Who is your shepherd?. Who is your potter?

As I sit here and meditate I get visions of the enemy having chains link by link tide onto individuals. So many people that are tide to his anchor that leads to hell as we fall to one sin after another. The first link and clasp gets attached to us. One by one as we commit one sin after the other his chain and grasp on us gets longer and stronger. As I grow in my path in Christ I see how some like to mold and form Gods word to their liking or need I say their comfort in their sin. Dissecting the Word and dismissing some passages or teaching. I am remind it of my childhood and when my addiction started from one puff to two puffs to one day two days one month we months then one year turned into a decade then two decades. I feel like once the enemy knows he has his grip on us he starts stepping back and lets us fall into destruction. The bondage the enemy leads us towards is a consumption of not only time but life. Life and time taken not only from us but from our family. Until we wake up and God intervenes

And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. 

We are the clay, and you are the potter. 

We all are formed by your hand.  (Isaiah 64:8, NLT)

1 The Lord is my shepherd; 

I have all that I need. 

2 He lets me rest in green meadows; 

he leads me beside peaceful streams. 

3 He renews my strength. 

He guides me along right paths, 

bringing honor to his name. 

4 Even when I walk 

through the darkest valley,*

I will not be afraid, 

for you are close beside me. 

Your rod and your staff 

protect and comfort me. 

5 You prepare a feast for me 

in the presence of my enemies. 

You honor me by anointing my head with oil. 

My cup overflows with blessings. 

6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me 

all the days of my life, 

and I will live in the house of the Lord

forever.  (Psalm 23:1–6, NLT)

Once you were like sheep 

who wandered away. 

But now you have turned to your Shepherd, 

the Guardian of your souls.  (1 Peter 2:25, NLT)

Guided by Grace: The Shepherd and the Potter

Bible Passage: Ps 23:1–6, Isaiah 64:8, John 10:1–18

Summary: This theme focuses on the relational aspect of God as our shepherd and potter, emphasizing His intimate involvement in our lives and the transformational power of grace that sustains us and shapes our identity.

Application: This message encourages listeners to lean into their relationship with God, recognizing His active role in both protecting them from life's struggles and molding their character in times of challenge, showcasing how grace leads to spiritual growth even in difficulty.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that God’s role as shepherd illustrates not only His provision and guidance but also His personal care in our daily lives, while His identity as potter highlights His authority and purposeful crafting of our identities in Christ, highlighting the importance of trust and submission to His shaping work.

How this passage could point to Christ: Christ is depicted as both the Good Shepherd who brings His sheep into a relationship with Himself and the potter who shapes us into vessels of honor through His redemptive work; His grace enables our transformation and sustains us through every circumstance.

Big Idea: Our identity in Christ is continuously shaped by His grace as our shepherd and potter, calling us to trust in His plans and live out our faith in confidence and hope during life’s trials.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider using Logos to explore the historical context of shepherding and pottery in the biblical culture, enhancing the metaphorical significance of God's roles. It may also be beneficial to look into theological discussions around grace to help define its implications more clearly in the context of divine guidance and shaping. Additionally, you might find insightful commentaries on Psalm 23 that reflect on personal applications of trust and vulnerability in the journey of faith.

1. Provision in Rest

Ps 23:1-2

You could explore how these verses reveal God’s provision and rest, inviting the congregation to rest in His care. The Shepherd ensures His sheep are nourished and rested, reflecting Christ’s invitation to find rest in Him. This could reassure your audience that they can trust God’s guiding hand through life’s hectic demands.

2. Protection in Darkness

Ps 23:3-4

Perhaps reflect on how these verses convey God’s guidance and protection through life’s trials, illustrating Christ’s role as the shepherd who faces danger for us. Emphasize how God leads us on paths of righteousness and through dark valleys, ensuring His presence is our comfort.

3. Presence in Abundance

Ps 23:5-6

Maybe these verses show the abundance and blessing of God’s presence, portraying the Shepherd’s ability to provide more than enough even amidst adversaries. This reminds the audience that in Christ, our status as beloved children is secure, overflowing with grace and unfailing love.

4. Purpose in Shaping

Isaiah 64:8

Perhaps discuss how this passage emphasizes God’s sovereignty as the potter, whose hands shape our identity and purpose. Encourage listeners to be malleable in His hands, submitting to the process of transformation that reflects Christ’s image. This aligns with trusting His greater plan for our lives.

5. Pathway in Listening

John 10:1-6

You could highlight how these verses introduce Jesus as the gate for the sheep, emphasizing His role as protector and provider of access to the Kingdom. Reflect on Christ’s role as the only way to salvation, urging the audience to discern His voice amidst life’s noise as their true shepherd.

6. Promise in Sacrifice

John 10:7-18

Consider explaining how this passage depicts Jesus as the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep, laying down His life for them. These verses communicate the ultimate expression of grace, calling believers to respond with love and trust in His sacrificial leadership.

How does the sermon relate the roles of God as shepherd and potter to our daily lives?