Deepening Our Connection with the Good Shepherd
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to honor Kurt Haasettler for his dedicated service to our church and to delve into the profound topic of our ongoing conversation with God, which we often refer to as prayer. We explored the concept of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, emphasizing the intimate relationship between the shepherd and his sheep, and how this relationship mirrors our connection with Christ. Jesus knows us, and we are called to know His voice and follow Him closely.
We discussed the importance of evaluating our spiritual lives, much like Dr. Deming's steps for quality control in business. This involves understanding our need for improvement, analyzing our current situation, and implementing countermeasures to enhance our relationship with God. One key measure of our spiritual health is our prayer life, which reflects the depth of our relationship with God.
We also touched on the concept of family resemblance within the body of Christ, where our spiritual DNA should reflect our love for God and others. This resemblance is evident when we are in close proximity to God and His people, as seen in the story of a mission trip to Korea where the unity in Christ was palpable despite cultural differences.
Listening to God is crucial in our spiritual journey. It requires focused, intentional time, physical proximity, and a deep relationship with Him. We must set aside dedicated time for prayer, create a sacred space for these conversations, and cultivate a close relationship with God to truly understand His voice.
Finally, we reflected on the importance of obedience to God's commands, not out of duty, but out of love and trust in His plan for our lives. This obedience preserves the most important part of us—our eternal soul—and leads to a fulfilling life here on earth. As we partake in the sacrament of communion, we are reminded of the closeness Jesus desires with us and the power of His sacrifice to bring us into a deeper relationship with Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. Intimacy with the Good Shepherd: Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, knows His sheep intimately, and they recognize His voice. This relationship calls us to be in close proximity to Him, listening and responding to His guidance. Our spiritual health is reflected in how well we know and follow His voice. [37:56]
2. Evaluating Our Spiritual Life: Just as in quality control, we must regularly assess our spiritual lives. This involves understanding our need for improvement, analyzing our current situation, and implementing measures to deepen our relationship with God. Our prayer life is a key indicator of our spiritual health. [40:53]
3. Family Resemblance in Christ: Within the body of Christ, there should be a spiritual family resemblance characterized by love for God and others. This resemblance becomes evident when we are in close proximity to God and His people, transcending cultural and external differences. [43:33]
4. The Importance of Listening: Listening to God requires focused, intentional time, physical proximity, and a deep relationship with Him. Setting aside dedicated time for prayer, creating a sacred space, and cultivating a close relationship with God are essential for truly understanding His voice. [56:53]
5. Obedience Out of Love: Obedience to God's commands should stem from love and trust in His plan for our lives, not out of duty. This obedience preserves our eternal soul and leads to a fulfilling life on earth. As we partake in communion, we are reminded of the closeness Jesus desires with us and the power of His sacrifice. [59:54]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[32:30] - Honoring Kurt Haasettler
[33:21] - Gifts for Kurt
[34:27] - Introduction to the Series
[35:06] - Quality Control in Spiritual Life
[35:47] - Jesus, the Good Shepherd
[37:12] - The Shepherd's Call
[37:56] - Knowing His Voice
[38:40] - Community Needs
[39:27] - Life's Questions and God's Plan
[40:53] - Evaluating Our Spiritual Health
[41:54] - Family Resemblance in Christ
[43:33] - Mission Trip to Korea
[45:06] - Obedience and God's Plan
[49:51] - Analyzing Our Prayer Life
[50:55] - Listening to the Holy Spirit
[56:53] - Proximity and Relationship
[59:54] - Passionate Conversation with God
[01:02:03] - Abiding in His Love
[01:05:27] - Communion
[01:18:22] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 10:14-15 (NIV) - "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "I am the good shepherd"? How does this relate to His relationship with His followers? ([36:34])
2. According to the sermon, what are some steps we can take to evaluate our spiritual health? ([35:47])
3. How did the pastor describe the concept of "family resemblance" within the body of Christ? ([41:54])
4. What are the three key ideas of listening to God mentioned in the sermon? ([50:55])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the analogy of Jesus as the Good Shepherd help us understand our relationship with Him? ([36:34])
2. Why is it important to regularly assess our spiritual lives, and what role does prayer play in this assessment? ([40:53])
3. In what ways can the concept of "family resemblance" in Christ be seen in our daily interactions with other believers? ([41:54])
4. How does setting aside focused, intentional time for prayer and listening to God impact our spiritual growth? ([50:55])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own prayer life. How well do you feel you know and recognize Jesus' voice? What steps can you take to improve this? ([37:56])
2. Think about your current spiritual health. What areas do you feel need improvement, and what specific actions can you take to address these areas? ([40:53])
3. How can you cultivate a "family resemblance" in Christ within your own community? What practical steps can you take to show love for God and others? ([41:54])
4. What are some ways you can create a sacred space for prayer and listening to God in your daily routine? ([50:55])
5. Reflect on a time when you felt God was speaking to you. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How can you be more attentive to God's voice in the future? ([56:53])
6. How does understanding God's commands as acts of love and trust, rather than duty, change your perspective on obedience? ([45:06])
7. As you partake in communion, how can you deepen your relationship with Jesus and remember the significance of His sacrifice in your daily life? ([01:05:27])
Devotional
Day 1: Intimacy with the Good Shepherd
Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, knows His sheep intimately, and they recognize His voice. This relationship calls us to be in close proximity to Him, listening and responding to His guidance. Our spiritual health is reflected in how well we know and follow His voice. The Good Shepherd's call is not just a distant echo but a personal invitation to each of us. He knows our names, our struggles, and our joys. In return, we are called to know His voice, to discern it amidst the noise of the world, and to follow Him with trust and obedience. This intimate relationship is the foundation of our faith and the measure of our spiritual health.
To cultivate this intimacy, we must spend time in His presence, through prayer, reading His Word, and being part of a community of believers. It is in these moments of closeness that we learn to recognize His voice and understand His will for our lives. As we grow in our relationship with Him, we become more attuned to His guidance and more willing to follow where He leads. [37:56]
John 10:14-15 (ESV): "I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep."
Reflection: How can you create more intentional time and space in your daily routine to listen for the voice of the Good Shepherd?
Day 2: Evaluating Our Spiritual Life
Just as in quality control, we must regularly assess our spiritual lives. This involves understanding our need for improvement, analyzing our current situation, and implementing measures to deepen our relationship with God. Our prayer life is a key indicator of our spiritual health. By evaluating our spiritual practices, we can identify areas where we may be lacking and take steps to grow closer to God. This process is not about self-criticism but about seeking continuous improvement in our walk with Christ.
Consider your current spiritual habits. Are you spending enough time in prayer? Are you engaging with Scripture regularly? Are you involved in a community of believers who encourage and challenge you? By honestly assessing these areas, you can develop a plan to strengthen your spiritual life and draw nearer to God. [40:53]
2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV): "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to improve your prayer life and deepen your relationship with God?
Day 3: Family Resemblance in Christ
Within the body of Christ, there should be a spiritual family resemblance characterized by love for God and others. This resemblance becomes evident when we are in close proximity to God and His people, transcending cultural and external differences. Our spiritual DNA should reflect the love, grace, and unity that come from being part of God's family. When we are closely connected to God and to each other, this family resemblance shines through in our actions and relationships.
This unity was powerfully demonstrated during a mission trip to Korea, where despite cultural differences, the unity in Christ was palpable. This experience reminds us that our bond in Christ transcends all barriers and that we are called to love and support one another as members of God's family. [43:33]
Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV): "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate the family resemblance of Christ in your interactions with others this week, especially those who are different from you?
Day 4: The Importance of Listening
Listening to God requires focused, intentional time, physical proximity, and a deep relationship with Him. Setting aside dedicated time for prayer, creating a sacred space, and cultivating a close relationship with God are essential for truly understanding His voice. In our busy lives, it can be challenging to find quiet moments to listen to God, but these moments are crucial for our spiritual growth and guidance.
To truly hear God's voice, we must be intentional about creating space for Him. This might mean setting aside a specific time each day for prayer and reflection, finding a quiet place where you can be alone with God, and being open to His leading in your life. As we listen to God, we become more attuned to His will and more able to follow His guidance. [56:53]
1 Kings 19:11-12 (ESV): "And he said, 'Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.' And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper."
Reflection: What specific changes can you make in your daily routine to ensure you have dedicated time and space to listen to God's voice?
Day 5: Obedience Out of Love
Obedience to God's commands should stem from love and trust in His plan for our lives, not out of duty. This obedience preserves our eternal soul and leads to a fulfilling life on earth. When we obey God out of love, we align our lives with His will and experience the fullness of His blessings. This kind of obedience is not about following rules but about trusting in God's goodness and His perfect plan for us.
As we partake in communion, we are reminded of the closeness Jesus desires with us and the power of His sacrifice to bring us into a deeper relationship with Him. Communion is a powerful reminder of the love and grace that Jesus extends to us and the call to live in obedience to Him. [59:54]
John 14:23 (ESV): "Jesus answered him, 'If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to obey God? How can you shift your perspective to see obedience as an act of love and trust in His plan?
Quotes
1. "The sheep know the voice of their shepherd. It's their shepherd that has cared for them. The shepherd that has fed them. The shepherd that has kept them safe. And because they've been in close proximity with the shepherd, when he calls, they come running and they don't have to go through and sort the sheep. And so it's on the scope of that that Jesus says, I am the good shepherd." [37:12] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I think God hears and looks at those thoughts and those questions, and he, I don't know, God isn't like this. But if I were God, do you ever think about if you were God? If I were God, I would just go, ugh. But God, God gently says to us, I've got a plan. Your very design is for you to be in conversation with me through life. I love you. I want you close to me. And when you're not close to me, and when you're not in the body of Christ, all of life is more stressful." [40:17] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Your pattern of conversation with God or your prayer matches your depth of relationship with God. So maybe kind of looking at our prayer life is one of the ways that we can take our pulse. Maybe looking at our conversation with God is one of the ways of kind of considering what it is that might need improving as we're trying to push back the confusion of life and all the stress and all the chaos that's kind of going on out there." [40:53] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "In the body of Christ, there's to be a family resemblance. In the body of Christ, there's a family resemblance. What is that? What's it look like? I was on the phone with a friend of mine, who had just gotten back from a mission trip in Korea. He had spent over a week and a half, close to two weeks in Korea. Came back so excited and so pumped. But on about the second or third day, they were in a bilingual church, and they were worshiping both in Korean and English." [42:22] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So much of the stress of life fades when we know we're walking in God's plan. Not everybody's plan is going to look like mine. By the way, the church doesn't work if everybody's plan is wrong. Everybody's plan looks like me. The business model doesn't work. We don't reach enough people. It just doesn't work. We're all called to our own mission in our own circles of influence so that we can reach the people that God has called us to reach as a body." [49:12] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The greatest countermeasure to living a self-centered life is listening to the Holy Spirit because the Holy Spirit will counter that by bringing God's DNA into your life and you will begin to realize you're loving God more passionately, you're loving others more than you ever have before because the Holy Spirit is living from the inside out." [50:55] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Listening requires focused, intentional time. Focused, intentional time. Remember our challenge has been 15 minutes in the morning. 15 minutes at night if you're not already doing that. And if you're doing that, add 15 minutes to it. And so if that's our challenge, what's part of that? Just sending up a bunch of words to God? Well, that could be a part of it, but a large part of it needs to be listening, listening. Maybe reading a small passage and just asking God what He has to say to you through that passage." [51:29] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The closer they were to Jesus, the more clearly they heard the voice from him. So, listening requires proximity. And listening, third, requires relationship. And relationship is what equals understanding. And so the idea here is real, what I consider the basis of communication theory. The basis of communication theory, the theory is, on this side, there's the sender of a message. On this side, here's the receiver of the message. And the message goes through here. But in between, there are barriers." [56:53] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "God doesn't intend for our conversation to be a duty. His intention is that we approach it as He does, with passion to the point of obsession. I've said this before. If God has a refrigerator, your picture is magnated to the refrigerator. He is wild about you. He wants to talk with you. He loves you. And His conversations come from a point of passion. Passion and obsession. And He doesn't invite us into conversation from the point of duty or some sort of religious system." [01:00:40] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The solution is, Jesus says, abide in my love, stay close to me, keep my commands. This keeping my commands will protect the most important part of you, the eternal part. So our challenge is the same as it has been for the last two weeks. If you're not already doing this, set aside a minimum of 15 minutes, just you and God, time in the morning and at night. Start that time, praise, adoration, tell him how much you love him. But spend some time listening." [01:02:03] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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