463. 1PE 5:2. THE CHURCH OF CHRIST A FLOCK
1Pe_5:2. The Church Of Christ A Flock
"The flock of God."’971Pe_5:2.
The text is found in the midst of an exhortation given by the apostle Peter to the bishops and elders who had been appointed to the oversight of the churches of Christ. As such the apostle urges upon them to "feed the flock of God," and to take the pastoral care without constraint, "willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind." The figure employed by the apostle, in reference to Christian pastors, is that of a shepherd, and in the fourth verse he announces the delightful promise, that when the chief, or great shepherd shall appear, they shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away. Let us then consider the church under the metaphorical representation of a flock. The primary idea is that of believers as sheep. Christ thus speaks of them as his sheep, and of himself as their good shepherd. In their collective capacity they are a flock.
I. Notice the Flock itself.
It is composed of all renewed, converted persons. It supposes they have been brought from their wanderings on the mountains of sin, to the pastoral care of Jesus, the shepherd and bishop of souls, 1Pe_2:25; Isaiah 53. Believers only are the sheep of Christ. Those who have been brought nigh to him by saving grace and the power of his truth. Docility, meekness, and usefulness, are the invariable characteristics of those who belong to the flock of Christ. Among these are young converts, mature believers, and saints, who have borne fruit even to old age.
II. The Flock of God have one chief Shepherd.
Redeemed by his precious blood they are the especial property of Christ. He laid down his life for them. They are given to him as his seed, and reward. They form the joy of his heart. He loves them with inexpressible tenderness and affection. He watches over them with constant solicitude. He never leaves nor forsakes them. He provides them with under-shepherds, men whom he qualifies and appoints to feed them with spiritual knowledge and understanding. But these are all subordinate to Jesus who is the great shepherd of the sheep, and head over all things to his church.
III. The Flock of God have rich and verdant Pastures
Thus the psalmist sang, "He leadeth me into green pastures," &c. There are the pastures of his holy word. And the pastures of his refreshing ordinances. In these they are amply provided with necessary provision. Here they enjoy the adapted, rich, and overflowing blessings of heavenly grace. Here they have food and enjoyments of which the world know nothing. And these pastures are ever fresh and green. Made verdant by the copious showers of holy influences, and through which ever flow the waters of the river of life. To these all the flock have constant access. Here they lie down and rest in safety.
IV. The Flock of God have one Fold in Heaven.
Here they are one in nature, all renewed and partakers of the divine nature. One in spirit,’97one in union with Jesus,’97one in the privileges and blessings of salvation. But they are scattered over the face of the earth. Dwelling remotely from each other. Have lived too in various ages of the world. Been partially separated by language, denominational distinctions, &c., &c. But there is one great and blessed fold for the flock of God. One celestial Eden, one heavenly paradise. It will be their unspeakable privilege to be with their divine shepherd, and dwell in perfect unity and delight on the glorious plains of light forever and ever.
Application
1. A variety of duties devolve upon the flock of God. Submission to the authority of the great Shepherd. Cultivation of docility, meekness, and love. Affectionate attachment to every one belonging to Christ’s spiritual flock. Supreme regard for the honor of Jesus, and the prosperity of his cause in the earth.
2. A variety of blessings their present portion. An interest in the rich covenant of divine love. A gracious right to the riches of heavenly grace. Exceedingly great and precious promises. The holy comforting influences of the Spirit of God The sweet joys of Christian fellowship Invulnerable protection and security from all their enemies, and every possible peril 3. Urge wandering sinners to listen, and obey the voice of the compassionate Jesus and live.
4. How wretched and miserable are those who have forsaken Christ. O return that he may heal your backslidings, &c.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS