For you were like sheep going astray (to own way Isa 53:6=sin), but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls
Mt 7:15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. (cf 1Pt 5:2; Ac20:28)
Wants become directives Ps 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 6 goodness and hesed…all the days of my life
Autonomy becomes divinity Jer 7:24 But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts. They went backward and not forward. Pr 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, He shall direct your paths.7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
Needs unmet due to disobedience Php 4:19 my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in/by glory in/by Christ Jesus.
Deceived by demons Ps 119:118 You reject all those who stray from Your statutes, for their deceit is vain falsehood. 2Thess 2
Mt 24:24 false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive Rev 13:14 he deceives…by signs
Evaluation ADOS 1Tim 4:16 Take heed to yourself and doctrine…continue…for in doing this you will save both yourself and…
Rebellious Isaiah 30:9 NIV These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to listen to the Lord's instruction.
Submit to God-ordained Authority (Jesus, Body, Elders, Govt, Parents see “The S-word: Submission” on Truthbase)
2Pt 2:10-15 ~CEV The Lord is especially hard on people who disobey him, don't think of anything except their own desires, and despise tlono authority. They not fearful but self-willed and are not afraid of reviling the honorable 12 These people are no better than senseless animals that live by their feelings…They speak evil of things they don't know anything about. But their own corruption will destroy them… their minds are filled with desires for more. But they are headed for trouble! 15They have left the true road and have gone down the wrong path
Surrendered - because anything else is stupid Lk 9:23 If anyone desires…deny self, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
Jn 10:9 I am the door (of the sheep). If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.
Under God’s Authority - because the alternative is being under Satan’s authority Js 4:7 Submit to God. Resist the devil and he
will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God..Cleanse sinners; purify hearts double-minded. 10 Humble yourselves…He will lift you up.
1Ti 4:1 Spirit expressly says that…some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,
Bitter-free - because you know God knows best Heb 12:10 chastened for our profit…partakers of His holiness 15 looking
carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble…many defiled
Malleable - because tombstones are set in stone Js 3:15 earthly wisdom…demonic 16 envy and self-seeking 17 wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy
Interdependent - because independence is the essence of sin Eph 5:21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.
Transparent and Teachable - because we can easily be deceived Titus 1:10 there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers...11 They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach
Mk 6:34 Jesus...compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things
Hear and Follow Jn 10:4 when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice
Pr 19:27 Cease listening to instruction, my son, And you will stray from the words of knowledge.
Enclosed by Elders for Safety Acts 20:29 after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.
Heb 13:17 Obey those who rule over you, and yield/submit to their authority NIV, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. 2Cor 10:8 authority for edification
Example of the Shepherd’s skill Jn 10:11 lays down his life for sheep 21:17 Do you love Me?… Feed My sheep”. Ps 100:3
Productive for the Shepherd (reproduce) Jn 15 bear fruit or burn; Mk 11:21 fig tree cursed; Mt 28:20 teach disciples to obey Lk 19:15
Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:
1. Does a sheep know it is straying? What does it look like when Jesus is shepherding and overseeing someone’s soul? When He’s not?
2. Is there ever a time when a believer doesn’t need a shepherd? Why do people resist authority in their life? Why do they resist God?
3. Why do we always think the bad guys are unbelievers? Why do wolves wear sheep suits? How do you know what’s true and right?
4. Where are you most likely to go astray and be deceived? How can you prevent yourself from being deceived and going over the cliff?
5.Which survival strategies would be most profitable for you to incorporate into you’re life? What’s stopping you (besides you)? |
