> 00:25:49.259 in and of itself, 00:25:49.380 --> 00:25:49.540 right, 00:25:49.580 --> 00:25:50.759 on humility and anxiety. 00:25:50.940 --> 00:25:51.940 We won't get into that today 00:25:51.940 --> 00:25:52.580 but ultimately 00:25:52.580 --> 00:25:53.980 Peter is wrapping up 00:25:53.980 --> 00:25:54.320 by saying, 00:25:54.540 --> 00:25:54.560 hey, 00:25:55.220 --> 00:25:56.780 look to your chief shepherd. 00:25:57.519 --> 00:25:58.600 Look also 00:25:58.600 --> 00:25:59.920 to your shepherd elders 00:25:59.920 --> 00:26:01.940 and you will be filled 00:26:01.940 --> 00:26:03.340 with an anxiety 00:26:03.340 --> 00:26:04.640 defying confidence 00:26:04.640 --> 00:26:06.420 as you humbly trust 00:26:06.420 --> 00:26:08.180 in the mighty hand of God. 00:26:08.560 --> 00:26:09.720 And you will also find 00:26:09.720 --> 00:26:10.400 when you do that 00:26:10.400 --> 00:26:11.540 that He is not only mighty 00:26:11.539 --> 00:26:12.980 but He is caring. 00:26:14.119 --> 00:26:14.420 And friends, 00:26:14.480 --> 00:26:15.420 this is our only hope 00:26:15.420 --> 00:26:16.159 in the world 00:26:16.159 --> 00:26:17.139 if we are going to live 00:26:17.139 --> 00:26:17.980 the Christian life 00:26:17.980 --> 00:26:19.799 as elect exiles 00:26:19.799 --> 00:26:20.899 in this place. 00:26:21.740 --> 00:26:22.879 Look away from Christ. 00:26:23.059 --> 00:26:24.139 Look away from the body 00:26:24.139 --> 00:26:24.579 of Christ 00:26:24.579 --> 00:26:25.240 and its leaders 00:26:25.240 --> 00:26:26.220 and you'll only become 00:26:26.220 --> 00:26:27.259 more anxious 00:26:27.259 --> 00:26:28.680 and more vulnerable 00:26:28.680 --> 00:26:29.339 to the visible 00:26:29.339 --> 00:26:31.279 and invisible powers 00:26:31.279 --> 00:26:31.659 of evil 00:26:31.659 --> 00:26:32.359 that you might not 00:26:32.359 --> 00:26:34.079 even be aware of. 00:26:34.759 --> 00:26:34.899 See, 00:26:34.940 --> 00:26:36.159 Peter isn't merely interested 00:26:36.159 --> 00:26:36.740 in giving us 00:26:36.740 --> 00:26:38.039 some mental health advice 00:26:38.039 --> 00:26:38.659 here for people 00:26:38.659 --> 00:26:39.539 struggling with anxiety. 00:26:39.539 --> 00:26:40.259 anxiety. 00:26:41.039 --> 00:26:41.980 He's got a far bigger 00:26:41.980 --> 00:26:43.200 picture in mind, 00:26:43.299 --> 00:26:44.579 a far more cosmic view 00:26:44.579 --> 00:26:46.240 of what we're up against 00:26:46.240 --> 00:26:47.339 and what afflicts us. 00:26:48.259 --> 00:26:48.399 You know, 00:26:48.440 --> 00:26:49.279 throughout this whole letter, 00:26:49.659 --> 00:26:50.420 Peter's been giving them 00:26:50.420 --> 00:26:51.379 reason after reason, right? 00:26:51.440 --> 00:26:52.480 Truth after truth 00:26:52.480 --> 00:26:53.859 that they might stand firm 00:26:53.859 --> 00:26:54.700 in the faith 00:26:54.700 --> 00:26:56.240 and believe that Jesus 00:26:56.240 --> 00:26:57.619 is worth it, right? 00:26:58.319 --> 00:26:59.399 But in order for them 00:26:59.399 --> 00:27:00.339 to know how much 00:27:00.339 --> 00:27:01.240 God is for them, 00:27:01.799 --> 00:27:02.500 they also need 00:27:02.500 --> 00:27:03.139 a clear picture 00:27:03.139 --> 00:27:05.139 of what they're up against. 00:27:05.599 --> 00:27:06.180 And this is why 00:27:06.180 --> 00:27:06.659 he mentions 00:27:06.660 --> 00:27:07.940 the very personal powers 00:27:07.940 --> 00:27:08.860 and spirits of evil 00:27:08.860 --> 00:27:10.000 that love to make 00:27:10.000 --> 00:27:10.800 God's people suffer 00:27:10.800 --> 00:27:11.740 and fill us with anxiety 00:27:11.740 --> 00:27:12.460 in verse 8. 00:27:13.420 --> 00:27:13.960 Be alert 00:27:13.960 --> 00:27:15.400 and of sober mind. 00:27:16.160 --> 00:27:16.580 Your enemy, 00:27:16.740 --> 00:27:17.040 the devil, 00:27:17.200 --> 00:27:18.040 prowls around 00:27:18.040 --> 00:27:19.100 like a roaring lion 00:27:19.100 --> 00:27:20.300 looking for someone 00:27:20.300 --> 00:27:20.940 to devour. 00:27:21.720 --> 00:27:22.440 Resist him, 00:27:22.820 --> 00:27:23.400 standing firm 00:27:23.400 --> 00:27:23.900 in the faith 00:27:23.900 --> 00:27:24.680 because you know 00:27:24.680 --> 00:27:25.600 that the family 00:27:25.600 --> 00:27:26.160 of believers 00:27:26.160 --> 00:27:27.140 throughout the world 00:27:27.140 --> 00:27:28.140 is undergoing 00:27:28.140 --> 00:27:29.320 the same kind 00:27:29.320 --> 00:27:30.300 of sufferings. 00:27:31.240 --> 00:27:32.019 Peter's saying, 00:27:32.500 --> 00:27:33.019 your struggle 00:27:33.019 --> 00:27:33.779 is not merely 00:27:33.779 --> 00:27:35.180 against flesh and blood. 00:27:35.180 --> 00:27:35.660 God. 00:27:35.900 --> 00:27:36.660 And that is exactly 00:27:36.660 --> 00:27:37.279 why you need 00:27:37.279 --> 00:27:38.360 your chief shepherd, 00:27:38.539 --> 00:27:38.779 Jesus, 00:27:39.140 --> 00:27:40.060 and his whole flock, 00:27:40.160 --> 00:27:40.900 the body of Christ 00:27:40.900 --> 00:27:41.740 and all its elders 00:27:41.740 --> 00:27:42.700 to resist the devil 00:27:42.700 --> 00:27:43.759 and stand firm 00:27:43.759 --> 00:27:44.340 in the faith 00:27:44.340 --> 00:27:46.000 together as a family. 00:27:46.940 --> 00:27:47.860 And maybe this sounds 00:27:47.860 --> 00:27:49.080 like super superstitious 00:27:49.080 --> 00:27:49.560 to you 00:27:49.560 --> 00:27:50.779 and I wish I had more time 00:27:50.779 --> 00:27:51.580 to comment on that 00:27:51.580 --> 00:27:52.460 but let me just share 00:27:52.460 --> 00:27:53.279 with you what one 00:27:53.279 --> 00:27:54.539 historian and New Testament 00:27:54.539 --> 00:27:55.039 scholar, 00:27:55.460 --> 00:27:55.880 N.T. Wright, 00:27:56.160 --> 00:27:56.779 says about this. 00:27:56.840 --> 00:27:57.180 I love it. 00:27:57.299 --> 00:27:57.820 He writes, 00:27:58.380 --> 00:27:59.480 the thing about recognizing 00:27:59.480 --> 00:28:00.380 the existence 00:28:00.380 --> 00:28:01.600 and power of the devil 00:28:01.600 --> 00:28:03.279 and learning to see him 00:28:03.279 --> 00:28:04.000 behind not only 00:28:04.000 --> 00:28:05.160 temptations to sin 00:28:05.160 --> 00:28:06.559 but also persecution 00:28:06.559 --> 00:28:07.319 and suffering 00:28:07.319 --> 00:28:09.339 is that this enables you 00:28:09.339 --> 00:28:10.259 to take the position 00:28:10.259 --> 00:28:11.539 which the rest of the letter 00:28:11.539 --> 00:28:12.440 has been advocating 00:28:12.440 --> 00:28:13.920 as elect exiles. 00:28:14.559 --> 00:28:14.740 See, 00:28:14.799 --> 00:28:15.799 many Western countries 00:28:15.799 --> 00:28:17.220 dismissed both God 00:28:17.220 --> 00:28:17.839 and the devil 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:18.960 over the last two centuries 00:28:18.960 --> 00:28:20.660 but the danger with that 00:28:20.660 --> 00:28:21.960 as has been apparent 00:28:21.960 --> 00:28:23.440 throughout the last two centuries 00:28:23.440 --> 00:28:25.380 is that once you get rid of God 00:28:25.380 --> 00:28:26.839 you get rid too 00:28:26.839 --> 00:28:27.519 of the devil 00:28:27.519 --> 00:28:29.240 and then you yourself 00:28:29.240 --> 00:28:29.900 and your friends 00:28:29.900 --> 00:28:30.559 or your party 00:28:30.559 --> 00:28:31.420 or your country 00:28:31.420 --> 00:28:33.560 take the role of God 00:28:33.560 --> 00:28:35.060 while your enemies 00:28:35.060 --> 00:28:36.220 take the role 00:28:36.220 --> 00:28:37.100 of the devil. 00:28:38.160 --> 00:28:39.420 But the whole letter 00:28:39.420 --> 00:28:40.380 has been insisting 00:28:40.380 --> 00:28:41.240 on the contrary 00:28:41.240 --> 00:28:42.620 that the way to respond 00:28:42.620 --> 00:28:43.220 to attacks 00:28:43.220 --> 00:28:44.060 of whatever sort 00:28:44.060 --> 00:28:44.840 is with a firm 00:28:44.840 --> 00:28:45.900 but gentle faith. 00:28:46.480 --> 00:28:47.259 Treating people 00:28:47.259 --> 00:28:47.980 who aren't Christians 00:28:47.980 --> 00:28:48.720 with respect, 00:28:49.039 --> 00:28:50.019 living within the law, 00:28:50.200 --> 00:28:51.160 behaving with humility 00:28:51.160 --> 00:28:52.060 and patience 00:28:52.060 --> 00:28:53.700 in all circumstances. 00:28:54.759 --> 00:28:55.740 The point is this, 00:28:56.360 --> 00:28:57.940 the actual human opponents, 00:28:58.080 --> 00:28:59.740 even your fiercest persecutors, 00:28:59.860 --> 00:29:00.560 are not in fact 00:29:00.559 --> 00:29:01.319 the real enemy. 00:29:02.019 --> 00:29:03.099 There is a real enemy 00:29:03.099 --> 00:29:04.859 and he will be using them 00:29:04.859 --> 00:29:06.480 but if you resist him 00:29:06.480 --> 00:29:08.339 staying resolute in faith 00:29:08.339 --> 00:29:09.200 and remembering 00:29:09.200 --> 00:29:10.059 that you are holding 00:29:10.059 --> 00:29:11.000 your bit of the line 00:29:11.000 --> 00:29:12.059 while your Christian brothers 00:29:12.059 --> 00:29:12.460 and sisters 00:29:12.460 --> 00:29:13.419 all across the world 00:29:13.419 --> 00:29:14.460 are holding theirs, 00:29:14.639 --> 00:29:15.799 you will find that courteous 00:29:15.799 --> 00:29:17.279 and civil behavior 00:29:17.279 --> 00:29:18.339 acting with respect 00:29:18.339 --> 00:29:19.539 and gentleness 00:29:19.539 --> 00:29:22.220 will again and again win. 00:29:23.200 --> 00:29:24.619 This is what he's calling us to. 00:29:25.819 --> 00:29:26.359 So to close, 00:29:26.440 --> 00:29:27.440 this is God's word to us 00:29:27.440 --> 00:29:28.359 from 1 Peter. 00:29:28.859 --> 00:29:29.200 That yes, 00:29:29.299 --> 00:29:30.339 there will be suffering 00:29:30.339 --> 00:29:31.419 and hardship 00:29:31.419 --> 00:29:32.059 and persecution 00:29:32.059 --> 00:29:32.939 and even death 00:29:32.939 --> 00:29:34.519 when we follow the way 00:29:34.519 --> 00:29:35.179 of our good shepherd, 00:29:35.259 --> 00:29:36.359 when we live in his way 00:29:36.359 --> 00:29:37.039 of love 00:29:37.039 --> 00:29:37.899 even toward those 00:29:37.899 --> 00:29:38.980 who mistreat us 00:29:38.980 --> 00:29:40.179 because evil is not random. 00:29:40.839 --> 00:29:42.000 Evil is not merely material. 00:29:42.220 --> 00:29:42.720 It's real 00:29:42.720 --> 00:29:43.939 and it's spiritual 00:29:43.939 --> 00:29:44.779 and it's personal 00:29:44.779 --> 00:29:46.000 and it's prowling around 00:29:46.000 --> 00:29:47.459 devising our demise. 00:29:47.799 --> 00:29:49.139 But when Christian exiles 00:29:49.139 --> 00:29:51.480 remember our status 00:29:51.480 --> 00:29:52.699 as the beloved of God, 00:29:53.019 --> 00:29:53.859 as the elect 00:29:53.859 --> 00:29:54.579 who are united 00:29:54.579 --> 00:29:55.459 with the crucified 00:29:55.459 --> 00:29:57.119 and risen Christ, 00:29:57.119 --> 00:29:58.799 we need not fear. 00:29:59.639 --> 00:30:00.439 And we can know 00:30:00.439 --> 00:30:01.179 that we'll win 00:30:01.179 --> 00:30:02.859 and end in glory. 00:30:03.619 --> 00:30:04.500 I love verse 10. 00:30:04.839 --> 00:30:06.099 And the God of all grace 00:30:06.099 --> 00:30:07.139 who called you 00:30:07.139 --> 00:30:08.219 to his eternal glory 00:30:08.219 --> 00:30:08.779 in Christ 00:30:08.779 --> 00:30:09.919 after you have suffered 00:30:09.919 --> 00:30:10.619 a little while 00:30:10.619 --> 00:30:11.979 will himself 00:30:11.979 --> 00:30:13.219 restore you 00:30:13.219 --> 00:30:14.579 and make you strong, 00:30:15.079 --> 00:30:15.359 firm, 00:30:15.579 --> 00:30:16.259 and steadfast. 00:30:16.459 --> 00:30:16.579 See, 00:30:16.679 --> 00:30:17.339 in Christ 00:30:17.339 --> 00:30:18.699 there is nothing 00:30:18.699 --> 00:30:19.519 so broken 00:30:19.519 --> 00:30:21.119 that God cannot 00:30:21.119 --> 00:30:21.979 restore it 00:30:21.979 --> 00:30:23.199 to its proper glory. 00:30:24.359 --> 00:30:24.839 Your elders 00:30:24.839 --> 00:30:25.599 believe that. 00:30:25.599 --> 00:30:26.919 Lori and Brian 00:30:26.919 --> 00:30:27.939 believe that 00:30:27.939 --> 00:30:28.859 and so must we 00:30:28.859 --> 00:30:29.980 as we follow 00:30:29.980 --> 00:30:30.779 their examples. 00:30:31.039 --> 00:30:31.899 We must believe 00:30:31.899 --> 00:30:33.019 in the power of God 00:30:33.019 --> 00:30:33.639 which is proclaimed 00:30:33.639 --> 00:30:34.379 here in verse 11. 00:30:34.719 --> 00:30:36.339 To him be the power 00:30:36.339 --> 00:30:38.000 forever and ever. 00:30:38.179 --> 00:30:38.539 Amen. 00:30:38.659 --> 00:30:39.559 We must believe this 00:30:39.559 --> 00:30:40.439 with all our hearts 00:30:40.439 --> 00:30:41.619 because this is the gospel. 00:30:42.339 --> 00:30:43.379 Verse 11 and verse 14. 00:30:43.619 --> 00:30:44.639 To him be the power 00:30:44.639 --> 00:30:45.699 forever and ever. 00:30:45.819 --> 00:30:45.980 Amen. 00:30:46.119 --> 00:30:46.619 Verse 14. 00:30:46.879 --> 00:30:47.799 Peace to all you 00:30:47.799 --> 00:30:48.539 who are in Christ. 00:30:48.599 --> 00:30:49.219 I love this. 00:30:49.500 --> 00:30:50.500 To him be the power 00:30:50.500 --> 00:30:51.980 and to us be the peace. 00:30:52.779 --> 00:30:53.959 To him be the power 00:30:53.959 --> 00:30:55.399 and to us be the peace. 00:30:55.400 --> 00:30:56.420 This is the good news 00:30:56.420 --> 00:30:57.140 of 1 Peter. 00:30:57.820 --> 00:30:58.460 That our peace 00:30:58.460 --> 00:30:59.340 does not depend 00:30:59.340 --> 00:31:00.480 on our own power 00:31:00.480 --> 00:31:01.960 but on Christ. 00:31:03.000 --> 00:31:04.240 The one who defied 00:31:04.240 --> 00:31:05.480 every other narrative 00:31:05.480 --> 00:31:06.920 about power and peace. 00:31:07.740 --> 00:31:09.040 Unlike the counterfeit 00:31:09.040 --> 00:31:09.720 peace of Rome, 00:31:09.840 --> 00:31:09.900 right? 00:31:09.940 --> 00:31:10.700 The Pax Romana 00:31:10.700 --> 00:31:11.900 that was achieved 00:31:11.900 --> 00:31:12.540 through violence 00:31:12.540 --> 00:31:13.080 and power 00:31:13.080 --> 00:31:13.840 and flattening 00:31:13.840 --> 00:31:14.800 all their opposition, 00:31:15.280 --> 00:31:16.000 Jesus showed us 00:31:16.000 --> 00:31:17.019 a different kind of power 00:31:17.019 --> 00:31:18.180 and a better kind 00:31:18.180 --> 00:31:19.060 of peace. 00:31:19.800 --> 00:31:20.980 Rather than demonstrating 00:31:20.980 --> 00:31:22.060 the power of his might 00:31:22.060 --> 00:31:23.380 and putting his enemies 00:31:23.380 --> 00:31:24.160 to death 00:31:24.160 --> 00:31:25.140 to preserve himself, 00:31:25.240 --> 00:31:25.800 he demonstrated 00:31:25.800 --> 00:31:27.360 the power of his love 00:31:27.360 --> 00:31:28.840 and selflessly 00:31:28.840 --> 00:31:30.040 and sacrificially 00:31:30.040 --> 00:31:31.180 gave his life 00:31:31.180 --> 00:31:32.400 for his enemies, 00:31:32.960 --> 00:31:33.800 for us. 00:31:34.600 --> 00:31:35.640 He was pierced 00:31:35.640 --> 00:31:37.160 for our transgressions. 00:31:37.640 --> 00:31:38.580 He was crushed 00:31:38.580 --> 00:31:39.980 for our sins. 00:31:40.100 --> 00:31:40.540 The punishment 00:31:40.540 --> 00:31:41.760 that brought us peace 00:31:41.760 --> 00:31:43.020 was upon him 00:31:43.020 --> 00:31:45.060 and by his wounds 00:31:45.060 --> 00:31:46.760 we are healed 00:31:46.760 --> 00:31:48.220 and raised to life 00:31:48.220 --> 00:31:49.560 together with him. 00:31:49.559 --> 00:31:51.339 This is the gospel. 00:31:52.019 --> 00:31:53.039 To him be the power 00:31:53.039 --> 00:31:54.559 and to us 00:31:54.559 --> 00:31:55.460 be the peace 00:31:55.460 --> 00:31:56.220 in Christ 00:31:56.220 --> 00:31:57.659 forever and ever. 00:31:58.039 --> 00:31:58.200 Amen. 00:31:58.359 --> 00:31:59.159 And so we all say 00:31:59.159 --> 00:32:00.220 blessed be the God 00:32:00.220 --> 00:32:00.859 and Father 00:32:00.859 --> 00:32:02.279 of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:32:02.919 --> 00:32:03.639 According to his 00:32:03.639 --> 00:32:04.399 great mercy 00:32:04.399 --> 00:32:06.099 he has caused us 00:32:06.099 --> 00:32:07.339 to be born again 00:32:07.339 --> 00:32:08.859 to a living hope 00:32:08.859 --> 00:32:10.099 through the resurrection 00:32:10.099 --> 00:32:10.819 of Christ 00:32:10.819 --> 00:32:11.759 from the dead 00:32:11.759 --> 00:32:13.639 to an inheritance 00:32:13.639 --> 00:32:14.899 that is imperishable, 00:32:15.759 --> 00:32:16.480 undefiled, 00:32:17.339 --> 00:32:17.879 unfading, 00:32:17.880 --> 00:32:19.540 and kept in heaven 00:32:19.540 --> 00:32:20.860 for all of us 00:32:20.860 --> 00:32:22.200 and in this 00:32:22.200 --> 00:32:23.380 we must rejoice. 00:32:24.140 --> 00:32:24.800 Let's pray. 00:32:30.000 --> 00:32:31.280 God we thank you 00:32:31.280 --> 00:32:33.720 for the chief shepherd 00:32:33.720 --> 00:32:36.980 to him be the power 00:32:36.980 --> 00:32:39.680 and we thank you 00:32:39.680 --> 00:32:40.640 that you said to us 00:32:40.640 --> 00:32:42.260 to you be the peace 00:32:42.260 --> 00:32:43.680 in Christ. 00:32:45.040 --> 00:32:46.040 Lord let us not forget 00:32:46.040 --> 00:32:46.860 what this peace 00:32:46.860 --> 00:32:47.820 cost you 00:32:47.819 --> 00:32:50.220 how your son 00:32:50.220 --> 00:32:50.939 emptied himself 00:32:50.939 --> 00:32:51.639 of his power 00:32:51.639 --> 00:32:53.960 to demonstrate 00:32:53.960 --> 00:32:54.419 to the world 00:32:54.419 --> 00:32:55.099 a greater power, 00:32:55.220 --> 00:32:56.159 resurrection power, 00:32:56.899 --> 00:32:58.000 new creation power. 00:32:59.500 --> 00:32:59.980 Oh God would we 00:32:59.980 --> 00:33:00.659 live in 00:33:00.659 --> 00:33:01.500 and under 00:33:01.500 --> 00:33:02.839 that kind of power 00:33:02.839 --> 00:33:04.819 unto your glory 00:33:04.819 --> 00:33:05.619 and for the good 00:33:05.619 --> 00:33:06.480 of the world. 00:33:07.939 --> 00:33:08.559 God would you 00:33:08.559 --> 00:33:11.059 be lifted up, 00:33:11.220 --> 00:33:11.980 would you be honored 00:33:11.980 --> 00:33:12.740 in this moment 00:33:12.740 --> 00:33:13.839 of ordaining new elders 00:33:13.839 --> 00:33:14.599 to this church. 00:33:14.599 --> 00:33:16.619 we thank you 00:33:16.619 --> 00:33:17.439 for the institution 00:33:17.439 --> 00:33:18.359 of the church 00:33:18.359 --> 00:33:20.179 and we ask 00:33:20.179 --> 00:33:20.919 that you would help us 00:33:20.919 --> 00:33:21.599 to faithfully 00:33:21.599 --> 00:33:22.759 fulfill our callings 00:33:22.759 --> 00:33:23.639 oh God 00:33:23.639 --> 00:33:25.000 to lead people 00:33:25.000 --> 00:33:26.000 into deeper relationships 00:33:26.000 --> 00:33:26.619 with Christ 00:33:26.619 --> 00:33:27.759 for the good 00:33:27.759 --> 00:33:28.279 of the city 00:33:28.279 --> 00:33:29.939 in Jesus' name. 00:33:29.939 --> 00:33:30.839 Amen.