As we return to Psalm 23, we focus on the phrase, “He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” These few words are packed with meaning, revealing the heart of God’s leadership and the nature of our relationship with Him.

God, as our Shepherd, leads from the front—not driving us from behind, but going before us, identifying dangers, and calling us by name. This is not the leadership of a distant or indifferent overseer, but of One who knows us, loves us, and even became like us in Jesus Christ. He identifies with our struggles, understands our weaknesses, and has walked the path of suffering, death, and resurrection ahead of us. Because of this, we can trust Him to guide us through every valley and challenge.

The “paths of righteousness” are not just about making moral choices, but about living a life that is aligned with God’s will—consistent, stable, and steadfast. These paths are well-worn by the faithful, and God leads us along them not to restrict us, but to nourish, mature, and protect us. The Word of God and the Spirit of God work together to keep us on this path, shaping both our minds and our hearts. It’s not always easy; following Jesus may cost us comfort, reputation, or relationships. But we trust Him because He sees what we cannot, and His leadership is always for our good and His glory.

Ultimately, God leads us “for his name’s sake.” Our obedience and faithfulness are not about our own recognition, but about displaying God’s character and authority to the world. Every aspect of Psalm 23 points to the different names and attributes of God—our Shepherd, Provider, Peace, Healer, Righteousness, Presence, and Banner. As we follow Him, we bring glory to His name and find true satisfaction in Him. The call is to let go of distractions, return to the path of righteousness through the Word and prayer, and allow God’s Spirit to deepen our hunger for Him.

Key Takeaways

- Jesus Leads from the Front, Not Behind
Jesus, our Shepherd, leads us by going before us, not driving us from behind. He faces dangers first, calls us by name, and invites us to follow His voice. This leadership is rooted in love and personal relationship, not fear or coercion, and it assures us that we are never alone in our journey. [45:19]

- God Identifies with Us in Our Humanity
In Christ, God became like one of us, experiencing our struggles, temptations, and pain. He is not a distant deity but a Shepherd who truly understands what it means to be human. This identification means He can sympathize with our weaknesses and lead us with both compassion and authority. [49:24]

- The Path of Righteousness Is Both Moral and Practical
Walking in the “paths of righteousness” is not just about making the right choices, but about living a life that is consistent with God’s will. It involves both knowing God’s Word and living it out daily, allowing the Spirit to guide us in practical, everyday decisions. This path is stable, well-worn, and leads to life, but it requires intentionality and dependence on God. [53:34]

- God’s Leadership Is for His Glory, Not Ours
God leads us for His name’s sake, meaning our lives are meant to reflect His character and bring honor to Him. Our obedience is not about earning recognition, but about displaying God’s wisdom, authority, and goodness to the world. When we are most satisfied in Him, He is most glorified in us. [01:01:55]

- Staying on the Path Requires Letting Go and Leaning In
To remain on the path of righteousness, we must let go of distractions and anything that pulls us away from God. This involves honest self-examination, removing what hinders, and returning to the basics of Word and prayer. It is a daily decision to seek God’s help, hunger for His presence, and allow His Spirit to keep us aligned with His will. [01:04:16]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[35:02] - Reflections on Teamwork and Community
[35:59] - Reading Psalm 23 Together
[37:05] - The Universal Comfort of Psalm 23
[38:53] - The Good Shepherd vs. The Hireling
[40:04] - Why We Need Jesus as Our Shepherd
[41:19] - The Shepherd’s Voice and Sacrifice
[42:56] - Jesus Keeps and Protects Us
[44:07] - “He Leads Me”: The Significance of God’s Leadership
[45:19] - Shepherds Lead from the Front
[46:30] - The Butcher vs. The Shepherd
[47:22] - The Shepherd Identifies with the Sheep
[49:24] - Jesus Understands Our Humanity
[50:39] - Jesus Leads Us Through Death to Life
[52:07] - The Need for Guidance and Humility
[53:34] - Paths of Righteousness: Meaning and Application
[01:01:55] - For His Name’s Sake: God’s Glory in Our Lives
[01:04:16] - Next Steps: Removing Distractions and Returning to God
[01:06:56] - Prayer and Closing Blessing

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: “He Leads Me” (Psalm 23:3b)

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### Bible Reading

Psalm 23 (ESV)
> 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.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Psalm 23:3b, what does it mean that God “leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake”? What is the significance of the phrase “for his name’s sake”?
2. In the sermon, what are some ways the pastor described the difference between a shepherd who leads from the front and someone who drives from behind? ([45:19])
3. What are some of the names and attributes of God that are highlighted in Psalm 23, as mentioned in the sermon? ([59:00])
4. How does the sermon describe the “paths of righteousness”—are they only about making moral choices, or is there more to it? ([53:34])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The pastor said that Jesus leads from the front, not from behind. What does this reveal about the kind of relationship God wants with us? How does this compare to other types of leadership we experience? ([45:19])
2. The sermon mentioned that God identifies with us in our humanity through Jesus. Why is it important that our Shepherd understands our struggles and weaknesses? ([49:24])
3. The “paths of righteousness” are described as both moral and practical. What does it look like to live a life that is aligned with God’s will, not just in belief but in daily actions? ([53:34])
4. The pastor emphasized that God leads us “for his name’s sake.” How does this challenge the way we think about our obedience and faithfulness? Is it more about us, or about God’s glory? ([01:01:55])

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon talked about Jesus leading us by going before us, facing dangers first, and calling us by name. Can you think of a time when you sensed God leading you through a difficult situation? How did you recognize his voice or guidance? ([45:19])
2. The pastor shared that Jesus identifies with our humanity and understands our weaknesses. When you are struggling, do you find it easy or hard to believe that God truly understands? How might this truth change the way you pray or seek help? ([49:24])
3. The “paths of righteousness” require both knowing God’s Word and living it out. What is one area of your life where you find it hard to align your actions with God’s will? What step could you take this week to move closer to that path? ([53:34])
4. The sermon said that following Jesus may cost us comfort, reputation, or relationships. Is there something you feel God is asking you to let go of in order to follow him more closely? What is holding you back? ([53:34])
5. The pastor encouraged us to let go of distractions and return to the basics of Word and prayer. What is one distraction in your life that keeps you from spending time with God? How can you practically remove or reduce it this week? ([01:04:16])
6. The message highlighted that our obedience is for God’s glory, not our own recognition. Are there ways you seek approval from others more than from God? How can you shift your focus to living for his name’s sake? ([01:01:55])
7. The sermon ended with a call to ask God for a deeper hunger for his Word and presence. What is one way you can intentionally seek God’s presence this week—through Scripture, prayer, or another practice? ([01:06:56])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to spend a few moments in silent prayer, asking God to reveal any distractions, to give a deeper hunger for his Word, and to help each person stay on the path of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Devotional

Day 1: The Lord is My Shepherd—He Leads and Cares for Me
Jesus, our great shepherd, is not a distant or indifferent overseer but one who is deeply invested in our well-being, guiding us with love, care, and personal attention. Unlike a hired hand who abandons the sheep at the first sign of trouble, Jesus seeks us out when we are lost, calls us by name, and leads us safely, even through the darkest valleys. His leadership is not just about direction but about relationship—He knows us, and we can trust His voice above all others. In every season, He is present, providing, protecting, and restoring our souls. [38:53]

Psalm 23:1-6
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.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to trust Jesus as your shepherd today, and how can you intentionally listen for His voice above all others?


Day 2: Jesus Leads from the Front—He Goes Before Us
Unlike a butcher who drives sheep from behind, Jesus leads from the front, identifying with us in our humanity and guiding us safely through every circumstance. He is not only our God but also became one of us, understanding our struggles and temptations perfectly. As our shepherd, He faces dangers ahead of us, prepares the way, and calls us to follow Him, never asking us to go where He has not already gone. His leadership is personal, sacrificial, and rooted in deep empathy for our weaknesses. [49:24]

John 10:3-4, 11
To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. … I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Reflection: Where do you sense Jesus calling you to follow Him today, even if it feels uncertain or challenging, and what step of faith can you take in response?


Day 3: Staying on the Path of Righteousness—Word and Spirit
The path of righteousness is not just about making moral choices but about living a practical lifestyle aligned with God’s will, guided by His Word and Spirit. God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, and the Spirit empowers us to walk in obedience. Staying on this path requires both knowing the truth in our minds and receiving it deeply in our hearts, allowing God’s Word and Spirit to work together to keep us steadfast, even when it is difficult or costly. [53:34]

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Reflection: What is one specific way you can invite God’s Word and Spirit to guide your decisions and actions today?


Day 4: For His Name’s Sake—Living for God’s Glory
God leads us in paths of righteousness not for our own recognition, but for the honor and glory of His name. Every act of obedience, every step we take in following Jesus, is a testimony to His authority, character, and faithfulness. When we faithfully follow the shepherd’s voice, we declare to the world that God is our leader and that His wisdom and goodness are worthy of trust. Our satisfaction in Him brings Him glory, and our lives become a reflection of His greatness. [01:04:16]

Psalm 31:3
For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me.

Reflection: How can you intentionally seek God’s glory in your choices and relationships today, rather than your own recognition?


Day 5: Removing Distractions—Returning to the Path
Distractions can easily pull us away from the path of righteousness, causing us to wander or lose focus on God’s leading. It is essential to identify and remove anything that keeps us from seeking God wholeheartedly, whether it seems good or not. Returning to the path requires daily decisions to engage with God through His Word and prayer, asking Him to reveal and help us let go of what hinders our walk. As we do, we grow in our relationship with Him and mature in faith, staying close to the shepherd who leads us. [01:06:56]

Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

Reflection: What is one distraction you need to lay aside today to more fully follow Jesus, and how will you take a practical step to remove it?

Quotes

``The point is this. The shepherd always leads from the front. He goes before the sheep, at least in the eastern region of the world, okay, especially in the ancient times. Thank God, Jesus is not a butcher. He's a savior. For God did not send his son into the world. God! For God! To condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. That's John 3, 17. That's huge amen to that. [00:47:02] (31 seconds)  #JesusSavesNotCondemns Edit Clip

Isn't it amazing to realize that Jesus knows us and he loves us, but he also identifies with us. I mean, do you know of any other religion where God becomes one of us? No. [00:49:08] (16 seconds)  #GodWithUsInHumanity Edit Clip

Third of all, remember, he also leads the way in that Jesus, he first went through what? Death and resurrection. Now clothed in this what? Glorified body. Which means as followers, we will also experience death. But that's okay, because we're going to be resurrected as well. Subsequently, clothed in this imperishable, glorified body, just like Jesus. [00:49:59] (27 seconds)  #FollowToLead Edit Clip

Here's the deal at the end of the day Jesus knows the way he knows the way and he sees what we cannot see right and that's why we trust we trust in the good shepherd we trust in our great shepherd. [00:59:15] (20 seconds)  #RemoveDistractionsSeekGod Edit Clip

Let go of any distractions in your life okay and the question is is there something in in your life that is distracting you away from the path of righteousness causing you to wander off okay or knocking you up from where you need to go if there are any distractions in your life okay that is keeping you away from God that is keeping you away from God you need to remove it okay and that are things that you have to make a decision for yourself it's going to be different for different people there are certain there are things in life that seems good but might be distraction when it comes to you seeking god you need to remove that distraction. [01:04:25] (41 seconds) Edit Clip