Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Look for Love of God

Bryan Schneider · March 26, 2022

John 21:15-19

sharonrpc.org/sermons/look-for-love-of-god

Summary

The risen Jesus restores Peter after his three denials by asking three times whether Peter loves him and then recommissioning him to care for Christ's flock.
Love for Jesus is the foundational qualification the congregation should seek when discerning an elder.
The church and its people belong to Christ, so elders exercise delegated biblical authority as stewards and under-shepherds rather than owners or lords.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd who knows his sheep, leads them, gives abundant life, and lays down his life to purchase the flock.
Elders imitate Christ by knowing people personally, feeding them the whole counsel of God's Word, leading from the front, guarding them, and providing gentle care.
Peter's own instruction in 1 Peter 5 applies Jesus' commission directly to elders: shepherd willingly, eagerly, and by example rather than through compulsion, greed, or domination.
An elder's life need not be sinlessly perfect, but it should be a credible, visible pattern of following Jesus that others can safely imitate.
The chief Shepherd will return and reward faithful under-shepherds, and every crown of glory ultimately belongs at Christ's feet.

Why does Jesus ask Peter about love before commanding him to shepherd the flock?
How do Peter's three answers relate to his earlier three denials?
What changes when elders remember that every lamb and sheep belongs to Jesus rather than to them?
How does the Good Shepherd in John 10 define the care expected from an under-shepherd?
What does it mean for an elder to feed people with the whole counsel of God's Word?
How can a congregation distinguish biblical, delegated authority from domination or personal preference?
Which traits in 1 Peter 5 reveal whether a man serves willingly, eagerly, and by example?
Why should the congregation seek a credible Christlike pattern rather than either perfection or mere administrative skill?

Elder: A church officer entrusted to oversee and shepherd Christ's people through teaching, example, prayer, care, and protection.
Under-shepherd: A human shepherd who serves beneath Jesus, the chief and Good Shepherd, with authority delegated by him.
Restoration: Jesus' gracious renewal of Peter after failure, answering his three denials with three questions and a fresh commission.
Delegated authority: Authority limited by Christ's Word and exercised for the flock's good rather than personal preference or control.
Steward: One who manages what belongs to another; an elder cares for Christ's household rather than possessing the church.
Feed the sheep: Nourish Christ's people with faithful teaching and application of the whole counsel of God's Word.
Lead by example: Walk ahead in Christ's way so that others can imitate a visible pattern of faith, holiness, courage, and love.
Chief Shepherd: Jesus Christ, the church's true owner and perfect Shepherd, who will appear and reward faithful elders.