Shepherding the Saints 11/22/2010
Texts: Jeremiah 23:1-6 and Acts 20:17-28 In this sermon, I examined the tragedy of the evil shepherds that God dismissed. They were evil because they did not bestow care upon the people they were to shepherd; instead, they destroyed and scattered them. Because of this, God regathered his people and put shepherds over them who would tend to them. I used Acts 20:35 as an example of what it means to tend people. Paul taught the elders (shepherds) in this speech to "help the weak" (TNIV), which, broadly, means to teach them the whole will of God and build them up in their faith. Godly shepherding is accomplished by tending to people, which means teaching them so that their faith is built up. My final application encouraged people--especially husbands and fathers--to begin shepherding their own families, in part through the practice of daily family worship. Add Comment Good Shepherding 09/20/2010
In Luke 15, Jesus tells three parables that are against the Pharisees. The Pharisees too often led people (around) through fear, control, and intimidation. Their leadership efforts focused on getting people to observe the law, as the Pharisees understood it. Those who could do it were "in" and those who couldn't were "out." In contrast, Jesus taught that good shepherds always maintain a relational focus with their flock for the purpose of paying attention to their spiritual growth. Good shepherds take risks to shepherd those most in need, care about caring about people, and care more for the needs of those who need help than for the selfish whims of those seeking to be served.
Good church leadership follows the "shepherding" model taught and commended in scripture. Good shepherds search out and feed their flock, care for the sick and injured, and feed justice to the flock. In short, they shepherd just like God shepherds. Look around at your own spiritual leaders (they may or not be the "titled" leaders). When you find someone who shepherds just like God does, follow them, because in doing so you will follow their example to become more godly.
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