Review: The Shepherds Relationship: ( Lead, Feed, Water, Exercise, Examine, Protect ) The Sheep's Relationship: ( Dependant, Eat, Rest, Produce Lambs, Follow the Shepherd) What Was The Tableland Dangers: ( Predators, Diseases, Pest, Discipline, Don't Stray) Today: We look at the make-up of every Flock
Matthew 25:31-33 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
(1) Every Flock Has A Mixture Of Sheep And Goats !
** Don't ask me which you are, just listen to the nature of both, then you decide.
(A) Young Eastern Lambs and Kids look alike until they begin to grow and the kid goats start budding horns.
(B) Goats have a different nature than Sheep. ( As a pastor, it is important to know the difference in nature.)
(C) Goats are "restless" and like to roam. Goats constantly challenge the boundaries set by the Shepherd. ( They are never satisfied with where the are) In Jeremiah, God speaks of his sheep being scattered in the mountains like he-goats before the flock.
(D) Goats are very curious, always looking for something to get into. Psalms 104:18 The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats;
(E) Goats don't like to follow, they like to lead, always have to be out in front. They are always sure "they" know where the flock needs to go and run along expecting the Sheep and Shepherd to follow them. ( In Church they are often perceived as Leaders by the flock)
** Never Choose A Leader Who Refuses To Also Follow ** (F) When the Shepherd leads in another direction, Goats will finally turn and run back through the flock, causing a disturbance. ( Goats are happiest if there is always a little stir and commotion going on.)
(G) Goats will move from flock to flock if they don't like where the Shepherd is leading them. They simply refuse to be constantly led.
** I am not suggesting you follow blindly, thats cultish, but Follow as I follow Christ (H) Goats eating habits are different than sheep. Goats eat about "anything", Sheep are very particular in what they eat. ( It's amazing what some church people will swallow !)
(I) Goats "nibble" here and there, never full, never lie down and rest, Sheep will eat to the full and lie down and rest.
(J) Goaty people "nibble". ( A 15-20 minute message is plenty) (Sheep devour the Word)
(K) Goats and Sheep even "sound" different. You can hear them in Church, The Sheep: "Ba, Ba, Ba," The Goats; "Butt, Butt, Butt"
(L) I love preaching, "but" he's too long, ( They can watch a 2 hour movie and never bat an eye) I love Singing, "but" I don't like the songs they sing. I would come on Sunday night, "but" I find things I like to do better. I would come on Wednesday nights, "but" you don't have anything I like. I know work needs to be done around the church, "but" I don't have the time, "but" I'm not qualified, "but" I'm not called to that ministry. All you hear is "but, but"
(M) Goats are no fun to pastor. I pastored several years before I learned you could never please Goats.
(N) I used to knock myself out trying to get Goats to behave like Sheep. They never will, it is against their nature.
** I Learned You Can Pastor Sheep, And You Can Only Manage Goats ** (2) We Are All Capable Of Having "Goaty" Behavior If We Don't Keep Watch!
(A) When we "resist" and rebel against leaders who are over us in the Lord.
(B) When we find ourselves "nibbling" at the Word. ( Don't like preaching )
(C) We need to listen and see is we are "Ba, Ba" or doing a lot of "Butting"
(3) Paul Pastored A Goaty Church That Thought They Were The Most Spiritual
** 1 Cor. 1:12-13 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
** 1 Cor. 3:1-3 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
** Strife and Divisions Manifest In Rebellion of Paul's Authority as Pastor ** * Paul Writes To Them: Review 1 Cor. 4: 14 - 21 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you. But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?
** In Short: They were "preacher lovers", puffed up because Paul sent Timothy with a message and would not come himself. But Paul said, I will come to you shortly, Lord willing, and how do you want me to come, with a rod, or in love and the Spirit of meekness.
(A) Goats are often "God Fearers" holding high standards, they love being around sheep. ( They may have generational roots in the church, but they are still goats. If you notice, their ancestors were probably the same nature)
(B) Only God can ever "transform" them. Only by a "new birth" can they become a "new creature" in Christ Jesus.
This Is Serious, Because There Is Coming A Day Of Separation ! Review: Matthew 25: 32 - 45
** The Sheep Folks: Gave Food, Drink, Clothing, and Visited. ( A "Sheep" Church does these things)
** The Goat Folks: Would neither give the "things" needed, neither would they give of "themselves." ( A "Goat" Church has this attitude )
** Do you recognize any behavior in you that needs to be confessed, covered by the blood ?
Go to part 5