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The Biblical Relationship Between Sheep and Shepherds

August 22, 2021   /   Margaret Street Church of Christ

There are many who simply do not understand the role, authority and qualifications of elders in (and to) the church and also do not understand their personal role in relation to those elders.

I. THE NATURE OF SHEEP

A. If God saw fit to emphasize sheep as a metaphor for us in His word, then it is one that we should pay attention to and understand

B. Sheep 101

1. Sheep have (Isaiah 53:6)

2. Sheep , they are not (John 10:27)

3. Sheep are (Matthew 9:36)

4. Sheep are (Isaiah 40:11; Psalm 147:3)

5. Sheep are . (Matt 6:31-33; Psalm 55:22)

6. Sheep get . (Her 10:23; Psalm 23:1-2)

7. Sheep are . (Luke 14:4; John 1:29)

C. By using sheep as a metaphor to describe His creation, it shows God truly understands our human tendencies better than we understand ourselves.

II. THE NATURE OF SHEPHERDS

A. Why is the term “Shepherd” used to describe our church leaders? We ALL need to understand it is:

1. Because shepherds  (I Tim 3:1, 5:17)

2. Because shepherds have  (Heb 13:17; Matt 16:26; Luke 15:4-7)

3. Because shepherds must  (I Tim 3:3; Titus 1:9)

4. Because shepherds know  (Matt 28:19-20; Gal. 6:10; John 4:24)

5. Because shepherds must  (II These 3:6; I Cor 5:5)

6. Because shepherds must  (I Tim 3:2-5; I Pet 5:3)

7. Because shepherds must  (Luke 14:4; John 1:29)

B. Being a shepherd is . Many will be in Heaven because of the of good elders.

III. SHEEP AND SHEPHERDS

A. Key point to the lesson: Elders are and sheep are . (Hebrews 13:17)

1. Shepherds willingly . (John 15:13; Eph 5:25)

2. Thus, sheep should willingly . (Heb 13:7,17; 1 These 5:12-13)

B. Accepting that we are indeed like sheep in need of a shepherd is the hardest part for many people to comprehend and accept as essential for their faith. But, it is divine God’s pattern for the church and if we want to be pleasing to Him, we must obey His commands (I John 5:3)

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