Daily Worship (Jan 11)

1 Peter 5:1–4 (NIV)
1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and as a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Devotional Thought
Peter speaks to elders not as a distant authority but as a “fellow elder.” He reminds them that shepherding the church is not about control, power, or personal gain. It is about care. The flock belongs to God, not to the elders. Leaders are entrusted with people who were purchased at a great cost—the blood of Christ. That truth changes how authority is exercised.

Notice the tone of Peter’s command. Elders are to shepherd willingly, eagerly, and humbly. They are not driven by pressure or pride but by love. This echoes the message of this week’s sermon: elders rule spiritually, not politically. Their authority is real, but it is always under Christ’s authority. Peter points elders beyond themselves to the “Chief Shepherd,” Jesus himself. That reminder guards both leaders and the church. Elders are not saviors. They are shepherds.

For the church, this passage is a comfort. God does not leave his people without care. He gives shepherds who are meant to reflect the heart of Jesus. When elders lead with humility and example, the church grows in trust and stability. When they fail—and they will—the hope of the church does not disappear. Christ remains the Chief Shepherd who never abandons his flock.

In daily life, this passage invites both leaders and members to re-center on Christ. Leaders are called to examine their motives. Members are called to pray for and support their shepherds. Together, the church learns to look past human leadership to the unfading glory promised by Jesus.

COMMA Questions

• Context – How does Peter’s letter address suffering and faithfulness in the early church, and how does that shape his view of leadership?
• Observation – What words describe how elders are to shepherd God’s flock?
• Meaning – What does it mean that Jesus is called the “Chief Shepherd”?
• Main Idea – How does Christ-centered leadership protect both elders and the church?
• Application – How can you pray for and support the spiritual leaders God has placed in your life?

Prayer
Jesus, our Chief Shepherd, thank you for caring for your church. Give our elders humble hearts, willing spirits, and faithful lives. Help us trust your design and look to you as our ultimate hope. Amen.

Hebrews 13:7, 17 (NIV)
 7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith… 17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.

Devotional Thought
These verses from Hebrews remind us that spiritual leadership is deeply relational and serious. Leaders are not only teachers; they are watchmen. They “keep watch” over souls and will one day give an account to God. That truth brings weight to the calling of elders and clarity to the role of the congregation.

The writer of Hebrews connects leadership to example. Believers are told to remember their leaders, observe their lives, and imitate their faith. This aligns with the biblical picture of elders as visible models of godliness. Authority in the church is not grounded in titles but in a life shaped by the Word of God. This reflects God’s emphasis on character before calling.

Submission here is not blind or fearful. It is a response of trust in God’s design. When leaders shepherd faithfully and members respond with humility, the church becomes a place of joy rather than strain. The passage also reminds leaders that their authority is never casual. They serve under Christ and answer to him.

In everyday life, this passage challenges both sides of the relationship. Leaders are called to watch carefully, love deeply, and teach clearly. Members are called to listen, learn, and support. When either side forgets Christ’s authority, the church suffers. But when both remember that Jesus rules his church, the work becomes joyful and life-giving.

COMMA Questions

• Context – How does the book of Hebrews emphasize endurance and faithfulness, and how does leadership support that goal?
• Observation – What responsibilities are given to leaders, and what responses are expected from believers?
• Meaning – What does it mean for leaders to “give an account” to God?
• Main Idea – How does mutual trust between leaders and members strengthen the church?
• Application – What would it look like to make the work of spiritual leadership a joy rather than a burden?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for watching over our souls. Help our leaders lead with faithfulness and care. Teach us to trust, support, and follow in ways that honor you. Amen.

John 10:11–15 (NIV)
 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.

Devotional Thought
Jesus describes himself as the Good Shepherd, setting the ultimate standard for all spiritual leadership. Unlike hired hands, Jesus does not run when danger comes. He stays. He protects. He lays down his life for the sheep. This passage anchors everything your sermon teaches about elders and leadership.

Human shepherds will always be limited. Even faithful elders grow tired, make mistakes, and sometimes fail. Jesus never does. He knows his sheep fully and personally. His care is not based on obligation but on love. Where elders are called to watch over the flock, Jesus gives himself completely for it.

This passage also explains why character matters so much in church leadership. A hired hand serves for benefit. A shepherd serves out of love. Elders are meant to reflect, not replace, the Good Shepherd. Their calling only makes sense when it points beyond them to Christ.

For daily life, this passage offers deep comfort. You are not finally dependent on human leaders for your spiritual safety. Jesus sees you, knows you, and guards you. He has already faced the wolf and defeated it at the cross. Because he lives, the church can be led, cared for, and sustained through every season.

COMMA Questions

• Context – How does Jesus’ teaching in John 10 contrast true shepherds with false ones?
• Observation – What actions distinguish the good shepherd from the hired hand?
• Meaning – What does it mean that Jesus “knows” his sheep?
• Main Idea – How does Jesus define true leadership through his sacrifice?
• Application – How does trusting Jesus as your Shepherd shape the way you respond to church leadership?

Prayer
Good Shepherd, thank you for laying down your life for us. Help us rest in your care and follow your voice. Shape our leaders to reflect your love and keep our church centered on you. Amen.