Finding the Good Life with the Shepherd
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound truths found in Psalm 23, focusing on the concept of the "good life" as defined by different generations and contrasting it with the biblical perspective. The builder generation equated the good life with stability, the boomers with possessions, and millennials with experiences. However, the Bible offers a different answer: the good life is found in a relationship with and proximity to the Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
Psalm 23, written by David, provides a roadmap for living this good life. It begins with the declaration, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want," emphasizing that everything we need is found in our relationship with Christ. The psalm then takes us through three stages: the pasture, the valley, and the table. Each stage reveals different aspects of God's care and provision.
In the pasture, God makes us lie down in green pastures and leads us beside still waters, restoring our souls. This stage teaches us that true rest and contentment come from Christ alone, not from external circumstances or material possessions. The valley, often the most challenging part of our journey, is where our faith is tested. Yet, even in the valley of the shadow of death, we need not fear because God is with us, His rod and staff comforting us. This stage reminds us that God is our protector and guide, even in the darkest times.
Finally, we arrive at the table, a place of eternal celebration and victory. Here, God prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies, anoints our heads with oil, and our cups overflow. This stage symbolizes the ultimate fulfillment and eternal joy we will experience in God's presence.
Throughout these stages, the key to contentment and fulfillment is a deep, personal relationship with the Shepherd. Whether we are in the pasture, the valley, or at the table, our proximity to Christ is what sustains us. Today, we are invited to examine what we truly trust in and to surrender to the Shepherd who leads us to the good life.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Good Life Defined by Christ: The good life is not about stability, possessions, or experiences but about a relationship with and proximity to Jesus Christ. This relationship provides everything we need for true contentment and fulfillment. [38:24]
2. Rest in the Shepherd: True rest is found in Christ alone. Vacations and material comforts may offer temporary relief, but only Jesus can provide the deep, soul-restoring rest we need. We must learn to rest in His presence rather than constantly seeking external solutions. [49:20]
3. God's Guidance in the Valley: Even in the darkest valleys, God is with us, guiding and protecting us. His rod and staff comfort us, reminding us that He is in control and capable of defending us against any adversity. This assurance allows us to face life's challenges with confidence. [01:00:12]
4. Transformation Through Belief: True belief in God is demonstrated through our actions. It's not enough to intellectually assent to faith; our lives must reflect our trust in Him. God desires to change us, not just save us, leading us to live out our faith in tangible ways. [54:33]
5. Eternal Victory at the Table: The ultimate destination for believers is the table prepared by God, symbolizing eternal victory and joy. Here, we will experience God's infinite resources and eternal presence, free from the enemies that plagued us in life. This hope sustains us through all stages of our journey. [01:02:32]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[33:18] - Introduction to Young Adults Ministry
[34:30] - Prayer for the Message
[35:40] - Generational Views on the Good Life
[37:31] - Psalm 23: The Good Life According to the Bible
[38:24] - Relationship with the Shepherd
[39:03] - The Valley of the Shadow of Death
[39:43] - The Table Prepared by God
[40:26] - Contentment in All Stages
[41:19] - Christ Alone is Enough
[42:43] - Identifying False Gods
[45:02] - The Pasture: Rest and Restoration
[49:20] - True Rest in Christ
[51:10] - Jesus as the Water that Quenches
[53:10] - God Wants to Change You
[54:33] - Belief Demonstrated Through Action
[57:04] - The Valley: Trusting God's Guidance
[01:00:12] - The Rod and the Staff
[01:02:32] - The Table: Eternal Victory
[01:06:05] - Invitation to Surrender to the Shepherd
[01:07:08] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Psalm 23
- Matthew 11:28
- John 4:14
### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 23, what are the three stages of the journey with the Shepherd? ([39:43])
2. What does David declare at the beginning of Psalm 23 about his relationship with the Lord? ([38:24])
3. In Matthew 11:28, what does Jesus promise to those who come to Him?
4. How does Jesus describe the water He gives in John 4:14?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of the "good life" differ between the builder generation, the boomer generation, and the millennial generation, and how does it contrast with the biblical perspective? ([35:40])
2. What does it mean to find true rest in Christ alone, as opposed to seeking rest in vacations or material comforts? ([49:20])
3. How does the presence of God in the valley of the shadow of death provide comfort and guidance according to Psalm 23? ([39:03])
4. What does it mean for God to change us, not just save us, and how should this belief be reflected in our actions? ([54:33])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own definition of the "good life." How does it align or differ from the biblical perspective of a relationship with and proximity to Jesus Christ? ([38:24])
2. Think about a time when you sought rest through external means (e.g., vacations, material possessions). How did that compare to the rest you find in Christ? What steps can you take to seek rest in Him more consistently? ([49:20])
3. When have you experienced a "valley" in your life? How did you sense God's presence and guidance during that time? How can you remind yourself of His presence in future valleys? ([39:03])
4. Identify an area in your life where you might be making a gift from God into a god. How can you reorient your focus to find contentment in the Shepherd alone? ([42:43])
5. Consider a recent challenge or difficult situation you faced. How did you respond? What might it look like to trust in God's rod and staff for protection and guidance in similar future situations? ([01:00:12])
6. How can you demonstrate your belief in God through your actions this week? Identify one specific way you can live out your faith in a tangible manner. ([54:33])
7. Reflect on the hope of eternal victory at the table prepared by God. How does this hope sustain you through the different stages of your journey? How can you share this hope with others? ([01:02:32])
Devotional
### Day 1: The Good Life Defined by Christ
The good life is not about stability, possessions, or experiences but about a relationship with and proximity to Jesus Christ. This relationship provides everything we need for true contentment and fulfillment. [38:24]
In today's world, different generations have their own definitions of what constitutes a "good life." The builder generation often equates it with stability and security, the boomers with material possessions, and millennials with unique experiences. However, the Bible offers a radically different perspective. According to Psalm 23, the good life is found in a relationship with Jesus Christ, our Shepherd. This relationship is the source of all we need for true contentment and fulfillment.
Psalm 23 begins with the declaration, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." This statement underscores that everything we need is found in our relationship with Christ. Unlike the fleeting satisfaction that comes from material possessions or temporary experiences, a relationship with Jesus offers lasting contentment and fulfillment. This is the essence of the good life as defined by the Bible.
Bible Passage:
"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" (Hebrews 13:5, ESV)
Reflection:
What are some things you currently rely on for happiness and fulfillment? How can you shift your focus to deepen your relationship with Jesus instead?
### Day 2: Rest in the Shepherd
True rest is found in Christ alone. Vacations and material comforts may offer temporary relief, but only Jesus can provide the deep, soul-restoring rest we need. We must learn to rest in His presence rather than constantly seeking external solutions. [49:20]
In our fast-paced world, many people seek rest and relaxation through vacations, hobbies, or material comforts. While these can offer temporary relief, they often fail to provide the deep, soul-restoring rest that we truly need. Psalm 23 teaches us that true rest is found in Christ alone. "He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul."
This passage emphasizes that it is God who provides the rest and restoration we need. When we learn to rest in His presence, we find a peace that surpasses all understanding. This rest is not dependent on our external circumstances but is rooted in our relationship with Jesus. By spending time in prayer, reading Scripture, and meditating on God's promises, we can experience the true rest that only He can provide.
Bible Passage:
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:28-29, ESV)
Reflection:
What are some ways you can intentionally create space in your daily routine to rest in God's presence?
### Day 3: God's Guidance in the Valley
Even in the darkest valleys, God is with us, guiding and protecting us. His rod and staff comfort us, reminding us that He is in control and capable of defending us against any adversity. This assurance allows us to face life's challenges with confidence. [01:00:12]
Life is filled with challenges and difficult seasons, often referred to as "valleys." These can be times of loss, uncertainty, or hardship. Psalm 23 reassures us that even in the darkest valleys, God is with us. "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."
God's presence in the valley is a source of comfort and strength. His rod and staff symbolize His guidance and protection. Knowing that God is in control and capable of defending us against any adversity allows us to face life's challenges with confidence. We can trust that He will lead us through the valley and into a place of safety and peace.
Bible Passage:
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10, ESV)
Reflection:
Think about a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you rely on God's guidance and protection to navigate through this valley?
### Day 4: Transformation Through Belief
True belief in God is demonstrated through our actions. It's not enough to intellectually assent to faith; our lives must reflect our trust in Him. God desires to change us, not just save us, leading us to live out our faith in tangible ways. [54:33]
Belief in God is more than just intellectual assent; it requires a transformation of the heart and mind that is evident in our actions. Psalm 23 illustrates this transformation through the imagery of the Shepherd leading and caring for His sheep. When we truly believe in God, our lives will reflect that belief in tangible ways.
God desires not only to save us but also to change us. This transformation is a process that involves surrendering our will to His and allowing Him to shape us into the people He created us to be. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, our actions will increasingly align with His will, demonstrating our faith to the world around us.
Bible Passage:
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
Reflection:
In what areas of your life do you need to allow God to bring about transformation? How can you demonstrate your belief in God through your actions today?
### Day 5: Eternal Victory at the Table
The ultimate destination for believers is the table prepared by God, symbolizing eternal victory and joy. Here, we will experience God's infinite resources and eternal presence, free from the enemies that plagued us in life. This hope sustains us through all stages of our journey. [01:02:32]
Psalm 23 culminates in the image of a table prepared by God, symbolizing eternal victory and joy. "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." This table represents the ultimate fulfillment and eternal joy we will experience in God's presence.
At this table, we will enjoy God's infinite resources and eternal presence, free from the enemies and challenges that plagued us in life. This hope sustains us through all stages of our journey, reminding us that our ultimate destination is a place of eternal celebration and victory. As we navigate the pastures and valleys of life, we can look forward to the day when we will sit at God's table and experience the fullness of His love and provision.
Bible Passage:
"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.'" (Revelation 21:3-4, ESV)
Reflection:
How does the promise of eternal victory and joy at God's table influence the way you live your life today? What steps can you take to keep this hope at the forefront of your mind?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The Bible tells us exactly how to live the good life, and it's very different from all of these generations. It's not stability like the builders. It's not possession like the boomers. It's not experience like the millennials. Instead, it is relationship with and proximity to the shepherd." [37:31] (18 seconds)
2. "If I have the shepherd, I have everything that I need. Some of your translations say, I have all that I need, not just all that I want. All that I need is provided in that relationship with and proximity to the shepherd. That's what it takes to live the good life." [38:24] (16 seconds)
3. "Today, you don't need a raise. You don't need a date. You don't need retirement. You don't need a purposeful job. You don't need your kid to do well at travel ball. You don't need to get a scholarship. You don't need to have a baby. You don't need to get a spouse. You don't need to get rid of your spouse. You don't need anything. You don't need your next life stage." [41:19] (24 seconds)
4. "It's because of that relationship with Him that we can walk through the pasture, we can be brought through the valley, and we can come to the table where we dine in God's presence forever." [01:05:32] (11 seconds)
5. "If you are not resting in the presence of God, you are not truly finding the restoration that your souls need. Some of you, you need to stop vacationing. And you need to start resting." [50:33] (12 seconds)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And today, what this verse is saying is that everything required for you to be fully fulfilled and fully content is in this room and its relationship with and its proximity to the shepherd. That's it. But today, like, what do your actions say that you truly trust in?" [41:58] (21 seconds)
2. "You can only be fulfilled in your marriage once you are content in your maker. You can only be fulfilled in your hobby once you're content in your maker. You can only be fulfilled in your job once you're content in your maker. It starts in the shepherd alone." [45:02] (17 seconds)
3. "And today, Jesus is the only thing able to lead us. And we see three ways that he leads us through the pasture. And they all show us something more beautiful about Jesus. And more beautiful about Jesus and less beautiful about ourselves." [48:22] (15 seconds)
4. "And today, belief is not what we think. Belief is what we do. If you've turned to God with your mind, have you turned to Him with your life?" [56:26] (9 seconds)
5. "And today, if you're being tested, are you passing? If you're being tested, are you passing? Because the staff shows us that we don't have to waste pain. Pain isn't wasted by our Savior. He brings you to this place so that you rely fully on Him." [01:02:05] (19 seconds)
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