Guided by the Good Shepherd: Assurance and Righteousness
Summary
Psalm 23 is a profound reminder of the Lord's unwavering presence and guidance in our lives, especially during challenging times. This psalm is not just about the Lord but also about us and the blessings we receive when we belong to Him. The relationship between the Good Shepherd and His sheep is one of ownership; we are His because He has bought us with a price and birthed us anew. As His sheep, we are assured that He will lead, restore, protect, feed, and love us eternally.
Today, we focus on the Shepherd's leading. David emphasizes that the Shepherd leads us into rest and righteousness. Rest is not natural for sheep, who are timid and vulnerable. They can only rest when they see their Shepherd, knowing He will protect them. Similarly, we find rest when we keep our Shepherd in view, trusting in His presence amidst life's dangers. This rest is not about the absence of danger but the assurance of His presence.
The Shepherd also leads us into righteousness. This involves both the righteousness Christ gives us and the righteousness to which He calls us. We are made right with God through the righteousness of Christ, which is a gift received by faith. This righteousness allows us to rest, knowing there is no condemnation for those in Christ. However, the Shepherd also calls us to pursue righteousness, leading us on right paths that may not always be easy but are always right.
The Shepherd's leading is for His name's sake. Our assurance lies in the fact that He has staked His honor on leading us safely home. Despite our sins and wanderings, He will never give up on us. His grace and faithfulness will be displayed through what He accomplishes in us, ensuring that we arrive safely in His presence. The greatest assurance we have is that the Good Shepherd has committed His name to our journey, promising to lead us all the way home.
Key Takeaways:
- The Shepherd's Ownership: Our relationship with the Good Shepherd is rooted in His ownership of us. We are His because He has bought us with His blood and birthed us anew. This ownership assures us of His eternal care and guidance. [01:32]
- Finding Rest in the Shepherd: Rest does not come naturally to us, just as it doesn't to sheep. We find rest by keeping our Shepherd in view, trusting in His presence amidst life's dangers. This rest is not about the absence of danger but the assurance of His presence. [11:53]
- Righteousness Given and Pursued: The Shepherd leads us into righteousness, both as a gift and a calling. We are made right with God through Christ's righteousness, allowing us to rest. Yet, we are also called to pursue righteousness, following the Shepherd on right paths. [17:07]
- The Right Path is Not Always Easy: The paths the Shepherd leads us on are not always easy, but they are always right. Even when His footprints are unseen, we can trust that He is leading us on the right path, often through the counsel of godly people He places around us. [22:24]
- For His Name's Sake: Our greatest assurance is that the Shepherd leads us for His name's sake. He has staked His honor on leading us safely home, ensuring that despite our sins and wanderings, we will arrive in His presence. His grace and faithfulness will be displayed through what He accomplishes in us. [30:30]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to Psalm 23
- [00:42] - The Lord as Our Shepherd
- [01:15] - Ownership by the Shepherd
- [02:30] - The Shepherd's Promises
- [03:03] - The Shepherd Leads Us
- [04:13] - Leading into Rest
- [06:39] - Rest Does Not Come Easily
- [09:27] - Resting by Seeing the Shepherd
- [11:53] - Keeping the Shepherd in View
- [13:28] - Leading into Righteousness
- [17:07] - Righteousness Given and Pursued
- [19:08] - The Right Path is Not Always Easy
- [22:24] - Trusting the Shepherd's Leading
- [30:30] - For His Name's Sake
- [36:49] - Assurance of the Shepherd's Guidance
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Psalm 23
Bible Reading:
- Psalm 23
- Philippians 3:9
- 1 Peter 2:24
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Psalm 23, what are the specific actions the Shepherd takes for His sheep? How do these actions reflect His care and guidance? [00:42]
2. In the sermon, what are the two main directions the Shepherd leads us into, as mentioned by David? [04:13]
3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between the Shepherd and His sheep in terms of ownership? [01:15]
4. What does the sermon say about the Shepherd's commitment to leading us for His name's sake? [29:10]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being "bought with a price" and "born anew" shape our understanding of belonging to the Good Shepherd? [01:46]
2. What does it mean for the Shepherd to lead us into righteousness, both as a gift and a calling? How does this dual aspect affect our daily lives? [17:07]
3. The sermon mentions that the right path is not always easy. How can this understanding help us navigate difficult situations in our lives? [19:08]
4. How does the assurance that the Shepherd leads us for His name's sake provide comfort and security in our spiritual journey? [30:30]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the Shepherd's presence during a challenging situation. How did it help you find rest amidst the danger? [11:53]
2. In what ways can you keep the Shepherd in view in your daily life to find rest and peace? Are there specific practices or habits you can adopt? [11:53]
3. Consider the paths of righteousness the Shepherd is calling you to pursue. What steps can you take to align your life more closely with His guidance? [17:07]
4. How do you respond when the path the Shepherd leads you on is difficult or unclear? What role do godly counsel and community play in these moments? [22:24]
5. The sermon emphasizes that the Shepherd leads us for His name's sake. How does this truth impact your confidence in God's faithfulness and grace in your life? [30:30]
6. Identify an area in your life where you are resistant to change. How can you trust the Shepherd's leading, knowing that He moves you for your nourishment and growth? [26:42]
7. How can you remind yourself of the Shepherd's promises and faithfulness when you face doubts or feel like giving up? What practical steps can you take to strengthen your faith in these moments? [36:10]
Devotional
Day 1: The Shepherd's Ownership
The relationship between the Good Shepherd and His sheep is deeply rooted in the concept of ownership. This ownership is not merely a claim but a profound truth that we are His because He has bought us with His blood and birthed us anew. This divine transaction assures us of His eternal care and guidance. As His sheep, we are not left to wander aimlessly; instead, we are under the constant watchful eye of the Shepherd who has committed Himself to our well-being. This ownership is a source of comfort and security, knowing that we belong to someone who loves us unconditionally and is committed to leading us through every season of life. [01:32]
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV): "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."
Reflection: In what ways can you acknowledge and embrace the Shepherd's ownership in your daily life, especially in moments of uncertainty or fear?
Day 2: Finding Rest in the Shepherd
Rest is a state that does not come naturally to us, much like it doesn't to sheep. We are often restless, anxious, and vulnerable to the dangers around us. However, true rest is found when we keep our Shepherd in view, trusting in His presence amidst life's challenges. This rest is not about the absence of danger but the assurance of His presence. When we focus on the Shepherd, we find peace and security, knowing that He is with us, guiding and protecting us. This assurance allows us to lay down our burdens and find solace in His unwavering presence. [11:53]
Isaiah 26:3 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to keep the Shepherd in view and find rest in His presence, even when faced with life's uncertainties?
Day 3: Righteousness Given and Pursued
The Shepherd leads us into righteousness, both as a gift and a calling. We are made right with God through the righteousness of Christ, which is a gift received by faith. This righteousness allows us to rest, knowing there is no condemnation for those in Christ. However, the Shepherd also calls us to pursue righteousness, leading us on right paths that may not always be easy but are always right. This pursuit of righteousness is a journey of transformation, where we align our lives with His will and purpose, trusting that His ways are higher than ours. [17:07]
2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV): "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Reflection: How can you actively pursue righteousness in your daily life, and what changes might this require in your thoughts, actions, or relationships?
Day 4: The Right Path is Not Always Easy
The paths the Shepherd leads us on are not always easy, but they are always right. Even when His footprints are unseen, we can trust that He is leading us on the right path, often through the counsel of godly people He places around us. These paths may involve challenges and trials, but they are designed to refine and strengthen us. Trusting the Shepherd's leading requires faith and obedience, knowing that His ways are perfect and His plans for us are good. As we walk these paths, we learn to rely on His wisdom and guidance, even when the way forward seems unclear. [22:24]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one difficult path you are currently walking, and how can you trust the Shepherd's leading through it, seeking His wisdom and guidance?
Day 5: For His Name's Sake
Our greatest assurance is that the Shepherd leads us for His name's sake. He has staked His honor on leading us safely home, ensuring that despite our sins and wanderings, we will arrive in His presence. His grace and faithfulness will be displayed through what He accomplishes in us. This promise is a source of hope and confidence, knowing that the Shepherd's commitment to us is unwavering. As we journey through life, we can rest in the assurance that He is with us, guiding us for His glory and our ultimate good. [30:30]
Psalm 31:3 (ESV): "For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me."
Reflection: How does knowing that the Shepherd leads you for His name's sake impact your trust in His guidance, and how can you live in a way that honors His name today?
Quotes
The relationship between the good shepherd and his sheep is first and foremost one of ownership. The shepherd owns the flock, and so when I say, "The Lord is my shepherd," when you say that, what we're saying together is that the Lord owns me, the Lord owns us. He is our shepherd. [00:01:15]
When you are one of Christ's sheep, he will lead you, he will restore you, he will protect you, he will feed you, and he will love you forever and forever. And today we're going to look at the first of these great works that the shepherd does for the sheep: the shepherd will lead you. [00:02:30]
Notice that the first blessing of being wholly owned by the good shepherd is that he leads me. David says this not once but twice: he leads me beside the still waters and he leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. And David states this simply as a fact. [00:03:03]
Rest does not come easily or naturally to sheep. Notice what he says here: he makes me lie down. Rest does not come easily or naturally to sheep. Now just think about this very powerful image that God gives to us through the pen of David here. Why is it so difficult for sheep to rest? [00:06:39]
Sheep rest when they can see their shepherd. Sheep will only lie down when they feel safe, and the only way that sheep, timid as they are, are ever going to feel safe is if they can see their shepherd. Now you try and put yourself in the position of a sheep. [00:09:27]
The shepherd does not give the sheep rest by ridding the world of danger. The wolves are still out there, but the sheep lie down not because there's no danger, but because they have their shepherd in view, and it's his presence that gives them rest. [00:11:53]
The Bible speaks about righteousness in two ways. There is a righteousness that Christ gives us, and there is a righteousness to which he calls us. Paul speaks about the righteousness that Christ gives us in Philippians chapter and in verse 9. He says this not he wants to be found in Christ. [00:17:07]
We become right with God by the righteousness that Jesus Christ gives us. He lived the perfect life of righteousness for us, and when he died on the cross, that life was offered on our behalf. All the righteousness you will ever need before God is given to you by the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:18:08]
Remember that the right path will not always be an easy path. I mean, verse 5, the right path takes you through the presence of enemies. So the Christian life is not always the scene of tranquility that's in verse 2. Verse 4, the right path takes you through the valley of the shadow of death. [00:19:08]
There will be times when you find it hard to detect the presence of good. Yes, the shepherd will always be with you, but there were times in the experience of God's people where they could not feel or discern his presence. Notice what it says here: your footprints were unseen. [00:22:24]
The good news is this: God does not lead you for your sake. God leads you for his name's sake. In other words, the good shepherd has actually staked the honor and the reputation of his own name on leading you safely home. He has said, "My sheep will never perish." [00:30:30]
The greatest assurance that you can ever have is that the good shepherd has staked the honor of his own name on leading you all the way home, despite your many sins, despite your evident lack of progress, despite your many wanderings, despite the many enemies that assail you. [00:36:49]
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