Part Six The Role Of The Sheep Dog Among The Flock Introduction: This is the last part of the series of the Shepherd and His Sheep. This Psalm is about the relationship that should exist between the Sheep and their Shepherd. Jesus used the metaphor of Sheep and Shepherds many times in describing our relationship with Him. It is also picture of the relationship that should exist between the Pastor and his Flock.
* Mark 6:34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
* John 10:4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
* John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
* John 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
* John 10:26-27 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
** In the previous studies we have talked about what makes up a "flock". There is a Shepherd, his Sheep, and also Goats. Today we will discuss the important role of the Shepherd's Sheep Dogs among the flock.
(1) Look At The "Tools Of The Trade" Of An Eastern Shepherd.
(A) A Cloak: This garment protected from heat and cold. It was also his bed.
(B) His Script: A bag to carry his essentials. Food, Clothing, (Bread,Cheese)
(C) His Sling: And a small pouch of round, smooth stones. His weapon.
(D) His Staff: Walkng aid to lean on, also used crook to rescue sheep.
(E) The Rod: A straight stick with a knot that fit his hand, used to examine.
(F) A Flute or Pipe: For Entertainment and to comfort the sheep.
(G) His Sheep Dog: Known as the "keepers" of His flock, His companion, His greatest Helper, Very necessary to the life of the flock. ( Have you ever watched a trained sheep dog work?) ( Amazing what they can do!)
(2) Today We Will Look At The Role Of "Elders" In The Life Of The Flock
* Before you Elders take offence to being called "sheep dogs", it is much better than being called a "sheep". A Sheep Dog is intelligent, trustworthy, a loyal companion, a Shepherds best friend.
* 1 Peter 5:1-4 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
(A) There are al least 5 things Elders are instructed to so in the local church.
(1) Feed: (Gr. to tend to, or supervise, )
(2) Oversight: (Gr. to view all, beware of danger)
(3) Not By Constraint: ( Compulsitory, Volunteer willingly)
(4) Not Lord Over: (Not controlers of God's portion)
(5) Be Examples: (Gr. a mold, a die, shape, pattern) Not just to "tell" but "do"! Setting the example for the Flock.
(3) Elders Are An Extention Of The Pastoral Ministry. Very Vital To Church Growth
(A) Elders may not have the "calling" of a "pastor" or pastoral gifts of ministry, but are a must in any church. Growing Chruches are not "one man" shows !
(B) As Churches grow, it is impossible for the Pastor to have "oversight" of every sheep to know what is going on at all times. Elders are necessary !
Example: Acts 6:1-7 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. ( They were not "Called" or "Elected" by popular vote) But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: ( A Miracle in itself) and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. ( What Results When Things are Done God's Way !)
** Today: Pastors have been made to believe they have to be "jack of all trades"! We have left the study of God's Word to "serve tables"! We have become "C.E.O" of an organization rather than "apostles" or "sent ones" as we have been called of God ! Oh, how we need to quit spreading ourselves a mile wide and an inch deep !
(4) How Many People Did Jesus Really "Pastor"? (12)
(A) Jesus "taught" multitudes, but "ministered" and poured himself in 12 people
(B) Jesus put his Disciples (learners, followers) "between" himself and the multitude.
* Matthew 14:19 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
Want to know how to be blessed, get your basket full? Be a good Disciple! They took home a basket each!
(5) Caleb Was A Perfect Example Of An Elder.( His name means; "Barking Dog")
(A) Caleb, one of the 12 spies. He and Joshua only ones with good report ! (Note: Moses took a "vote" on something God already told him to do. The results ? They were stuck in the wilderness for 40 years ! )
(B) God's Church was never meant to be run by a "democracy" ( popular vote) but a "theocracy" ( God ruled)
(C) At age 85, Joshua leads, his first words, "get ready we're going over"!
(D) Caleb did not say: "Josh, remember me? I deserve a break, you owe me one, give me something easy. NO! Caleb stand with a "different spirit" and says; "Give Me This Mountain" ( Where the Giants were !)
(6) Do You Know The Pattern In The Average Church? ( A Baptist Survey)
(A) Size of a typical church is 73, and has a major crisis every 18 months.
(B) The typical church has a pastoral change every 18-24 months. 33% move every year !
** It is thought that ever 7th U-Haul you meet is a pastor going to a new church saying; "Honey, it will be better at this church, I promise!"
(C) What's the problem? The church thinks -- Crisis = Need New Pastor ! If you have had problems with the last 15, don't you think the problem could be with the church?
(D) The Attitude Is: "We're sure not changing, We'll get a "new monkey" who can put us on a better show !" ( No Coorperation, No Respect )
** Did you know "pastoring" is easiest job in the world? (Everybody knows how !)
** God seems to be telling every sheep which direction the flock needs to go !
** Whats the problem? The flock is so far from the principles in which God intended, of reaching the lost, hurting, sick, the down and out !
(7) A Good Sheep Dog Is Indispensable To A Shepherd ! (Note; You can't turn just any "mutt" into a "sheep dog." The instincts are just there !)
(A) He will challenge a sheep who gets out of line. Never bites, keeps strays !
(B) He puts the Goats in their place.
(C) Wolves are afraid of an experienced sheep dog. Knows their scent !
(D) They never come "between" the Shepherd and Sheep!
(E) They never "guard" the Sheep "from" the Shepherd.
(F) They have close contact with Shepherd, know his hand signals.
(G) They are more loyal to the Shepherd that the Sheep.
(8) Good Elders Are Worthy Of Honor And Respect From The Flock.
(A) They watch over your souls, concerned, caring, praying, setting example.
Every Person Who Accepts The "Title" Of An Elder, Will Also Stand Accountable Before God For The Role They Fulfilled !
** God wants to do "new things" in our church ! He wants us to see as He see's, to have the compassion that he has, love sinners as He does !
** Jesus is coming for a Church fulfilling the role and operating by His principles
** He is coming for Christians by "character and action" not just by name!
**Our Model ! He Is The Great Shepherd, We Are His Sheep, We Know his Voice, We Follow Where He Leads !
Psalms 23:1-6 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
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