My Shepherd...LEADS For Further Study


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Series: Psalm 23, My Shepherd

For Further Study

My Shepherd...LEADS

1)

In John 10:11-17, Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd. His desire is to lead us by showing us the truth (John 8:31-32), that we would experience His presence as we obey Him (John 14:21, 23). The result is that our lives can be built on the solid rock of His truth—and our lives can stand in the midst of the storms and trials of this life (Matthew 7:24-27).

2)

Finding God’s will for our lives is very important, and we are especially motivated to hear from Him when we are looking for a job, or a house, or a major, or for direction in a relationship. Sometimes we’ll resort to looking for a sign, or waiting for a feeling to direct us. The best place to start is to be sure that we are following God’s will with our whole lives, not just look for His will in an isolated situation. Here’s some passages to study: I Thessalonians

Psalm 23:3b Pastor Doug Schillinger May 3, 2015 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Psalm 23:1-3

Psalm 23 reset: The Lord is my shepherd, provides: relationship, refreshment, and restoration

4:3; 5:16-18; Colossians 1:9; Ephesians 5:15-17; Romans 8:28-29; Psalm 37:4.

From these, how would you summarize God’s will for you? Are you pursuing these things in your life? If you are living out the truths in these passages, what does Psalm 37:4 encourage you to do?

Jesus: The Good Shepherd (John 10:11-17)

Today: My Shepherd Leads: (and we need it!!!) We all like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way. Isaiah 53:6

I. WHERE OUR SHEPHERD LEADS He leads me in paths of righteousness…



He leads us in the way to BECOME righteous Isaiah 53:6; Philippians 3:8-9; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 5:1



He leads us in the way to DO what is righteous. Ephesians 2:10

For friends of Flash…and others who are facing death…adversity… hardship… Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, You are with me, Your rod and Your staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

II. WHY OUR SHEPHERD LEADS US He leads me in paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake…

III. A SHEEP A SHEPHERD CAN LEAD 

Knows the Shepherd and recognizes His voice. John 10:2-5; 16



Longs to hear from the Shepherd—hungers for His Words.

3)

Our verse today taught us that God leads us in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. We can trust that He will lead us in accordance with His character and His reputation. Notice how the promises contained in Psalm 23 line up with seven different names for God from the Old Testament, names that underscore the nature of our God: *I shall not want—Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord will provide” (Gen. 22:14) *still waters- Jehovah-Shalom, “the Lord our peace” (Judg. 6:24) *restores my soul—Jehovah-Rophe, “the Lord who heals” (Ex. 15:26) *paths of righteousness—Jehovah-Tsidkenu, “the Lord our righteousness” (Jer. 33:16) *you are with me—Jehovah-Shammah, “the Lord is there” (Ezek. 48:35) *presence of my enemies—“Jehovah-Nissi, “the Lord our banner” (Ex. 17:15) *anoint my head—Jehovah-M’Kaddesh, “the Lord who sanctifies” (Lev. 20:8)

To Discuss…w/a friend, community group, or in your family devotional time 1. Has there been a time in your life when the promises of Psalm 23 have helped you? 2. Why and how would Jesus leading you in paths of righteousness result in Him receiving glory? 3. Why is it a good thing that God has connected His reputation to how He will lead us and care for us? From #3 above, because of who God is, what can we be certain He will do for us? Which of these promises is especially helpful to you this week? 4. Where do you need direction in your life this week? What Scripture speaks to your situation? Have your group pray for you as you seek God’s direction. 5. If you could see yourself from your Shepherd’s vantage point, how easy are you to lead?

Psalm 25:4-5

 

Does what the Shepherd says.

Resources:

Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:21, 23

Found: God’s Will by John MacArthur. Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God’s Will by Kevin DeYoung

Is connected with other sheep who are pursuing paths of righteousness.

Both of these are short, readable books that look at Biblical truths about making decisions and discovering God’s will for our lives.