The Shepherd’s Voice

Text: John 10:1-6

Place Preached - (Mississauga International Baptist Church)

Date Preached - (01/06/01)

Introduction:

Whose voice are you most familiar with?

Husband/Wife? Child/Parent? - There are many voices in this world, some good, many are evil. None is so kind and true and good as the voice of the Shepherd, the voice of Christ.

What is the relationship of the sheep to the Shepherd’s voice?

I. The Sheep Hear The Shepherd’s Voice vs.3 - (Reception)

Where do we hear Christ’s voice?

1. In the Scriptures

2. Through the (Holy) Spirit

The still, small voice. - The letters to the churches in Revelation 2-3 “Hear what the Spirit saith…”

3. In Circumstances

4. In Counsel

One thing is certain if we are His sheep, He speaks to us.

With so much “noise” cluttering our lives we may not be hearing Him.

There are a number of reasons why sheep hear the Shepherd’s voice.

A. Because they belong to Him.

“His own sheep”

ILLUS: I speak to my children – Praise, Discipline, Teaching. Why? They are mine, I love them, they are my responsibility.

Psalms 103:13-14 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

B. Because He calls them by name. Vs.3

When someone calls your name, you pay attention!

The Lord is a personal God – David said “the Lord is MY Shepherd!”

2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Your relationship with the Lord is as unique as you are.

C. Because He leads them out vs.3

Where does He lead us? What does He lead us to?

Psalms 23:2-3 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

He has the very best interests of the sheep at heart.

The sheep are quick to hear the shepherd’s voice for it means food, refreshment, rest, shelter etc. All that is GOOD!!

See vs. 9-10

1. “in and out” - SAFETY

2. To “find pasture” - SUSTENANCE

3. Life Eternal - SECURITY

4. Life Abundant - SUFFICIENCY

II. The Sheep Know the Shepherd’s Voice vs.4 – (Recognition)

KNOW – To consider, perceive, understand. Suggests fullness of knowledge.

The sheep know His voice because they know Him, not just know about Him.

They know His voice by personal experience.

Now I want to stress several important related points:

A. They are able to distinguish His voice from the voice of strangers. Vs.5

Not every voice is of God. Not every spirit claiming to be of god is of God.

1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

As a believer, you have all the tools of discernment you need in God’s Word and His precious guiding Holy Spirit.

B. The voice of the stranger is unfamiliar to the sheep. Vs.5

“Know not!!”

They actually flee from the stranger’s voice!

The church has gotten too familiar with the world.

Romans 16:19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

There is a philosophy that you have to “identify” with people in order to reach them. The teaching that you have to experience their sin and their pain in order to reach them. Rubbish!

Now it may be that God will use those who are saved from deep sin to reach others in similar condition.

But that is not the same as purposely exposing yourself to sin in order to reach the sinner.

By the way – Don’t familiarize your children to the voice of strangers. Do you know what they are reading, watching, learning??

C. The Safety of the sheep depend upon their recognition of the Shepherd’s voice. Vs. 8 & 10

Verse 8

There are many thieves and robbers (all others)

“The sheep did not hear them”

Oh, that this were true in our lives. No time for the voice of the stranger – Much more time to hear the voice of God.

It’s a good thing they did not hear!!

Verse 10

The purpose of the thief is revealed. – To steal, kill and destroy.

It doesn’t matter how sophisticated, educated or slick he may be, he is still a thief.

There is such a thing as “White-collar” spiritual crime.

2 Corinthians 11:14-15 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

III. The Sheep Follow the Shepherd’s Voice vs.4 – (Response)

Following speaks of submission and obedience.

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

A. The Shepherd’s voice is one, not many voices. Vs.16

This verse is not proof for many roads all leading to heaven. Rather it speaks of World evangelism and the great need for it.

The Shepherd's Voice (John [10]1-6)