Shepherding

by David Shannon

Peter and Paul both apply this metaphor to our Elders.

In the sermon last Sunday we studied I Peter 5:1-4. Let us now study this same topic as Paul talks to the elders of Ephesus in Acts 20.

Four Characteristics of Earthly Shepherds

Shepherds build strong relationships. There are common characteristics that good shepherds practice. They are...

Notice the following Characteristics from Acts 20:28-32.

The Earthly Shepherds are Available: "Take heed (look after, guard, or keep watch over) therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock." Sheep need constant guardians. Sheep have enemies that prowl, not sparing the souls of the sheep. Paul describes them in verse 29 as grievous wolves that do not spare the flock. A shepherd that did not dwell "among" (I Peter 5:2) the sheep could easily return to the fold to find that some were scattered and others lie dead. He would find carcasses of sheep lying across the pasture. Wolves generally strangle sheep to death with a vicious bite to their neck. Then they eat the vital organs. They will kill again and again, killing many upon one hunting. Others die from exhaustion or heat. Available shepherds are there to protect the sheep!

The Earthly Shepherds are Committed: Paul had described his own level of commitment in the previous verses in Acts 20. "I have been with you at all seasons" (vr 18) and "I have kept back nothing that was profitable unto you" (vr 20). He described the probability that his execution would be soon and then stated "But none of these things move me" (vr 24). It is with this preface that he asked the earthly shepherds if they will "oversee" and protect the sheep from such savage wolves. Shepherds must be willing to risk all for the well being of the sheep (John 10:12). Such commitment requires them to stay during all seasons, not fail to teach all the counsel of God (vr27) and to not be moved from it themselves!

The Earthly Shepherds are Trustworthy: False! What a shame that the previous statement is sometimes false. Even Paul warned the elders that some of "them" would be the ones to lead the sheep away from the Lord (vr 30). Today there are congregations being lead astray. The preachers are often spotlighted as the cause for such apostasy. The shepherds are also to blame. When fornication and adultery is common, baptism is not taught as essential to salvation, women are allowed to teach or usurp authority over men, and qualifications of elders and deacons are taught as suggestion. The problems ultimately go back to the shepherds! They are allowing the wolves to destroy the sheep. But why would they allow this?

The Earthly Shepherd must First be Committed to God! "I commend (to entrust as a deposit) you to God, and to the word of His grace" (vr 32). If a shepherd will not deposit his life into Christ the Good Shepherd, he will not ultimately lead the sheep toward Heaven! Popularity, power, prestige or even the tempting desire rule by popular opinion, will become his rule! Shepherds committed to God will lead Heavenward! After all, shepherds can not lead in a direction they are not traveling!!

• Relating to Elders -Jan 15, 2006