OUTLINE: “This is a difficult statement”Jesus had no reservations challenging His disciples. A good under-shepherd ought to confidently follow His example. An unchallenged sheep is one who doesn’t grow. When Jesus said, “My yoke is easy” (Mt 11:30), it was a relativestatement. Difficult messages force us to face our convictions, stimulating growth in us.Love Takes RisksA […]
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OUTLINE: Ac 17:11 ASVNow these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of the mind, examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so.Ac 17:11 AMPNow these [Jews] were better disposed and more noble than those in Thessalonica, for they were entirely ready and accepted and
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OUTLINE: “equipping the saints”It’s not a pastor’s job to spoon feed his sheep. It’s his job to push them to “work out their own salvation with fear and trembling” (Php 2:12b), often challenging them with “difficult” messages. The true test lies with the disciple, not the teacher. <— Learn this! “Give a man a fish and he eats
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OUTLINE: Faith comes from persistent, humble seeking.The Value of WisdomDo you value wisdom enough to seek for it diligently? (Mt 13:44-46; Lk 11:5-10) Ps 23:4 [Amplified Classice]Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff
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OUTLINE: The Source of ConfidenceWe have confidence in the things we fear the most. Ask yourself, why would we have confidence in them in the absence of fear? We have confidence that there’s something to fear/respect, something real and powerful (e.g., God). Fear Is a Learned BehaviorInjury is an experience, something we learn about. Once
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OUTLINE: The Source of ConfidenceWe have confidence in the things we fear the most. Ask yourself, why would we have confidence in them in the absence of fear? We have confidence that there’s something to fear/respect, something real and powerful (e.g., God). Fear Is a Learned BehaviorInjury is an experience, something we learn about. Once
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OUTLINE: A Beautiful WillingnessIf Jesus, our Great Shepherd, loved the way He did, what kind of love do you think He endows His under-shepherds with? If these men are your examples to “imitate” (Heb 13:7), don’t you think He gives you access to this same love? Php 2:2-3make my joy complete by being of the same
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OUTLINE: Jn 10:11 MSG“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd puts the sheep before himself, sacrifices himself if necessary. “poured out”from spendo – means to pour out as a libation, i.e. (figuratively) to devote (one’s life or blood, as a sacrifice) (“spend”) — (be ready to) be offered. (Strong’s) Php 2:2-3…make my joy complete by being
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OUTLINE: Remember…Good parenting is met with much more back pressure, persecution, and rejection than bad parenting is today. Love is able to overcome all of it. (Ref: Ro 1:30; 2Ti 3:2– “disobedient to parents”) A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23By W. Phillip Keller “poured out”from spendo – means to pour out as a libation, i.e. (figuratively) to devote
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OUTLINE: Seeking the LordIt’s the intentions of the heart that dictate whether or not we receive godly wisdom. It’s HOW we seek the Lord that matters most. (Pr 2:1-12) Seeking the LordWhy would we ever reject discipline from God’s authorities? Don’t you want someone who loves you to wake you up? (Pr 3:11-13) Remember…Good parenting
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