Assurance and Security in Christ: The Good Shepherd
Summary
This morning, we gathered in the presence of God, inviting the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts and minds as we worshiped together. We lifted up prayers for those in need, for our leaders, and especially for mothers on this special day, recognizing the unique and God-given role they play in our lives. We also prayed for our nation, for revival, and for the peace of Jerusalem, remembering that God calls us to intercede for those in authority and for the world around us.
Turning to John 10:22-30, we explored the profound assurance Jesus gives as the Good Shepherd. The heart of this passage is the doctrine of eternal security—our confidence that once we are truly part of Christ’s flock, our salvation is secure, not because of our own efforts, but because of the faithfulness and power of the Shepherd. Jesus makes it clear that the sheep are known by Him, hear His voice, and follow Him. This relationship is not based on outward appearances or religious activity, but on a genuine, personal connection with Christ. The sheep’s security rests not in their grip on the Shepherd, but in the Shepherd’s grip on them.
We reflected on the reality that salvation is a gift of grace—unearned and unmerited. What begins by grace is sustained by grace. Eternal life is not something we hope to receive one day, but a present reality for those who believe. Jesus promises not a temporary reprieve, but eternal life, and no one can snatch us from His hand or the Father’s hand. This double security is the anchor for our souls, freeing us from fear and anxiety about our standing with God.
We also acknowledged that while Christians may stumble or struggle, our salvation is not lost by our failures. Instead, we are called to rest in the assurance of God’s love and to respond to His voice with obedience and trust. This security empowers us to live joyfully and productively, knowing that our future is held firmly in God’s hands. As we celebrated communion, we remembered the sacrifice of Christ that makes this security possible, and we were sent out to love and serve as faithful witnesses, confident in the eternal grip of our Shepherd.
Key Takeaways
- True security in Christ is not based on our ability to hold on to God, but on God’s unwavering grip on us. The Good Shepherd takes full responsibility for the safety and destiny of His sheep, relieving us from the anxiety of self-salvation and inviting us to rest in His faithfulness. [27:26]
- The evidence of being part of Christ’s flock is not outward conformity or religious activity, but a heart that knows and responds to the Shepherd’s voice. This relationship is marked by intimacy—He knows us, we know Him, and our lives are shaped by following Him, not by mere ritual or performance. [30:49]
- Salvation is a gift received by grace, not a prize earned by works. If we could not earn our way into God’s family, we cannot lose our place by our failures. The same grace that saves us is the grace that keeps us, making our security in Christ unshakeable. [36:13]
- Eternal life is not a future hope, but a present possession for those who believe. Jesus gives us eternal life now, not just after death, and this life is truly eternal—unending and irrevocable. If it could be lost, it would not be eternal. [38:58]
- Assurance of salvation brings deep peace and freedom, enabling us to live joyfully and serve fruitfully. When we rest in the certainty of God’s love and protection, we are freed from fear and empowered to follow Christ wholeheartedly, knowing that nothing can separate us from His love. [40:37]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[03:00] - Prayers for the Congregation and Leaders
[06:30] - Intercession for Nation and Spiritual Authorities
[08:51] - Declaration of Faith and Confession
[13:54] - Blessing the Children
[15:00] - Introduction to John 10 and Prayer for Illumination
[17:00] - The “Shaved by Grace” Story and Eternal Security
[24:13] - The Burden of Salvation and the Shepherd’s Role
[27:26] - Knowing the Shepherd’s Voice
[30:49] - The Nature of True Sheep and Relationship with God
[33:30] - The New Nature and Following Christ
[36:13] - Grace: The Foundation of Security
[38:58] - Eternal Life: Present and Permanent
[40:37] - Double Security: In the Father’s and Son’s Hands
[43:25] - Prayer of Thanksgiving and Rest in God
[44:20] - Invitation to Ministry and Communion
[57:58] - The Great Thanksgiving and Communion Liturgy
[01:02:40] - The Lord’s Prayer and Communion Instructions
[01:14:14] - Final Blessing and Sending Forth
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Good Shepherd and Our Eternal Security
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### Bible Reading
John 10:22-30
> 22 Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24 The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
> 25 Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Jesus in John 10:27, what are the three characteristics of His sheep?
2. What does Jesus promise about the security of His sheep in verses 28-29?
3. In the sermon, what analogy did the pastor use to describe the security of believers in Christ? ([40:37])
4. What is the difference between being “safe” and being “secure” as explained in the sermon? ([38:58])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize that no one can snatch His sheep out of His hand or the Father’s hand? What does this say about the nature of our relationship with God? ([40:37])
2. The sermon says that salvation is a gift received by grace, not a prize earned by works. How does this understanding affect the way a believer views their failures or struggles? ([36:13])
3. The pastor mentioned that the evidence of being part of Christ’s flock is not outward conformity or religious activity, but a heart that knows and responds to the Shepherd’s voice. What might this look like in everyday life? ([30:49])
4. How does the assurance of eternal life as a present reality (not just a future hope) change the way a Christian lives? ([38:58])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon said, “True security in Christ is not based on our ability to hold on to God, but on God’s unwavering grip on us.” Are there areas in your life where you feel like you have to “hold on” to God by your own effort? How might you let go and trust His grip instead? ([27:26])
2. Jesus says His sheep “hear His voice.” What are some practical ways you can tune your heart to recognize and respond to Jesus’ voice this week? ([27:26])
3. The pastor shared that even when Christians stumble or struggle, their salvation is not lost. Is there a past failure or ongoing struggle that makes you doubt your security in Christ? How can you bring that to God and rest in His grace? ([38:58])
4. The sermon described a “double security”—that we are in both Jesus’ and the Father’s hands. How does this truth impact your sense of peace or anxiety about your relationship with God? ([40:37])
5. The message said, “Eternal life is not a future hope, but a present possession.” In what ways can you live more fully in the reality of eternal life today, rather than just waiting for heaven? ([38:58])
6. The pastor mentioned that assurance of salvation brings deep peace and freedom, enabling us to live joyfully and serve fruitfully. Is there a specific area where fear or insecurity is holding you back from serving or loving others? What step could you take to move forward in faith? ([40:37])
7. Communion was described as a time to remember Christ’s sacrifice and our security in Him. How might participating in communion with this understanding change your experience of it next time? ([44:20])
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Closing Prayer:
Invite the group to thank God for His faithfulness as the Good Shepherd, and to ask for help to rest in His love and security this week.
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus, the Good Shepherd, Secures Our Salvation
Jesus uses the image of the shepherd and his sheep to assure us that our eternal security rests not on our own efforts, but on his unwavering commitment and power. He is both the author and the finisher of our faith, taking full responsibility for our salvation from beginning to end. This means that our place in God’s family is not something we must anxiously maintain by our own strength, but a gift we receive and a relationship we are invited to rest in. The Shepherd’s grip is strong, and no one can snatch us from his hand. [27:26]
John 10:27-30 (ESV)
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel anxious about your standing with God? How can you rest today in the assurance that Jesus holds you securely in his hand?
Day 2: Knowing and Following the Shepherd’s Voice
True sheep are marked by a personal relationship with the Shepherd—they know his voice, are known by him, and follow where he leads. This relationship is not about outward appearances or religious activity, but about a heart that is attuned to Jesus, responding to his call and desiring to walk in his ways. The Shepherd’s voice brings comfort, direction, and belonging, restoring what was lost in the fall and drawing us into deep fellowship with God and with one another. [30:49]
John 10:27 (ESV)
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."
Reflection: How have you sensed Jesus speaking to you recently? What is one way you can intentionally listen for and respond to his voice today?
Day 3: Salvation Is a Gift of Grace, Not Earned by Works
Eternal life is not a reward for good behavior, nor is it something we can lose by our failures. It is a gift of grace—unmerited, unearned favor from God. The same grace that saves us is the grace that keeps us, and our security is not based on our performance but on God’s faithfulness. This truth brings freedom from fear and striving, inviting us to live joyfully and confidently as beloved children of God. [36:13]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: Where do you find yourself trying to earn God’s approval or fearing you might lose it? How can you embrace the reality of God’s unearned grace in your life today?
Day 4: The New Nature and the Call to Follow
When we are born again, God gives us a new nature that desires to follow him and be holy as he is holy. Though the old nature still wars against the new, those who truly belong to Christ have an inner longing to obey and draw near to God. This transformation is evidence of genuine faith, and as we yield to the Spirit, we grow in likeness to our Shepherd, following him more closely each day. [33:30]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: What is one area where your new nature is prompting you to follow Jesus more closely? What step of obedience can you take today in response?
Day 5: Resting in the Peace and Security of Christ
Because our salvation is anchored in Christ and not in ourselves, we can experience true peace and security. Even when we stumble or struggle, we remain in the grip of the Good Shepherd, whose promise is eternal life, not temporary safety. This assurance frees us from fear and empowers us to live productively and joyfully in God’s kingdom, knowing that nothing can separate us from his love. [40:37]
Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)
"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Reflection: What fear or doubt do you need to surrender to Jesus today so you can rest in his peace and security?
Quotes
Jesus is the author and the finisher of our salvation. He is the initiator of this relationship that you have with God, and he is solely responsible for the final outcome. We are saved by grace, which is unmerited and unearned favor with God. And what began by grace is sustained by grace, that unearned and unmerited favor. [00:27:56] (33 seconds)
Notice that eternal life is not something we eventually get when we die. Jesus did not say, I will give you eternal life. He said, I gave them eternal life, past tense. Eternal life is not something you get when you die. It is something you have when you believe.And it's not something you will get in the sweet by and by. It's something you have in the nasty now and now. [00:38:23] (25 seconds)
But then Jesus goes further. He declares that God then is responsible for holding on to us and keeping us safe once we've been given that new nature. Look at verse 29. My Father, who has given them to me, meaning the sheep, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of my Father's hand, and I and the Father are one. [00:35:33] (28 seconds)
When you give your life to Christ, he puts you under the warranty of God.And his warranty never runs out. Now, he didn't say we would never backslide. A Christian can stumble, can slide. He may stagger. He may trip up occasionally, and he will sin sometimes, but he will never lose his salvation because of it. We're safe in that. [00:39:44] (26 seconds)
But we're not just safe, we're also secure. You can be safe without being secure. For example, suppose you're in a cabin out in the woods and a bear is trying to get in to eat you, and you slam the front door, and you're safe for a time, but as the bear pounds on the door, a crack appears in the wood, and you're still safe for a little while until that door finally gives way.And though it may take him a while, your safety is temporary, but your security is not. [00:40:10] (33 seconds)
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