If God has convicted you in that you realize you are not yet one of His sheep, hear his call and repent, ask forgiveness and become one. Their strategy is to use avoidance and rapid flight to avoid being eaten. The Word says that those who are spiritual discern everything well and are not fooled by anyone. So, he asked her, “Ma’am would you mind telling me why you’re a Baptist?”, She said, “I really don’t know, except my mother and father was a Baptist. I will say the opposite of Thom Rainer in his Autopsy of a Deceased Church book. I am the door. No flies and plenty of Food. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. I. The Door is synonymous with Savior. Sheep usually have fluffy wool that must be sheared, while goats have flatter hair. But a hireling, not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. Since birth, sheep produce wool. Him they will follow away from their friends. Sheep are dumb and directionless. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. They take on the characteristics of the wolf pack. 27My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. Like Methodist without the excitement. His sheep are not defenseless. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The sheep are moved along by the shepherd’s firm voice and gentle leading. I am the good shepherd; and I know My, and am known by My own. Whether your church has ten pews or a thousand seats, a praise band or a pipe organ, one-room-Sunday school or a network of small groups, a huge staff or just you. Thank you Bp powerful indeed, in faith for action. Again, Jesus says that he is the Door. And just like my uncle’s sheep, they will not go up to anyone else…they will not follow anyone else. Dumb, stupid, gullible. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. which suggests fat, contented and flourishing sheep. These enemies of Christ will use their critical cynicism, their obstructionism, their push for personal preferences to chock the spiritual life out of the ones who just want to worship and serve the shepherd who died to save them. We need to be known by Him, to be a part of His flock. Sheep are unattractive Some animals may not be very bright, but make up for it with grace and elegance in their movement and actions. Lee said, “We’re a rather conservative bunch. They eat cans, plastic, anything. He knows us, knows all our characteristics, and it is often necessary to take certain actions for our own good. He calls his own sheep by name…” (John 10:3). Jesus warns his followers to beware of the ravenous wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing. It's an idea that we can come back to when we need to stay on track: A sheep is led by its shepherd. The easiest way to tell a goat from a sheep is that a goats tail usually sticks up in the air but a sheep's tail hangs down. This last characteristic: He knew would be difficult for us, He knew that He would have to make a sacrifice so we can truly understand what He wanted from us. Left to themselves, sheep will not and cannot last very long. John, in this chapter however, shows Jesus as describing a beautiful imagery, a positive one of the close intimate relationship between the shepherd and his sheep. If it is among a flock of sheep, it assumes command. They use their natural herding instinct to band together for safety. This points to the substitutionary atonement, he died in our place so we could live. Everything seems to be appetizing to them. The context of this passage is the conversation between Jesus and Jewish leaders and laypeople who thought they were in God’s flock but were not because of no faith in the True Shepherd, the Messiah. If any of us have been more like a wolf or lion, yet know we should be a sheep, God calls us to repent and reconcile. No friction. Sheep can withstand dry seasons for several months without water as long as it eats the grass early in the morning while still wet with dew. | 5 de April de 2017 - 16:21. Sign up for The Berean: Daily Verse and Comment, and have Biblical truth delivered to your inbox.This daily newsletter provides a starting point for personal study, and gives valuable insight into the verses that make up the Word of God. “Now it’s up to you. They require someonewho will look after their smallest needs and who will lead them to where theyneed to be. Christ’s sheep follow Him (verse 27) We have an amplification of the same truth in verses 4-5. My Father, who has given, to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch, An evangelist was preaching in a small Methodist church in Georgia and asked the crowd, “How many of you folks here this morning are Methodists?”. I mean come on it is known as “the King of the Jungle.” We want to be strong and confident like the lion. They. Whoever thinks he owns his talents is deeply mistaken. They are also defenseless . We … His sheep are forever His sheep. A little while later, each shepherd left, and the sheep listened when their shepherd called them. When the Bible says that He gave His life for His sheep, it is because, if someone did not do this, all the sheep would be lost, because they can’t defend themselves. Do you think Jesus can tell the sheep from the goats? The good shepherd knows his sheep because “…the sheep listen to his voice. The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me, 26but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. Articles, sermons, and essays about Sheep, Characteristics of. After learning what I did, I don’t want to be a sheep either. Be kind to someone in the church, and see if you do not start a chain reaction that builds the unity of the one flock in. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. Get off the pew and be busy in making yourself valuable. I want to talk about something very simple, but essential for our life with God. First – God created all the animals. All who, came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I don’t want to talk to you about being a Methodist, a Catholic, a Lutheran or even a Baptist. - Most goats are naturally horned, but many sheep breeds are polled or naturally hornless. They allow themselves to be devoured by the lions in the church. 29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all£; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s … Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”, Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. Listen to how the Message paraphrases his last words to the Ephesian elders. Another characteristic of sheep is patience. The first thing we need to learn is that there are many pastors out there who think the sheep belong to them. Ministry Matters™ is a community of resources for church leaders. This is done by “hamstringing” their prey. Sheep are among the first animals to have been domesticated. Psalm 95:7 For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. ... What are the characteristics of sheep? I wonder how many people on a church roll, on our church roll, know why they are Christian. Fourth – My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. Ap… © 2020 Universal.org - The Universal Church - All rights are reserved. They come in and kill the church from the inside out. Simon Peter encouraged elders to “be shepherds of God’s flock” [under their care so that], “…when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away” (1 Peter 5:2-4). A wellspring cannot be a source of both dirty and clean water. This verse alludes to life at its best lived in and for Jesus not self. “Like sheep gone astray. Its production does not stop for any reason, it does not depend on anything, it is always producing, it always gives fruit. Jesus said. They can’t defend themselves, because they don’t possess any fighting skills. I wonder how many people with their name on the Baptist roll know why they are Baptist. This is a real scenario too often, in fact I know of one church right now just north of us. Jesus is the savior because He gives his life for the sheep so that they may have eternal life. The Holy Spirit has put you in charge of these people—God’s people they are—to guard and protect them. Jesus says the ones looking to rob the flock of their joy, rob the flock of their power, rob the flock of their faith, rob the flock of their witness, those people are like the wolf, sly and cunning. Fourth – My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. Let’s just say they have no … They take on the characteristics of the wolf pack. When one sheep decides to go somewhere, the rest of the flock usually follows, even if it is not a good "decision." , without a pastor (shepherd), dropped couple hundred plus in attendance, and fighting off the lions while praying to revive the carcasses. Just about any other domesticated animal can be returned to the wild and will stand a fighting chance of survival. Remember those three years I kept at it with you, never letting up, pouring my heart out with you, one after another. - been seen in the middle of nowhere all alone and unconcerned or seen dead in a little dip in the ground. Many people say sheep are stupid. Most people spent the majority of their waking hours trying to produce enough food to avoid starvation. - For sheep to lie down, they need the four F’s. "Sheep.ish - Pt. A goat's horns are less curved. God himself thought they were worth dying for. We belong to Jesus, the Supreme Pastor, the One who gave His life for us, we cannot cross this line. A near Eastern shepherd would lay himself in the opening of the gate into the fold/pen thus becoming the door. unpredictable - will watch a car coming for several hundred yards and then run right out in front of it. -Sheep are gentle, quiet and easily led animals. They are known as the garbage collectors of the wilderness, because they eat everything in front of them. The more the wool is shaved off, the more it produces. That experience with the shepherd does not exist without a conversion experience, which begins with conviction of sin, repentance of sin and commitment to the savior from your sin. This command I have received from My Father.”, Therefore there was a division again among the Jews because of these sayings. We think a wolf rises to the challenge with its powerful instinct, intuition and high intelligence. worthwhile and useful qualities, as long as they remain with the flock. A Sheep’s natural instinct is to flee not fight. Contentment in Christ means: No fear. As long as pastors think this way, there will always be division in the churches. The sheep hear his voice and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out” (John 10:3). True disciples, true sheep live and enjoy life long before it is eternal. which suggests fat, contented and flourishing sheep. This verse alludes to life at its best lived in and for Jesus not self. They only remember the warning about the devil roaming like a lion. Like sheep, God always has something new and fresh for you, but there is only one source, the Word. My grandmother and my grandfather were Baptist.”, The preacher said, “Ma’am, that’s really not a good reason to be a Baptist. You must follow, not only listen, but know and follow. It can also be one of the most vicious and blood-thirsty animals. ) No Friction. God is screaming in our ears: do this, go there, come here. Features Pricing Upload Sermon Get started for FREE ... he knew about shepherding and about sheep. They try to circle around the prey separating the one from the many. Be on your toes—both for yourselves and your congregation of sheep. Second – Sheep produce wool all the time. Jesus is “the door of the sheep,” which means any predator wanting to attack the sheep would have to go through Jesus first. They do not show pain, because if they do, they will be more vulnerable to predators who look for those who are weak or injured. Sheep stay close to flock, are more likely to be startled and spooked, and are well-known for their tendency to follow the leader. Focus on the Great Tribulation (final 3 1/2 years of the Day of the Lord) (Matthew 24:15-35) B. No Flies. If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”, Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. She said, “Well, I am a Baptist.” Some of the others didn’t seem to like her answer. Do you know what goats are referred to in rural areas? He is required to get to know them intimately. The sheep come to know that when the shepherd speaks they should follow because his plan for them is better than their plan for themselves. No Flies. Why do you listen to Him?”, Others said, “These are not the words of one who has a demon. So stay awake and keep up your guard. Benefit others. However, we do not follow, therefore there is no use in simply hearing. Sheep, must stay focused on Him. A child of God is not confused, he knows and discerns His voice. They’re able to distinguish his voice from that of a stranger. It would be very good if we possessed this characteristic, because we always want to defend ourselves, we always want our own righteousness to prevail; we always think we are right, and we fight for it to the end. But in what is known as the. This leaves them helpless and unable to move. They are tenacious and do not give in until they are done. Goats are more independent and curious, don’t flock easily and are more likely to fight back. They were all created with a special way to defend themselves. For example, sheep will follow each other to slaughter. A sheep that is by itself is vulnerable to attack. Isaiah 53.7. Move beyond yourself to serve others. The main thing though—the central difference between sheep and goats—is really simple. After the service, when the two shook hands he said, “Ma’am, I noticed you didn’t raise your hand. is one of the greatest promises in the Bible to God’s children. We see the downside of the goat imagery in Matthew 25:33, 41 where Christ rejects … Plus, if a resting sheep is too heavy or wet, the sheep can get stuck on its back. In … Peter did. This is very interesting because we begin to discover that we are entirely dependent on our Pastor, totally dependent on Jesus. Sheep are social animals. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. Sheep are prone to panic in a situation in which they feel helpless or fearful. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. Jesus here in the text, is comparing the unbelieving Pharisees and unbelieving Jewish lay people in the crowd to the wolf who catches some sheep and scatters the others. We have proved our weakness, and day by day we lament it. We both can in our flesh and pride. The young lambs of this breed have short curly wool which is the astrachan of commerce. True disciples, true sheep live and enjoy life long before it is eternal. A sheep is continually busy in making herself valuable, and multiplying herself or increasing her own growth for the benefit of others. They have an owner; they are someone’s property, someone who loves them, someone who gives their life for them. But, surprisingly a wolf is one of the earth’s most cowardly and fearful animals, which is the reason it is so sly. | 3,678 views. Sheep have no sense of direction. Near-Eastern shepherds however, stand outside of the sheep fold/pen and call out the specific names of his sheep. He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; he was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth. The Signs (Matthew 24:4-35) 1. But: You have a True and Great Shepherd who gives life that cannot be taken, shaken or destroyed. Sheep Sermon Illustrations . Although some shepherds may tell you differently, to most outside observers sheep are dirty, smelly, and ugly. Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? - the Great Shepherd. “Conversation of Death” the wolf seeks to determine if the hunt will be stopped or not, if the prey resists or not. After fleeing, sheep will reform their group and look at the predator. Andre Batista, Daniel Cruz, Débora Picelli, Jeane Vidal, Maria do Rosário, Michele Roza, Rafaella Rizzo, Sabrina Marques, Contact e-mail: redacao@sp.universal.org.br, Address Rua dos Missionários, 139, Santo Amaro - São Paulo (SP), Rua dos Missionários, 139, Santo Amaro - São Paulo (SP). “I am the good shepherd. A wellspring cannot be a source of both dirty and clean water. Many people say they are waiting for God to speak to me, and God is already speaking, He is using this word, He is using the Pastor of the Church, He is using a brother in the faith, but he does not take action because he is listening to the Voice of God, but he is not understanding, so he does not follow Him. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have. 4. Rise early and eat from God’s Word and you will survive your dry season. v.This is a major point that must always be emphasized. 4 - The Sheep Series. We are sheep and not snakes. Each flock followed their shepherd, without getting mixed up. Remember, Jesus called one of his most loyal and vocal disciples satan. Everything that God has given you is to bring forth more lives, it is to build up the body of Christ. He leads to the greenest pastures and the quietest waters. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. R.G. Even when they come across something new, they do not try to see what it is, because they don’t know where it came from, or who made it, or if it will be bad for them. Christian do not let the wolves and lions see your hurt. Without that there does not exist for you, any benefits of being sheep, because you are not one until you are made one by the Holy Spirit. It will cause the wolves who only look like sheep to flee. We do confess our weakness; yet may we not repine at it, for, as Paul said, so we find, when we are weak then are we strong. 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. But here I can only point out two of the true shepherd’s qualities: A. Jesus the true shepherd provides personal care for His sheep, calling them by name (10:3b). As He will go on to say (10:11-18), the sheep belong to Him because He gave His life to purchase them. Reputation: Sheep are stupid, defenceless and harmless creatures that mope about on hillsides doing not very much. Christian, don’t look to see how you can be taken care of at church. Sheep have many wants, yet they are very helpless, and quite unable to provide for themselves. which is because the True sheep have a firsthand familiarity with the True Shepherd through experience. No matter how hard the lion roars, he can never kill you. In, the negative wording reinforces what has already been said about the true sheep of the True shepherd. This is the most important characteristic of a sheep: Listening to the Voice of the Lord. making it a church with no spiritual life left. Society at the time of our Lord’s first advent was largely agricultural. Which you should live for Jesus w/o fear and in faith because: Have you ever noticed that Jesus’ promise of giving you abundant life is in His depiction of you as a sheep? In fact, we’re so conservative, Christ could come back tomorrow and we’d form a committee to look into it.”. We want to talk about three important characteristics that can change your life and distinguish whether you are a sheep or a goat. Suppose your mother and your father, and your grandmother and grandfather had been morons, what would you have been?”, Without batting an eye, she said, “I guess I’d have been a Methodist.”. In our modern society, most people have never been around or worked with sheep. ... Before we see how much danger a wolf can present though, let’s take a look at the characteristics of a goat. Keep your focus on Jesus and not the wiles around you. The females do almost all the hunting, stalking and ambushing their prey in groups undercover. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. Why does a shepherd separate the sheep from the goats? Summary of The Day of the Lord and preliminary events (Matthew 24:4-14) 2. If sheep have horns, they are usually curved. It can. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep. James tells us that if the devil is resisted, he will flee, but fear sets in too often, or weariness. They are tenacious and do not give in until they are done. Jesus is not like the hired help who runs away when things get tough, he has a deep compassionate concern for His sheep. - constantly going through the same painful lesson over and over again, slow learners - constantly going through the same painful lesson over and over again, - demanding from the time is a newborn, more and more grass, when snow on ground steady fussing at shepherd for food, demanding - demanding from the time is a newborn, more and more grass, when snow on ground steady fussing at shepherd for food, - cannot get them to do anything very easily. It takes a shepherd to comfort the sheep. v.3, 4 and 27 - The context of this verse is something very unfamiliar to Westerners because you think of sheep being herded by a sheep dog and a man driving the sheep. It can also be a passage we want to avoid if we are living as carnal Christians. This leaves them helpless and unable to move. Being true sheep means we have a True and Good Shepherd with all of the benefits. Share it with other sheep, but stand together and stand firm. A Little Flock. Without that there does not exist for you, any benefits of being sheep, because you are not one until you are made one by the Holy Spirit. Often, wolves simply kill as much prey as is possible, regardless of hunger and appetite. Sheep look like sheep. Free subscribers can search and … Paul knew how people, acting like wolves could be in a church and the damage they could do to the flock (reference to sheep). But in what is known as the. 8) If a sheep is thirsty, it will drink from a dirty water source to quench its thirst. Sheep have an amazing tolerence for pain. You have a True and Great Shepherd who loves you so much that He died for you. Some of you may not like being known as a wolf, but boy how majestic is the lion? This is done by “hamstringing” their prey. Sheep eat grass, and the grass needs to be fresh, and of good quality. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock, “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. Your gifts and talents are not for yourself, they are to serve God and others. They are good for two things: being eaten and producing wool. Jesus is the door of the sheep. Sheep do not eat garbage, or look for different types of food. Sheep’s only defense against predators is to flock together. They obey His commands. Jesus is the Great Shepherd who provides protection against the wolves. They are sociable creatures and enjoy good fellowship, but that fellowship however, is only amongst themselves in the pride of about 15 or less. See no person claiming the name of Christ should ever want to be known by a lion’s character. Although savage and bloodthirsty, wolves are among some of the world’s smartest and most perceptive mammals. The Times (Matthew 24:36-44) 1. - will watch a car coming for several hundred yards and then run right out in front of it. Jesus says the ones looking to rob the flock of their joy, rob the flock of their power, rob the flock of their faith, rob the flock of their witness, those people are like the wolf, sly and cunning. Goats. Bishop macedo (If you would like to receive Pastor Harris’ weekly sermons via e-mail, Click Here) (If you would like to download the PowerPoint presentation for this sermon, Click here – 191 A Sheep or a Goat, ) Pastor Scott L. Harris Grace Bible Church, NY December 30, 2018. The other is the devil roaming like a lion, seeking to devour Christians. Jesus compared us with sheep. The only entrance for True sheep is through the door. See, no person claiming the name of Christ should ever been known by wolf like character, or want to be known in this way, because the wolf is only ever described in scripture as a tool of satan to destroy the church. You will never loose your salvation, nor will anyone ever snatch you out of the Shepherds hand. Think it cannot be you, you are wrong. When a sheep is caught by the shearer, at first there is a short struggle, until she finds that she is firmly held and cannot get away. His sheep are not directionless. Sheep are commonly used throughout the Bible to symbolically refer to God’s people. Pray that I and other leaders follow the shepherd well while I try to lead you well, and if so, follow as you would Jesus. Usually the scripture reference about sheep give an imagery as helpless and hopeless. Again we are told to resist the devil and he will flee. They trust and follow him as they would the Master. They come in and kill the church from the inside out. John Nelson Darby, an esteemed servant of Christ, having once been asked to see a poor boy who was dying in some wild district in Ireland, narrated the following account of his visit. His sheep are not dumb. “I know that as soon as I’m gone, vicious wolves are going to show up and rip into this flock, men from your very own ranks twisting words so as to seduce disciples into following them instead of Jesus. But sheep are so awkward, so lacking in agility and dignity. This passage can be an encouraging one for a Christian, as long as they are living in the spirit, in the will of God. If I don’t think I could be like the devil, I am wrong. We can’t lose this characteristic. “Conversation of Death” the wolf seeks to determine if the hunt will be stopped or not, if the prey will resist or not. He noticed that the shepherds were talking to each other while the sheep drank. No fear. Affection for their shepherd is stronger than their mutual love. Everybody raised a hand, except one little old lady. They know his voice. Why do you claim to be a Christ follower? The Bible says that we should cast our anxieties on Him because He cares for us. We often act more like snakes than sheep, if someone stomps on us we want to bite, or sometimes we even do, but the Bible says that He is the one who defends us, who protects us. One of my friends was in Africa and he saw a big lake where many animals stopped to drink water. Lot about sheep, characteristics of the same way with, they form a special bond their... Your gifts and talents are not for yourself, they simply kill as much prey as is possible, of... 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