Embracing the Good Shepherd's Intimate Care

 

Summary

Beloved congregation, as we gathered today, I shared a message about the intimate relationship between a shepherd and his sheep, drawing parallels to our relationship with the Lord. Just as a shepherd knows each of his sheep, even in a vast flock, so too does our Savior know us intimately. We delved into the profound truth that Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd, knows us better than we know ourselves, and it is through this knowledge that He guides us away from danger and towards His loving embrace.

We explored the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives, acting as a divine alarm system, prompting us to return to the safety of our Shepherd's care when we stray. We were reminded that sorrow often stems from sin, but thanks be to God, we have been given the power to overcome sin, sorrow, and even death.

Our sermon took us through the comforting words of Psalm 23, emphasizing that the Lord is not only our provider but is everything we need. Whether we hunger, thirst, or find ourselves lost in darkness, Christ is our sustenance, our direction, and our light. We were encouraged to embrace Jesus as our Lord, for only then can He truly be our Shepherd.

We also touched on the current state of our world, filled with division and falsehoods, and the solace we can find in the timeless truth of God's Word. Music, a gift from God, was highlighted as a means to soothe our souls and bring us peace in tumultuous times.

As we concluded, we were called to examine whether we can truly say, "The Lord is my Shepherd." This personal declaration of faith is the key to unlocking the fullness of God's blessings. We were invited to come to Jesus, regardless of our past, and to find in Him a Shepherd who leads, looks after, and loves us unconditionally.

Key Takeaways:

- The intimate knowledge a shepherd has of his sheep is a reflection of how well Jesus knows us. He is aware of our weaknesses and tendencies to stray, yet He lovingly guides us back to safety. This understanding should comfort us, knowing that we are never beyond His watchful eye or His capacity to bring us back into the fold. [29:03]

- The Holy Spirit serves as our spiritual alarm system, convicting us when we wander from God's path. This divine intervention is a testament to God's proactive love for us, ensuring that we are not left to our own devices but are constantly shepherded towards righteousness. [29:40]

- Our relationship with Christ is not just about what He provides but who He is to us. He embodies everything we need, and in recognizing Him as our all-in-all, we find contentment and fulfillment. This perspective shifts our focus from seeking material provision to deepening our relationship with Him. [30:56]

- The power of music, a divine gift, to heal and soothe our spirits is a reminder of God's care for our well-being. In times of stress and uncertainty, turning to music can be a form of worship and a way to connect with the peace that only God can provide. [05:34]

- The personal claim of the Lord as our Shepherd is essential for the promises of Psalm 23 to be applicable to us. It is a declaration of faith and an acceptance of God's grace. When we make this claim, we enter into a covenant relationship where His provision and care become active in our lives. [26:41]

May these insights from today's sermon enrich your spiritual journey and draw you closer to the heart of our Good Shepherd.

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Psalm 23: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

#### Observation Questions
1. What are the key roles of a shepherd as described in Psalm 23?
2. According to the sermon, how does the Holy Spirit act as a "divine alarm system" for believers? [29:40]
3. What are the four characteristics of sheep mentioned in the sermon, and how do they relate to our need for a shepherd? [11:26]
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between music and our spiritual well-being? [05:34]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. In what ways does Psalm 23 illustrate the intimate relationship between the shepherd and the sheep? How does this reflect our relationship with Jesus?
2. How does the sermon explain the significance of the phrase "The Lord is my Shepherd" in terms of personal faith and trust in God? [26:41]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and protecting believers? How does this compare to the role of a shepherd? [29:40]
4. How does the sermon connect the current state of the world with the timeless truth of God's Word and the comfort found in Psalm 23? [01:35]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt lost or in danger. How did you experience God's guidance and protection during that time? How can you be more aware of His presence in your daily life?
2. The sermon mentions that Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves. How does this truth impact your trust in His guidance and decisions for your life? [29:03]
3. How can you be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's promptings in your life, especially when you are tempted to stray from God's path? [29:40]
4. Music is described as a divine gift that can soothe our souls. What type of music helps you feel closer to God, and how can you incorporate it into your spiritual practices? [05:34]
5. The sermon challenges us to personally declare, "The Lord is my Shepherd." What steps can you take this week to deepen your relationship with Jesus and make this declaration more meaningful in your life? [26:41]
6. Considering the current state of the world, how can you find and share the peace and truth of God's Word with others who are struggling with division and falsehoods? [01:35]
7. Identify one area of your life where you feel a lack or need. How can you trust God to provide for this need, and what practical steps can you take to rely on Him more fully? [19:08]

Devotional

Day 1: Recognizing the Shepherd's Intimate Knowledge
The Good Shepherd has an intimate understanding of each sheep in His flock, akin to how Jesus knows every detail about us. This knowledge is not superficial; it extends to the deepest parts of our being, encompassing our strengths, weaknesses, and the very essence of who we are. It is a comforting thought that, like a shepherd who can pick out one sheep from hundreds, Jesus recognizes us individually and cares for us with a personalized attention that is unmatched. He sees when we stray and gently guides us back to the path of righteousness, always with a heart full of love and a desire for our well-being.

This intimate knowledge means that we are never invisible or forgotten. Even when we feel lost in the crowd or overwhelmed by the world around us, we can rest assured that our Savior is aware of our situation and is actively involved in our lives. His watchful eye and guiding hand are constant, even when we are unaware of His presence. This understanding should fill us with peace, knowing that we are always within His loving grasp. [29:03]

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: In what ways have you experienced the personal knowledge and care of Jesus in your life, and how can you become more attuned to His presence and guidance?

Day 2: Heeding the Holy Spirit's Promptings
The Holy Spirit acts as our spiritual alarm system, alerting us when we begin to wander away from the path God has set for us. This divine mechanism is a testament to God's proactive love, ensuring that we are not left to our own flawed judgment but are lovingly corrected and guided back to righteousness. When the Holy Spirit convicts us, it is not to condemn but to draw us closer to the heart of God, where we find true safety and peace.

The promptings of the Holy Spirit can come in various forms—through Scripture, prayer, other believers, or even through circumstances. These promptings are not to be ignored; they are the means by which God communicates His will and His love for us. By being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's guidance, we can avoid the pitfalls that lead to sorrow and instead walk in the joy and freedom that come from obedience to God's word. [29:40]

1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 (ESV)
"Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil."

Reflection: Can you recall a time when the Holy Spirit prompted you to change course, and how did you respond? What can you do to become more receptive to these divine promptings?

Day 3: Christ as Our All-in-All
Our relationship with Christ transcends the mere provision of our physical needs; He is the embodiment of everything we require. Recognizing Jesus as our all-in-all shifts our focus from seeking material blessings to deepening our spiritual connection with Him. In Him, we find sustenance for our souls, direction when we are lost, and light in the darkest of circumstances. This profound truth brings contentment and fulfillment that cannot be found in the transient things of this world.

Embracing Christ as our all-in-all means that we look to Him for our identity, purpose, and strength. It is in the fullness of His presence that we experience the peace and joy that come from being in a relationship with our Creator. As we grow in our understanding of who Jesus is and all that He offers, we learn to rely on Him in every aspect of our lives, finding that He is indeed sufficient for all our needs. [30:56]

Colossians 2:9-10 (ESV)
"For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority."

Reflection: What does it mean for you to see Jesus as your all-in-all, and how can you practice relying on Him more than on worldly resources?

Day 4: The Healing Power of Divine Music
Music, a divine gift, has the power to heal and soothe our spirits, especially in times of stress and uncertainty. It is a form of worship that can connect us to the peace that only God can provide. When we engage with music that glorifies God, it can lift our spirits, calm our minds, and bring us into a closer relationship with our Creator. The melodies and harmonies can transcend words, reaching deep into our souls to bring comfort and hope.

Incorporating music into our daily lives as a spiritual practice can enhance our connection to God. It can be a powerful tool in our worship, prayer, and meditation, helping us to express our emotions and thoughts to God in a way that words alone cannot. As we allow the gift of music to fill our hearts, we can experience a sense of divine solace that carries us through the challenges we face. [05:34]

Ephesians 5:18-19 (ESV)
"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,"

Reflection: How can you incorporate music into your daily spiritual practice, and what are some ways that music has brought you closer to God?

Day 5: Embracing the Lord as Our Shepherd
The personal declaration that "The Lord is my Shepherd" is a powerful statement of faith and acceptance of God's grace. It is the key to unlocking the fullness of God's blessings in our lives. When we make this claim, we enter into a covenant relationship with God, where His provision, guidance, and care become active and tangible. This declaration is not a mere utterance but a commitment to trust and follow the Good Shepherd wherever He may lead.

To embrace Jesus as our Shepherd is to acknowledge our need for His leadership and to surrender our will to His. It is to accept His unconditional love and to find rest in His promises of protection and provision. As we come to Jesus, regardless of our past, we find a Shepherd who leads us with wisdom, looks after us with diligence, and loves us without condition. [26:41]

Isaiah 40:11 (ESV)
"He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young."

Reflection: Reflect on your personal declaration of the Lord as your Shepherd. How does this shape your daily life, and in what ways can you more fully embrace His guidance and care?

Quotes

"Jesus knows me much better than I know me and I know me much better than you know me. I know where my pitfalls are, I know where my blind spots are, I know the areas of my life where I'm prone to wander like a sheep away from the Lord Jesus." [29:03] ( | | )

"The Lord cannot become your Shepherd until the shepherd becomes your lord. If Jesus Christ is not your lord, then he is not your Shepherd." [30:20] ( | | )

"Christ is everything that we need. If you're hungry, he's the bread of life; if you're thirsty, he's the living water; if you're confused, he is the truth; if you're lost, he is the way; if you're in the dark, he is the light of the world." [30:56] ( | | )

"Our Shepherd is a full service Shepherd, he takes care of everything that we need. We don't need to do it ourselves, our Shepherd covers it." [14:45] ( | | )

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in Green Pastures, he leads me beside Still Waters, he restores my soul." [08:27] ( | | )

"The shepherd who leads me will never leave me, even if I tend to wander away from him, he will never let go of me. Jesus knows what I do not know, he sees what I cannot see, he hears what I do not hear." [18:29] ( | | )

"The Lord has made himself responsible for meeting our needs. I don't know about you, but that gives me great joy, that gives me great peace, because the shepherd who has everything, who is everywhere, who can do everything, has guaranteed to meet whatever needs that I have." [17:13] ( | | )

"The Lord is my Shepherd if he is your Shepherd, there is nothing that you're going to lack because you have a Shepherd that looks after you." [26:06] ( | | )

"The little word 'my' is the golden key that unlocks the treasure chest of God's blessing. Can you say that the Lord is your Shepherd? Is he your personal savior?" [26:41] ( | | )

"Music promotes the production of an antibody called immunoglobulin A that attacks viruses and bacteria. God gave us music to help us deal with stress, to make us healthier and happier." [05:34] ( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
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