In part 4 of this Bible study, we’re looking at another way in which we’ve been entrusted in service to the Lord Jesus.  We’ve already seen that we’re entrusted with the gospel (1 Thessalonians 2:4), and with a stewardship (1 Corinthians 9:17).

Now we see that we’re charged with the willing and upright oversight of believers entrusted to our care.  In Peter’s epistle, he is specifically talking to the pastors under his apostolic mantle, but it goes much farther than that. 

God expects every Christian to help others draw closer to Him.  Its what Paul talks about when he wrote his letter to the Philippians.

To be sure, people called into full-time ministry need to understand the importance of watching over their flock in the name of Jesus. 

But how about all the other areas of social interaction?  How about in our marriage, or with our children? How about fellow Christians who attend church like we do? 

It doesn’t matter if it’s a spouse entrusted with the care of his or her mate, or parents entrusted with the care of their children, or employers entrusted with the employees working for them, or in any other social area of influence. 

In whatever personal dynamic you want to discuss, we are entrusted with living a life that sets an example that others can look to for encouragement in seeking and following the Lord.

What Paul told those Philippian believers applies to us today as well.  Think about your spouse, or your children, or your workers, or your Christian friends. 

What have they learned from you that brings them closer to Jesus?  What have they received from you that helps them in their walk with God? 

What have they heard about you from others who know you – things that paint a godly picture of your faithfulness in serving Jesus?  And lastly, what have they seen in you personally? 

Is your public life a mirrored reflection of your private life before the Lord? Being entrusted with God’s people means we’re addressing these 4 areas of human interaction consistently. 

When Jesus assembled his closest disciples for the last supper before His passion, death and resurrection, He prayed a beautiful intercessory prayer that sets the tone for how we’re to work with those we are in relationship with in this life. 

This prayer is recorded in John chapter 17. Here’s an excerpt from that prayer that speaks to the fact that we’ve been entrusted with God’s people.

Notice what Jesus did for their sakes.  He sanctified Himself.  Why did He do that?  For their sakes.  In other words, He lived a holy, separate life first of all because He loved His Father God, but also because He loved His disciples and wanted to show them how to live a life that is pleasing to God (Matthew 17:5) and fruitful for the Lord’s glory (John 15:5-8). 

So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?”  He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” 

He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”  He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”  He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”  He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” 

He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?”  Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?”  And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”  Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep”.  John 21:15-17

If we understand that we’re entrusted with God’s people, we understand what Jesus was telling Peter.  Feeding and tending to His lambs, and feeding His sheep. 

Think about that for a moment.  Its amazing to me that our God would choose to entrust us with the task of feeding and caring for baby Christians, and nurture them along to live fruitful, triumphant lives as adult soldiers in the army of the Lord.  

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.  2 Timothy 2:1-2

Once we receive our salvation, our lives are no longer all about us.  Christians are supposed to live life with a much bigger picture in front of the them.  Jesus didn’t come down here to live a life of ease and selfish comfort. 

He came to help us.  He came to do what we couldn’t do for ourselves.  He did this, and then told us to have the same mindset when dealing with other believers.   

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.  Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.  Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 2:3-5

I’ve been entrusted.  You’ve been entrusted.  God’s people are precious to Him, and they must be to us as well. Never forget this truth: people are always watching and listening. God isn’t the only One who watches and listens to what we do or say. 

Other Christians are doing the same thing, at least as far as they can observe.  Take this responsibility seriously.

Don’t allow the sin of selfishness to make your life of none affect for the kingdom of God.  Encourage fellow Christians. We’ve been entrusted with God’s people, so we should always work to build them up – not tear them down. 

Rev. Jim Cobrae was my pastor who went home to his eternal reward in March 2024.  He used to repeatedly say something that resonates with me here. He would say you’ll only go as far as you’re encouraged! 

In the Bible, its called the gift of exhortation (Romans 12:8).  Be that kind of Christian. Encourage your spouse.  Encourage your children.  Encourage fellow ministers and believers.  And finally, be like David in 1 Samuel 30:7 KJV,  Encourage yourself in the Lord!