Shepherding: Nurturing Spiritual Growth Through Love and Example
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound metaphor of shepherding and its application to our spiritual lives. Physical shepherding involves leading, feeding, and protecting sheep, which is an intensely personal and time-consuming task. The shepherd knows each sheep intimately, ensuring their health and safety. This relationship is mirrored in spiritual shepherding, where leaders are called to create and nurture a loving culture of spiritual growth and multiplication through their example and teaching.
The Apostle Paul encourages us to be shepherds for one another, emphasizing the importance of watching over ourselves and the flock. Spiritual shepherding is about more than just teaching; it involves living a life that others can emulate. Our actions, body language, and how we handle conflicts all contribute to shepherding God's people. Leadership through teaching is also crucial, as we hold up the Word of God as the standard for living.
Creating a culture of love within our life groups is essential. This culture is not just about what happens during meetings but is built through consistent actions and values. Love should be both internal and external, welcoming everyone, even those who might be considered unlovely. This inclusive love reflects Jesus' compassion for the harassed and helpless.
We also discussed the high expectations God has for spiritual shepherds, as seen in Ezekiel 34, where God rebukes the leaders who failed to care for the flock. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is our ultimate example. He knows us intimately and sacrifices Himself for our well-being. As shepherds, we are called to emulate His sacrificial love, not as hired hands but as those genuinely committed to the flock.
Finally, we reflected on Psalm 23, recognizing that before we can shepherd others, we must first be shepherded by God. We need to rest in His provision, receive His comfort, and be refreshed by His Word. Only then can we effectively lead and care for God's people.
### Key Takeaways
1. Intimacy in Shepherding: Shepherding is an intensely personal relationship. Just as a physical shepherd knows each sheep by name and understands their needs, spiritual shepherds must invest time and presence in knowing their flock. This deep connection allows for effective care and guidance. [01:31]
2. Leading by Example: Our lives are a powerful tool for shepherding. People often learn more from observing our actions than from our words. How we live, react, and interact with others can profoundly influence their spiritual growth. This underscores the importance of living a life that reflects Christ's love and values. [07:31]
3. Creating a Culture of Love: A loving culture within our life groups is essential for spiritual growth. This culture is built through consistent actions, values, and a welcoming attitude. It involves creating an environment where everyone feels accepted and loved, reflecting Jesus' compassion for the harassed and helpless. [14:11]
4. High Expectations for Shepherds: God holds shepherds to a high standard, as seen in Ezekiel 34. Spiritual leaders are accountable for the well-being of their flock. They must strengthen the weak, heal the sick, and seek the lost. Failure to do so can lead to the scattering and harm of the flock, highlighting the serious responsibility of shepherding. [23:38]
5. Receiving Before Giving: Before we can effectively shepherd others, we must first be shepherded by God. This involves resting in His provision, receiving His comfort, and being refreshed by His Word. Only when we are spiritually nourished and strengthened can we lead and care for others effectively. [42:31]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:30] - Introduction to Shepherding
[01:31] - The Personal Nature of Shepherding
[02:52] - Tools of the Shepherd
[04:22] - The Dangers of Shepherding
[05:59] - Definition of Spiritual Shepherding
[07:31] - Leading by Example
[09:08] - Leadership Through Teaching
[10:42] - Creating a Culture in Life Groups
[12:26] - Nurturing a Loving Culture
[14:11] - The Importance of Love
[15:47] - Welcoming the Unlovely
[17:14] - Addressing Group Dynamics
[19:03] - Life Groups as Spiritual Families
[20:47] - The Role of Shepherds in Scripture
[22:21] - God's Expectations for Shepherds
[23:38] - Accountability of Shepherds
[25:27] - Sensitivity to Past Hurts
[27:19] - Jesus, the Good Shepherd
[29:01] - Sacrificial Love vs. Hired Hand Mentality
[30:28] - The Call to Be True Shepherds
[32:18] - Reflection on Psalm 23
[34:00] - Receiving God's Shepherding
[35:59] - The Shepherd's Care
[37:38] - Holistic Refreshment
[39:24] - Protection and Comfort
[40:54] - God's Provision in the Midst of Enemies
[42:31] - Receiving Before Giving
[44:38] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 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."
2. Ezekiel 34:2-4: "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally.'"
3. John 10:11-15: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the key responsibilities of a shepherd as described in Psalm 23? How does God fulfill these roles for us? [32:18]
2. According to Ezekiel 34:2-4, what were the failures of the shepherds of Israel? How did their actions impact the flock? [23:38]
3. In John 10:11-15, what distinguishes the good shepherd from the hired hand? What actions demonstrate the good shepherd's commitment to the flock? [27:19]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the metaphor of shepherding in Psalm 23 help us understand God's care and provision for us? What specific aspects of God's character are highlighted through this metaphor? [32:18]
2. Reflecting on Ezekiel 34:2-4, what can we learn about God's expectations for spiritual leaders? How does this passage challenge current leaders in the church? [23:38]
3. In John 10:11-15, Jesus describes Himself as the good shepherd. What does it mean for Jesus to lay down His life for the sheep, and how should this influence our understanding of sacrificial love in leadership? [27:19]
#### Application Questions
1. Psalm 23 emphasizes the importance of being shepherded by God before we can shepherd others. How can you ensure you are regularly receiving God's guidance and comfort in your own life? [32:18]
2. The sermon highlighted the need for creating a culture of love within our life groups. What practical steps can you take to foster an environment of acceptance and warmth in your group? [14:11]
3. Reflecting on Ezekiel 34, how can you as a leader ensure you are meeting the needs of those in your care, especially the weak, sick, and lost? What changes might you need to make to better fulfill these responsibilities? [23:38]
4. Jesus' example of sacrificial love in John 10 challenges us to go beyond mere duty. How can you demonstrate this kind of love in your interactions with your life group members? What sacrifices might this involve? [27:19]
5. The sermon discussed the importance of leading by example. In what ways can your daily actions and attitudes better reflect Christ's love and values to those around you? [07:31]
6. How can you balance the need for personal spiritual nourishment with the demands of shepherding others? What practices can help you maintain this balance? [42:31]
7. The sermon mentioned welcoming the "unlovely" into our groups. How can you and your group be more inclusive and compassionate towards those who might feel marginalized or unwelcome? [15:47]
Devotional
Day 1: Intimacy in Shepherding
Shepherding is an intensely personal relationship. Just as a physical shepherd knows each sheep by name and understands their needs, spiritual shepherds must invest time and presence in knowing their flock. This deep connection allows for effective care and guidance. The shepherd's role is not just about oversight but about forming genuine relationships that foster trust and growth. This intimacy is crucial for addressing the unique spiritual needs of each individual, ensuring they feel valued and understood.
In spiritual shepherding, leaders are called to emulate this personal care. They must be present, attentive, and engaged with those they lead. This means going beyond surface-level interactions and investing in the lives of others. By doing so, they create an environment where people feel safe to share their struggles and triumphs, knowing they are supported by someone who genuinely cares for their well-being. [01:31]
Ezekiel 34:11-12 (ESV): "For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who may feel overlooked or neglected. How can you invest time and presence in their life this week to show them they are valued and cared for?
Day 2: Leading by Example
Our lives are a powerful tool for shepherding. People often learn more from observing our actions than from our words. How we live, react, and interact with others can profoundly influence their spiritual growth. This underscores the importance of living a life that reflects Christ's love and values. As spiritual leaders, our conduct should be a testament to the teachings of Christ, serving as a living example for others to follow.
Leading by example means embodying the principles we teach. It involves demonstrating patience, kindness, and humility in our daily interactions. When we handle conflicts with grace and show compassion to those in need, we provide a model for others to emulate. This form of leadership is not about perfection but about authenticity and a genuine commitment to living out our faith. [07:31]
1 Peter 5:2-3 (ESV): "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock."
Reflection: Reflect on your daily interactions. Is there a specific area where your actions could better reflect Christ's love and values? What steps can you take to improve in this area?
Day 3: Creating a Culture of Love
A loving culture within our life groups is essential for spiritual growth. This culture is built through consistent actions, values, and a welcoming attitude. It involves creating an environment where everyone feels accepted and loved, reflecting Jesus' compassion for the harassed and helpless. A culture of love is not just about what happens during meetings but is cultivated through everyday interactions and the genuine care we show for one another.
Creating this culture requires intentionality. It means being proactive in reaching out to others, especially those who might feel marginalized or unlovely. By embodying Christ's inclusive love, we create a space where people can experience the transformative power of God's love. This environment encourages openness, vulnerability, and mutual support, fostering a community where spiritual growth can flourish. [14:11]
Romans 12:10 (ESV): "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life group who might feel left out or unappreciated. How can you show them love and honor this week in a tangible way?
Day 4: High Expectations for Shepherds
God holds shepherds to a high standard, as seen in Ezekiel 34. Spiritual leaders are accountable for the well-being of their flock. They must strengthen the weak, heal the sick, and seek the lost. Failure to do so can lead to the scattering and harm of the flock, highlighting the serious responsibility of shepherding. This high calling requires dedication, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility towards those we lead.
Spiritual shepherds must be vigilant and proactive in their care for the flock. This involves being attuned to the needs of the community and taking decisive action to address those needs. It also means being accountable for the spiritual health of the group, ensuring that everyone is growing and thriving in their faith. The role of a shepherd is not to be taken lightly, as it carries significant spiritual and moral implications. [23:38]
Hebrews 13:17 (ESV): "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you."
Reflection: Reflect on your role as a leader or influencer in your community. Are there areas where you need to be more proactive in caring for others? What steps can you take to meet the high expectations God has for you?
Day 5: Receiving Before Giving
Before we can effectively shepherd others, we must first be shepherded by God. This involves resting in His provision, receiving His comfort, and being refreshed by His Word. Only when we are spiritually nourished and strengthened can we lead and care for others effectively. This principle underscores the importance of personal spiritual health and the need to prioritize our relationship with God.
Receiving from God requires intentional time spent in His presence. It means seeking His guidance, allowing His Word to refresh our souls, and being open to His comfort and provision. When we are filled with God's love and wisdom, we are better equipped to pour into the lives of others. This cycle of receiving and giving is essential for sustainable and effective spiritual leadership. [42:31]
Psalm 23:1-3 (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."
Reflection: Take a moment to assess your spiritual health. Are you regularly receiving from God? What practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to ensure you are spiritually nourished and refreshed?
Quotes
1. "Shepherding is personal. Shepherding is in time intensive. Shepherding is keeping God's people close. Shepherding is dangerous. So how do we address those things? Well, back to the definition through example, how you live life group leader is a way to shepherd God's people. And I don't know if we underestimate this, but think about your own life and how you've learned to be a more mature Christian. It's probably because not what somebody said to you, but how they lived in front of you." [07:31] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Leadership is also through teaching. Let me encourage us that we are a people of this book. This is the word of God. This is the revelation of God's truth, God's design for how humans should live and therefore flourish in this world. Life group leaders, I want you to hold up high the word of God because this is how you shepherd God's flock. I want you to teach the word as the standard. That's what this word righteous means. God's word is righteous because God is righteous. It is the standard." [09:08] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Life groups are more than Bible studies. Life groups are flocks of God's people being shepherded to grow. Life group leaders, you are not just Bible study leaders. You are spiritual shepherds. You are shepherding through your own life example, what people catch. You are shepherding from your teaching. So you need to prepare. You need to prepare. You need to prepare. You need to prepare. But all of this is about shepherding. Life groups are more than a place to download Bible knowledge." [20:47] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Brothers and sisters, as you've come to this point in your spiritual walk where you've said yes to God, God, I want to be used by you to share what you've taught me, to encourage other people. You're at this point of maturity. I want to encourage you, enter into shepherding with love. It's not about you being looked at. Wow, Luke, he knows so many facts about the Bible. I wish I knew so many facts. No? Or people come to you, you know, you're the leader now. Can you give me wisdom and guidance? It's not it." [15:47] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We need to be aware of this reality in our day, that God cares how shepherds live, how shepherds behave, how shepherds care for God's people. He wants his shepherds to be righteous in line with his standard. And God will hold shepherds responsible. I do need to remind us of James chapter 3. Not many of us should become teachers because we're under a stricter judgment. And when we step into this role as shepherds, and part of that is teaching, we need to know God holds us responsible." [23:38] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "If you are not convinced in your heart that God would have you be a life group leader for this next season, if you're too tired, if you're too worn out, I want you to take a break. If you only are saying yes to this, well, because pastor said we got to have a men's group. So I'll lead the men's group. If it's all about duty, if it's all about obligation, and if you're actually just responding to your pastor, but you haven't heard from God, then you're just a hired hand." [30:28] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Shepherds, we cannot give. What we do not possess before we shepherd others. We must let God shepherd us before we exhort others to trust God's provision. We must rest in his provision before we refresh others. We must let the Lord refresh our soul and revive our strength. And before we teach the word of God, we must let the Lord teach and speak to us. Before we comfort others, we must let the Lord comfort us." [42:31] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The goal of shepherding is that God's people would be in an environment, of love, where they thrive, where they're healthy and they grow. So let me say some things. Life groups are more than Bible studies. Life groups are flocks of God's people being shepherded to grow. Life group leaders, you are not just Bible study leaders. You are spiritual shepherds. You are shepherding through your own life example, what people catch. You are shepherding from your teaching." [19:03] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We can endure our enemies and all their pressure because we dwell in the presence of our God. Shepherds, we need to receive that and then we can give it to God's people. And finally, verse six, surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. God's goodness and love are the overflow of his character. If God is with us, goodness and mercy are with us." [40:54] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Jesus is our example. And I want to focus here on just his overall attitude. It says that he's the good shepherd. Goodness comes from God. So he's the God-like shepherd. When we shepherd, we need to think, how would God be shepherding us? He's the real shepherd. He takes ownership for the sheep. He knows them by name. They hear his voice. They respond. Jesus has made our müsseness. our welfare, his problem. He cares about us. We are his delight." [27:19] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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