“The Call to Follow the Good Shepherd” August 17, 2008
John 10:1-10
Characteristics of Sheep (Isaiah 53:6)- Stubborn, proud, have sheep mentality in following the easy path of the crowd blindly, but are prone to get lost, don’t take care of themselves, need endless meticulous care, timid, helpless, must flee danger or will die, bear the mark of their shepherd.
“For you were like sheep
going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your
souls.” 1 Peter 2:25
POINT 1- God has called us to KNOW and follow the Good
Shepherd
A. The true and good shepherd will enter sheepfold by the
DOOR
(Sheepfold,
noun- enclosure to protect sheep from thieves and predators; built by the
shepherd for his sheep.
Sheepfold, verb- to manage sheep as shepherd sees fit
so they can flourish)
B. The true and good shepherd’s relationship with the
sheep is PERSONAL
(Matt
10:30; Psalm 139; Owns us-1 Cor 6:19; Cares for us- 1 Peter 5:7)
SHEPHERD SPEAKS
through Word of God, His Spirit, others
C. The true and good shepherd is one who LEADS the
sheep with His voice.
(Inspection-
Heb 4:13; John 14:15; Voice of world- Jam 4:4; 1 John 2:15; Col 2:8;
The
trusted VOICE brings excitement, joy, peace, comfort, relief, adventure!)
ILL- COMPASS
problems in car
Going God is calling you to know Jesus personally
and follow no others!
Deeper
(1 Cor 6:18; 2 Tim 2:22; 1
Tim 6:3-11; 1 Cor 10:14)
POINT 2- God has called us to RECEIVE and follow the
Good Shepherd
A.
The true and good shepherd is
the DOOR of the sheep.
(Jesus
is the ONLY entrance to the kingdom of God- contrast Mat 23:13)
B.
The true and the good shepherd’s
sheep don’t hear/follow OTHERS
(False
shepherds: Ezekiel 34:14-16; Mat 24:4-5; John 14:6)
C.
The true and good shepherd
saved His sheep and gives them LIFE
(we
find pasture, protection, provision, peace, and ownership in Jesus)
Deeper
“I have come that they
may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”
John 10:10b