Shepherding and Sacrificing

Shepherding - 13:7-9, 17

In the church, it’s a dynamic, two-direction relationship

Shepherding the saints - 13:7, 17

Guide well (those who rule/lead - ones how are in supervisory capacities) (13:7)

Speak God’s word (13:7)

Model faith (13:7)

Watch over the saints’ souls (13:17)

Keep Jesus in mind (13:8)

Shepherding the shepherds - 13:7, 17

Remember them - have them in your thoughts (13:7)

Imitate them - i.e., let them be a role model for you (cf. ) (13:7)

Obey them - i.e., follow them, convinced that the course of action is correct; to submit to authority or reason by obeying (13:17)

Be submissive to them - yield to their authority; (13:17)

Give them opportunity to provide soul care with joy (13:17)

Keep Jesus in mind (13:8)

Shepherding self - 13:9

Guard against false doctrine

Establish your relationship with Jesus by grace, not law

Before going too far - consider the principles of servant leadership - at home, at work, at church

Biblical Principles of Servant Leadership (C. Gene Wilkes)

1. Servant leaders humble themselves and wait for God to exalt them (see ).

Servant leaders humble themselves and wait for God

to exalt them (see ).

2. Servant leaders follow Jesus rather than seek a position (see ).

Servant leaders follow Jesus rather than seek

a position (see ).

3. Servant leaders give up personal rights to find greatness in service to others (see ).

Servant leaders give up personal rights to find

greatness in service to others (see ).

4. Servant leaders can risk serving others because they trust that God is in control of their lives (see ).

Servant leaders can risk serving others because they

trust that God is in control of their lives (see ).

5. Servant leaders take up Jesus’ towel of servanthood to meet the needs of others (see ).

Servant leaders take up Jesus’ towel of servanthood

to meet the needs of others (see ).

6. Servant leaders share their responsibility and authority with others to meet a greater need (see ).

Servant leaders share their responsibility and authority

with others to meet a greater need (see ).

7. Servant leaders multiply their leadership by empowering others to lead (see ).

empowering others to lead (see ).

Sacrificing - 13:10-16

We don’t offer the sacrifices that OT Israel offered on the altar of the tabernacle or temple.

The Call to sacrifice (13:10-14),

to join Jesus outside the city, (13:10-12)

to look for a heavenly city (, , )(13:13-14)

What are our sacrifices, then?

The Content of our Sacrifices:

Worship with thanksgiving - (13:15)

Service (doing good; showing kindness) (cf. ; ; = ) (13:16)

Sharing (; ; ; ; ; ; ; - 4 lepers) (13:16)

Will you shepherd others?

Will you be shepherded by others?

Will you shepherd yourself?

Will you offer sacrifices in worship, service, and sharing?