How can we prepare to be "like lambs among wolves" in today's world? Setting the Scene “Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.” (Luke 10:3) Jesus spoke these words to the seventy-two, and He still speaks them today. The commission is clear and literal: we carry His message into a world that often opposes it. Our Identity as Lambs • Shepherded, not abandoned: John 10:11—“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” • Marked by meek strength: power under the Shepherd’s control, never retaliatory. • Dependent on guidance: Psalm 23:1—“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Recognizing the Wolves • Hostile ideologies that distort truth (2 Timothy 3:1–5). • Systems and cultures that celebrate sin and suppress righteousness. • Personal opposition, ridicule, and even persecution: 2 Timothy 3:12—“Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Preparing the Heart • Daily repentance and cleansing in the Word (John 17:17). • Settled confidence in Christ’s authority (Matthew 28:18). • Consistent, fervent prayer for boldness and compassion (Acts 4:29–31). Equipping with the Full Armor (Ephesians 6:10-18) • Belt of truth—anchoring every word and action in Scripture. • Breastplate of righteousness—living uprightly to silence accusation. • Shoes of the gospel of peace—ready to carry good news wherever He leads. • Shield of faith—extinguishing flaming arrows of doubt and intimidation. • Helmet of salvation—guarding the mind with assurance of redemption. • Sword of the Spirit—the spoken, memorized, trusted Word of God. Walking in Wisdom and Innocence • Matthew 10:16—“Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” • Shrewdness: strategic thinking, situational awareness, refusing naïveté. • Innocence: moral purity, transparency, a conscience void of offense. Staying Close to the Shepherd • Regular communion through Scripture, meditation, and worship. • Immediate obedience to His voice, trusting His leading even when costly. • Reliance on the Holy Spirit for discernment and empowering witness (Acts 1:8). Strengthening the Flock • Consistent fellowship: Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes gathering to spur one another on. • Mutual accountability and encouragement, guarding against isolation. • Shared mission, serving side-by-side for gospel advance. Responding to Hostility with Christlike Character • Gentle speech seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6). • Active good works that silence slander (1 Peter 2:15). • Refusal to retaliate: Romans 12:21—“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” • Readiness to give a reason for hope while maintaining respect (1 Peter 3:15). Living as Light in a Crooked World Philippians 2:15—“…children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world.” Our presence exposes darkness and directs attention to Christ, the Light of the world. Final Encouragement He who sends us walks with us. Lambs are safe when they stay near the Shepherd. The wolves are real, yet His authority, armor, and abiding presence guarantee the advance of His kingdom through obedient, humble messengers. |
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