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Crown of Glory (1 Peter 5:4)

Little Flock Church

Sermon on 18 April 2021 by Ps Gauis


Introduction


There are 5 crowns:


· the imperishable crown (1 Corinthians 9:25) is being led by the Spirit;

· the crown of rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 2:19) is about living a life that glorifies God;

· the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8) is about keeping the faith and running the race, seeking Jesus throughout;

· the crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4) is about serving others; and

· next week, we will cover the crown of life (James 1:12).


Message


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 is going to be revealed: 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; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. - 1 Peter 5:1-4


Peter is an apostle, and an elder. An elder is mature in the Lord. Ephesians chapter 4 talks about maturity – someone who is not easily angered, someone who has good self-control. Peter was with 3 years with Jesus, and he changed his life, following Christ. Peter is speaking in the position of someone with a relationship with Jesus.


In verse 1, we see a dichotomy – there is suffering and there is glory. Difficulties are part and parcel of life, but be of good cheer, because Jesus has overcome the world.


The crown of glory is about serving others.


1. Serving others requires stamina

Serving others is a lifestyle, not a one-off event. The good Samaritan did not stop at bandaging the wounds of the injured stranger. He brought the injured man to an inn and covered the costs of staying at the inn.


2. Serving others is to shepherd

Watch over others’ needs and take care of them. In verse 2, Peter tells the elders to be a shepherd. A shepherd is someone who protects the flock. Don’t take care only of your own family, but also the people around you. If you know they have needs, bless them. If you know they are going through difficulty at work, and you have experience in overcoming such a situation, help them.


3. Serving others is spontaneous

Verse 3 tells us that we should serve willingly. We should not be forced or pressured into doing it. It may be a thankless job, you may even get scolded, but when you serve, it is not because you are seeking recognition. Do not expect something in return. When you serve, you serve unto our Lord Jesus. When we serve others, serve eagerly (verse 2).


4. Serving others is sincere

Verse 3 tells us not to be domineering, but good examples. We don’t tell people what to do, only Jesus has such authority. But lead by example, just like Jesus Christ, who lowered himself to the level of man when he came to earth.


5. Serving others is servant leadership

The top person must serve first. Our Lord Jesus is our chief shepherd. When he appears, we will receive the unfading crown of glory. It is a never-ending glory. This is the reward. How to get there? Serve others according to His will.


You are like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever you do prospers. - Psalm 1:3


He is the true vine, we are connected to Him, and in due season, we will bear fruit.


Closing


The crown of glory is to serve others, with stamina. Be a shepherd, be spontaneous in serving, be sincere, and learn from Jesus – serve as a servant leader.


Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” - 1 Peter 5:5


Do not demand others to serve you. Be humble. He gives grace to the humble. By God’s grace, we are able to carry on with our lives.



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