In what ways can we ensure our "pasture" is not "scattered" today? Text at a Glance “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 23:1) Why Scattering Happens • Neglect of God’s Word (Ezekiel 34:2; Amos 8:11) • Self-serving leadership (Jeremiah 23:2) • Tolerating false teaching (Acts 20:29-30) • Unresolved division and bitterness (1 Corinthians 3:3) • Lack of practical care for the weak (Ezekiel 34:4) Keeping the Pasture Together Today • Feed on Scripture constantly – “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4) • Guard doctrinal purity – “Hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught.” (Titus 1:9) • Foster Christ-centered unity – “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3) • Practice mutual accountability – “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17) • Cultivate sacrificial love – “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35) What Faithful Shepherds Do • Preach the whole counsel of God without compromise (Acts 20:27) • Lead by example, not domination (1 Peter 5:2-3) • Seek the wandering and bind up the injured (Ezekiel 34:4; Luke 15:4-5) • Equip believers for ministry, not spectatorship (Ephesians 4:11-12) • Pray earnestly for the flock (Colossians 4:12) What Every Sheep Can Do • Stay devoted to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42) • Submit to godly oversight (Hebrews 13:17) • Speak truth in love to one another (Ephesians 4:15) • Forgive quickly and refuse gossip (Colossians 3:13; Proverbs 20:19) • Serve using spiritual gifts so no need goes unmet (1 Peter 4:10) Jesus, the Perfect Shepherd “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11) • His voice unites; strangers’ voices divide (John 10:4-5) • His cross reconciles us to God and to each other (Ephesians 2:14-16) • His Spirit empowers us to keep the pasture whole (Galatians 5:22-23) Key Takeaways • A healthy pasture is Word-fed, love-filled, and Spirit-led. • Shepherds and sheep share responsibility for unity and care. • Closeness to Christ is the surest safeguard against scattering today. |
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