Life of the Shepherd II

1.2.0.1 Growth of the Shepherd [Life of the Shepherd II]

LS02-01

Man on a step-ladder

I. Growth of the Shepherd

A. Have a vibrant personal relationship with God right up to the end

1. We must have adventures with God - Abraham

Turn to Hebrews 11:8–16 (NKJV)

Hebrews 11:8–16 (NKJV)

Faithful Abraham

8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.

The Heavenly Hope

13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

2. Our understanding is and by the Word of the Lord - Samuel

1 Samuel 3:19–21 (NKJV)

19So Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground.

20And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel had been established as a prophet of the Lord.

21Then the Lord appeared again in Shiloh. For the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord.

B. Always allow God to you from sources

1. Never stop receiving - Moses and Jethro Ex. 18

Ecclesiastes 4:13 (NKJV)

Better a poor and wise youth Than an old and foolish king who will be admonished no more.

2. Keys to learning

a. Read for and

b. Listen to studies for and

C. Live by that are set by God

Turn to Philippians 3:14–16 (NKJV)

D. Keep a good degree of in mind, will and emotions

1. Being and for God to cause growth

2. Follow who will lead by example

Matthew 4:19 (NKJV)

19Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

1 Corinthians 4:16 (NKJV)

16Therefore I urge you, imitate me.

1 Corinthians 11:1 (NKJV)

1Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

Philippians 3:17–19 (NKJV)

17Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.

18For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

19whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame— who set their mind on earthly things.

2 Thessalonians 3:7–9 (NKJV)

7For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you;

8nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you,

9not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

E. Have a great sense of perspective of and

Turn to Philippians 3:1–13 (NKJV)

1. Being obedient takes some pressure off of you because your is in Him not your abilities (1-6)

2. Count loss to gain the knowledge of Christ (7-11)

3. Always to the call of God (12-16)