The Lord is my shepherd

Topics: God, shepherd, protection

I. My shepherd provides

*Follow the Good Shepherd to find true contentment!

1. "I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd" (John 10:14-16).
2. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake (Psalm 23:1-3).

3. I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:11b-13).

II. My shepherd protects

* Follow the Great Shepherd to live fearlessly amidst life's trials!

1. Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen (Hebrews 13:20, 21).
2. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I 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 (Psalm 23:4, 5a; see also Isaiah 53:6).

III. My shepherd prepares

* Follow the Chief Shepherd to have confident hope for the future!

1. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4).
2. You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23:5b, 6).?

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, November 13^th,2022

Life group flow and discussion questions

The Lord is my shepherd

An important Guideline of Life Groups: Every person serves both as a shepherd to others and lives as a sheep to be shepherded. Life Groups help you follow the True Shepherd Jesus, but also we need to attract others to Jesus too!

Getting Started:

1. How do you know if you're following Jesus as your Good Shepherd (1 Peter 2:25)?
2. The Lord's personal name YAHWEH, "I Am who I Am? is used 6,828 times in Scripture. Why do you think He makes Himself known so often as our covenant-keeping God?

Discussing Truths:

1. How has the Lord provided for your needs? What image do you have of our Lord as your personal shepherd (Isaiah 40:10, 11)?
2. Do you struggle with discontent as a "prison of want"? What did Paul learn about being content (Philippians 4:11-13)?
3. How has Jesus, the Good Shepherd slowed you down and "made you lie down in green pastures" and "restored your soul"?
4. Why is it imperative that we follow God's path (Psalm 23:3; Proverbs 14:12)?
5. Sheep are restless animals until four conditions are met: Which do you need most?

• Freedom from fear (Isaiah 43:5).
• Freedom from friction (Matthew 5:23, 24).
• Freedom from frustrations (John 14:27).
• Freedom from famine (John 6:35).

6. What are some valleys that you've experienced in life? How has God comforted you?
7. Why is it important that we don't give our enemy a seat at our table (Psalm 23:5)?
8. Do you have confident assurance of your eternal destination (Psalm 23:6)? What Scripture passages give you this assurance?

Now What? Application:

1. Are you willing to follow Jesus in paths of righteousness for His name's sake, regardless of the direction He leads you?
2. Memorize Psalm 23and meditate on how good our Shepherd is to us! Praise Him!