The Church, A Flock of Sheep

Intro: Looking at other figures, the family, the temple, etc.. there are none more beautiful or significant than this. In our following thoughts let us look upon the church as a flock of sheep.

Text: John 10:1-16

I. He That Presides Over Them Is The Shepherd.

The Good Shepherd gives his life for the sheep. John 10:11; Psa.22

b. The great shepherd cares for and protects the sheep. Heb.13:20

Hebrews 13:20 ESV

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant,

c. The chief shepherd is coming for the sheep. 1 Pet.5:4

1 Peter 5:4 ESV

And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

II. The Enemies Are Wolves and Dogs. John 10:12

John 10:12 ESV

He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.

a. These are false teachers. Matt. 7:15

Matthew 7:15 ESV

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

b. Under shepherds (elders) are to guard the flock against such. Acts 20:28

Acts 20:28 ESV

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.

III. Their Sustenance As Green Pastures.

Psa. 23

a. His provisions for our Spiritual sustenance. The Word. His table. Fellowship. Prayer. Acts 2:42

Acts 2:42 ESV

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

b. Some of the sheep wander from the Shepherd and feed on things that are not good for them.

IV. Their Errors - Wanderings and Straying.

a. Unconsciously they wander as a child picking flowers.

b. This straying is moral, doctrinal, spiritual. 1 John 2:15

1 John 2:15 ESV

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

V. They Do Not Have To Stray Spiritually.

a. When we faithfully follow the Good Shepherd we will not stray.

b. We must keep our ears in turn with the Shepherds voice. We must be listening to the Good Shepherd. We must be proactive in listening.

c. There are many voices today trying to call our attention. Don’t listen to them. Keep listening to the Good Shepherd.

d. We must follow the Good Shepherd. John 10:4

John 10:4 ESV

When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.