1. The Shepherd’s Care Series: The LIFE of the Good Shepherd (3/4) Sunday, August 15, 2004 Larry Cantrell John 10:11-13

2. Devotion to God’s Word Psalm 143:9-10 (NIV) 9 Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for I hide myself in you. 10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

3. The Shepherd’s Care The LIFE of Good Shepherd—He will “Lay It Down” John 10:11 (NIV) 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:17 (NIV) 17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. John 10:18 (NIV) 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

4. The Shepherd’s Care The LIFE of Good Shepherd—He will “Lay It Down” John 13:37-38 (NIV) 37 Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38 Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times! John 15:13 (NIV) 13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

5. The Shepherd’s Care Our future is dependent upon the Jesus Christ, Chief Shepherd and our shepherds. The Chief Shepherd oversees the shepherds of this flock. 1 Peter 5:1-4 (NIV) 5 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

6. The Shepherd’s Care We must give room for the leadership of the Shepherd and the shepherds. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (NIV) 12 Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. Hebrews 13:17 (NIV) 17 Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.

7. The Shepherd’s Care What should the church expect from the shepherds? 1. Submission to the Chief Shepherd (they must be in Lord) 2. Purposeful influence that exalts Christ (they must exercise leadership) 3.Provide correction (admonish those under their care)

8. The Shepherd’s Care Emphasis on the Care of the Flock (church) Shepherds vs. Managers Education and Teaching Priority vs. Ministry Promotion or Programs Team building (equipping) vs. Crisis management LIFE Groups (small group fellowship) vs. Lone Rangers

9. The Shepherd’s Care Maintaining Personal Care within the Flock Pray Prioritize Participate Praise the Lord!

10. The Lord’s Invitation 1 John 3:16 (NIV) 16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.