How Should Christian Leaders Use Authority? | 1 Peter 5:3-4

Our text today is 1 Peter 5:3-4:

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 5:3-4

Peter never forgot the night Jesus picked up a towel.

John tells us that Jesus knew the Father had given all things into His hands. He knew where He had come from and where He was going. Yet those hands did not grasp for greater status. They removed His outer garment, tied a towel around His waist, and washed the feet of His disciples.

The One with absolute authority used it to serve.

In that moment, Peter resisted because he did not yet understand how authority worked in the kingdom of God. But years later, that scene shaped the way he taught leaders here.

Yesterday, as we began this final chapter together, Peter told us that Christian leaders are shepherds. The people under their care belong to God, not to them. Today he moves from the leader's assignment to the leader's example.

Peter writes:

"Not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock."

Shepherds must lead. But Christian authority must never become a tool for intimidation, manipulation, control, or self-preservation. The world measures authority by how many people report to you. Jesus measures it by how willingly you serve the people entrusted to you.

Peter had heard Jesus say, "The rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them" (Matthew 20:25). Then Jesus added, "It shall not be so among you" (Matthew 20:26). And I would assume Peter remembered that, because he echoes that lesson.

Instead of dominating people, leaders are to become "examples to the flock." The word translated "example" bears the picture of a "model." Every model leaves an imprint.