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I Peter 5:2-3, "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly: not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock."

 This morning, there are many so-called preachers that are not taking heed to these commands of the Lord through Peter. There is only one reason why someone should preach the glorious gospel of Christ, and it is due to the burden and calling that is placed upon him.  Money is not the motivation, and neither is lordship.  Also, the preacher should take heed to what he preaches to see whether it is expedient and lawful or just lawful.

 The first thing mentioned was feeding. While I do not have any children yet, I can remember growing up as a child. My parents spanked me on a regular basis (some claim too much, but hindsight tells me it was not
 enough). However, as much spanking as I received, I was always fed more often than I was spanked. The Lord's flock may need correction from time to time, but they need feeding much more. It is necessary for their survival and growth.

 Peter also gives the groundwork for correction. It is not shaking a finger at the congregation, yelling at the top of your voice, or telling them how rotten and worthless they are.  Rather, it is being a good ensample, and showing them how to conduct themselves. As undershepherds to the flock, we should try to emulate the OverShepherd and His behavior. We should attempt to lead by example, rather than whipping the flock to get them where we think that they should be.

 Finally, we should have a ready mind. The flock is going to ask questions from time to time, and we should always be ready to try to answer their questions to the best of our ability.  They may ask a question that we think they should already know the answer to, but we should never act as if they are beneath us. They are entrusted to the watchcare of the angel (or pastor) of the church, and the Lord requires that His stewards be found faithful.



In Hope,

Bro Philip