Guidance, Nourishment, and Light: Following the Shepherd

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound relationship between the shepherd and the sheep, emphasizing the importance of guidance, obedience, and spiritual nourishment. The metaphor of the shepherd and sheep illustrates how we, as believers, are called to follow God's direction rather than our own. Sheep, often perceived as lacking intelligence, possess the crucial ability to listen and follow, a trait that is essential for spiritual growth. In a world where everyone wants to be their own leader, we are reminded that God has appointed shepherds—pastors—to guide us with knowledge and understanding, as stated in Jeremiah 3:15.

We delved into the dangers of spiritual smorgasbords, where believers consume teachings from various sources without discernment, leading to spiritual sickness. Instead, we are encouraged to seek the nourishment that God provides, leading us to green pastures where our souls can be restored. This nourishment is not just physical but spiritual, as God cleanses us from past sins and leads us to repentance and transformation.

The journey through the valley of the shadow of death was another focal point, highlighting that while we may face dark and challenging times, they are merely shadows. With God as our protector, we need not fear evil. The message emphasized the importance of relying on God's presence and strength rather than worldly means of protection or comfort.

Finally, we were reminded of the joy and strength that come from the Lord. Despite life's challenges, God's blessings enrich us without sorrow. The call to let go of darkness and embrace the light of Christ was clear, urging us to live in the brightness of His presence and to recognize the richness of His blessings in our lives.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Role of the Shepherd: Just as sheep rely on their shepherd for guidance, we must rely on God and the pastors He appoints to lead us with wisdom and understanding. This requires humility and a willingness to listen and follow, recognizing that God has not called us to be our own shepherds. [20:26]

2. Spiritual Nourishment: In a world filled with diverse teachings, it's crucial to discern and consume the spiritual food that God provides. This nourishment leads us to green pastures, restoring our souls and aligning us with God's will, rather than the chaos of worldly influences. [20:26]

3. Facing the Valley: Life's valleys, though dark and daunting, are merely shadows. With God as our protector, we can walk through these times without fear, knowing that His presence is our true source of security and strength. [37:45]

4. Joy and Strength in the Lord: True joy and strength come from the Lord, not from worldly possessions or comforts. Embracing God's presence and blessings enriches our lives, providing a peace that surpasses understanding and a joy that sustains us through trials. [45:57]

5. Living in the Light: We are called to let go of darkness and embrace the light of Christ. This involves a conscious decision to live in the brightness of His presence, allowing His light to transform our lives and lead us to a place of spiritual abundance and joy. [54:01]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [05:00] - The Role of the Shepherd
- [10:15] - Listening and Following
- [15:30] - Spiritual Smorgasbords
- [20:26] - Green Pastures and Nourishment
- [25:45] - Repentance and Transformation
- [30:00] - Walking Through the Valley
- [37:45] - Fear No Evil
- [42:00] - Joy and Strength in the Lord
- [45:57] - Embracing the Light
- [50:00] - The Richness of God's Blessings
- [54:01] - Living in the Light
- [58:00] - Closing Remarks

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Jeremiah 3:15 - "Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding."
2. Psalm 23:1-4 - "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, what role do pastors play in the life of a believer, and how does this relate to the metaphor of the shepherd and the sheep? [20:26]
2. What are the dangers of consuming spiritual teachings from various sources without discernment, as mentioned in the sermon? [20:26]
3. How does the sermon describe the experience of walking through the "valley of the shadow of death"? What assurance do believers have during these times? [37:45]
4. What does the sermon say about the joy and strength that come from the Lord, and how does this contrast with worldly comforts? [45:57]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jeremiah 3:15 emphasize the importance of having spiritual leaders, and what qualities should these leaders possess according to the sermon? [20:26]
2. In what ways does Psalm 23 illustrate the concept of spiritual nourishment, and how does this relate to the sermon’s warning against spiritual smorgasbords? [20:26]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of fear and protection when walking through life's valleys, and how does this relate to Psalm 23:4? [37:45]
4. How does the sermon interpret the idea of living in the light of Christ, and what practical steps are suggested for embracing this light? [54:01]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your relationship with your pastor or spiritual leader. How can you better support and follow their guidance in your spiritual journey? [20:26]
2. Consider the sources of spiritual teaching you consume. How can you ensure that you are discerning and seeking nourishment that aligns with God’s will? [20:26]
3. Think about a challenging time you are currently facing. How can you rely on God’s presence and strength to walk through this "valley" without fear? [37:45]
4. Identify areas in your life where you seek joy and strength from worldly comforts. How can you shift your focus to find true joy and strength in the Lord? [45:57]
5. What steps can you take to let go of darkness and embrace the light of Christ in your daily life? Consider specific actions or changes you can make. [54:01]
6. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude for the blessings in your life, recognizing them as gifts from God? [45:57]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually nourished. What practices or habits contributed to this feeling, and how can you incorporate them more regularly into your life? [20:26]

Devotional

Day 1: Humility in Following Divine Guidance
In a world where self-reliance is often celebrated, the metaphor of the shepherd and sheep reminds us of the importance of humility and obedience in our spiritual journey. Sheep, though often seen as simple creatures, possess the vital ability to listen and follow their shepherd. This trait is essential for spiritual growth, as it reflects our willingness to submit to God's guidance and the wisdom of the pastors He appoints. By acknowledging that we are not called to be our own shepherds, we open ourselves to the divine direction that leads us to spiritual maturity and fulfillment. [20:26]

Jeremiah 3:15 (ESV): "And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you resisting guidance from God or spiritual leaders? How can you practice humility and openness to divine direction today?


Day 2: Discernment in Spiritual Nourishment
In a world filled with diverse teachings and philosophies, it is crucial to discern the spiritual nourishment we consume. The concept of spiritual smorgasbords warns against indiscriminately absorbing teachings from various sources, which can lead to spiritual confusion and sickness. Instead, we are encouraged to seek the nourishment that God provides, which leads us to green pastures and restores our souls. This nourishment aligns us with God's will and protects us from the chaos of worldly influences, ensuring our spiritual health and growth. [20:26]

Hebrews 5:14 (ESV): "But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."

Reflection: What spiritual teachings or influences are you currently consuming? How can you ensure that they align with God's truth and lead to spiritual growth?


Day 3: Courage in the Valley of Shadows
Life's valleys, though dark and daunting, are merely shadows when viewed through the lens of faith. With God as our protector, we can walk through these challenging times without fear, knowing that His presence is our true source of security and strength. This perspective encourages us to rely on God's presence rather than worldly means of protection or comfort, allowing us to face life's trials with courage and confidence. [37:45]

Psalm 23:4 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: What current challenges or fears are you facing? How can you lean on God's presence and strength to navigate through these valleys with courage?


Day 4: Joy and Strength from Divine Blessings
True joy and strength come from the Lord, not from worldly possessions or comforts. Embracing God's presence and blessings enriches our lives, providing a peace that surpasses understanding and a joy that sustains us through trials. This divine joy and strength are not dependent on external circumstances but are rooted in the richness of God's blessings and the light of His presence in our lives. [45:57]

Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV): "Then he said to them, 'Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'"

Reflection: How can you shift your focus from worldly comforts to the joy and strength that come from God's presence? What practical steps can you take to embrace His blessings today?


Day 5: Embracing the Light of Christ
We are called to let go of darkness and embrace the light of Christ, making a conscious decision to live in the brightness of His presence. This involves allowing His light to transform our lives, leading us to a place of spiritual abundance and joy. By choosing to live in the light, we open ourselves to the transformative power of Christ, which brings about repentance, renewal, and a deeper connection with God. [54:01]

Ephesians 5:8-9 (ESV): "For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true)."

Reflection: What areas of your life are still in darkness? How can you actively invite the light of Christ to transform these areas and lead you to spiritual abundance?

Quotes


Because they follow after the sheep that is in front of them. And so the shepherd said jump and all the sheep know to do is what the shepherd told them. Don't try to be your own shepherd. God never called you to be a shepherd. God called you to be a sheep. Are you hearing me? They also say sheep in some cases are dull of hearing. [00:19:30]

If there's something that the church of Jesus Christ lacks today is people that know how to listen and how to follow. Everybody is their own man. Jessica, everybody is their own woman. And they'll tell you, I'm my own woman. As they understand is that God said, I will, according to Jeremiah chapter 3, Elder Hooker, He said, I will give you what? [00:20:39]

Right? And what are they going to do? Which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. If you're in new hope, God brought you to this shepherd. Are you hearing me? Some of y 'all are on the internet and everywhere and you got all kind of shepherds you're listening to. You better watch out. That's like going to a smorgasbord. Are you hearing me? [00:21:18]

Because that's not the kind of food that I want because I know that that food will make me sick. Are you hearing me? From bacteria, from things that are in there that can cause you to become extremely sick. But when you understand that following after the shepherd, you're not just eating all kinds of dietary foods or whatever you think you should eat. [00:23:14]

He cried out, the Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. He said, he maketh me to lie down in green pastures. Pastures, how many know today that the Lord has allowed you to lay down in green pastures? Some of you ought to be jumping up and down because you have more today than you ever had in your life. [00:23:15]

Oh, God, can I preach a good gospel message? God said a man, God said a woman must repent of their sins. And when you repent of your sins, you begin to go to God and you begin to search your own closet. Are you hearing me? Literally as well as figuratively, you begin to search your mind. [00:25:40]

Lying don't sound too good anymore. Backbiting don't sound too good anymore. And as a result of that, you say, mama, I sure would like some of that macaroni and cheese, but I don't want all of the extra that come with it. So you might just say, can you pack me a lunch? How come I ain't grab it? [00:27:04]

David picked it up to our theme verse here. And he said, yea, though I walk. He said, sometime I can't run. Sometime I can't skip. Sometimes, Calvin, I can't even jump. So he said, yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, there are times that you are going to walk in such dark places, Darlene, that you can't even see the fine light to lead you or to guide you. [00:30:45]

He said, oh, yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, David began to understand how powerful God is. He said, I will fear no evil. Some of you, all of your life have been fearful. Every time you turn around, something is there to try to make you afraid or try to make you go down and feel like you have no value and feel like there's no reason for you to live. [00:32:55]

You don't have to be depressed. You don't have to live in despair. Help me out, Calvin. Which number is it? Hallelujah. Hey. I'm going to get you to the place where I can cause you to line your feet up. When the predators come, I'm going to be there with you. When the predators come, they're not going to be there. [00:40:44]

You may not have every dollar you want to pay for it. But in the midst when, my God, the bill collector calls, God will make a way out of your way. Anybody know what I'm talking about? They're about to shut off the lights. Oh, can you take me a little bit higher? Come on, I need somebody to walk with me here. [00:49:26]

through the valley and it'll cause the mountains to come down huh my sister's been singing that song for years but over the last few days when I began to really research that God said I'm not always gonna allow you to climb a mountain he said sometime I'm gonna have give you favor and I'm gonna bring the mountain down are y 'all hearing me [00:50:32]

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Transcript
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