Shepherds

01) The Good Shepherd and Straying Sheep

22 May 2016

Jehovah is my shepherd. The scriptures teach us that Jesus is our shepherd and we are the sheep. We love to think of Him as our shepherd, but seldom consider whether we are good sheep or straying sheep. A good sheep will hear, follow and know the good shepherd.

 

02) Why Do Sheep Need Shepherds?

24 July 2016

In this lesson we see the danger of sheep without a shepherd by looking at the dangers Israel faced and we are encouraged to obey and submit to those who rule over us.

 

03) Israel’s Elders: Origin and Character

5 September 2016

While not much information is given about the origin and character of the Elders of Israel can help us understand the kind of leaders that our Father values for His people.

 

04) The Elders of Israel: Their Work and Failures

25 September 2016

The role of the elders of Israel helps us to understand the breadth of the work intended by those who shepherd His church today.

 

05) The Messy Stuff

23 October 2016

The good shepherd does not just stand out in a field watching sheep. This idyllic view of a shepherd neglects to consider all the very difficult and messy things that a shepherd must do to properly care for the sheep. In this lesson, we’ll look at the messy stuff that shepherds of Jesus’ body must be prepared to cope with.

06) Respect Those Who Labor Among You

27 November 2016

For Moses, leading the people of Israel was a great burden as he faced constant challenges to his authority and motives. In this lesson we examine our own tendency to tear down those whom our God has chosen to lead us, and contrast that with the instruction to respect, esteem, obey and submit to them.

 

07) Aspires to the Office of Overseer

1 January, 2017

Paul tells us that the office of overseer is a work (hard work); a noble (excellent) work; that is desirable and should be aspired to (stretched out for). In this lesson, the men and the congregation are encouraged to really aspire to be, to encourage and to have shepherds.

 

08) Set In Order What Is Lacking

12 February 2017

Paul sent Titus to set in order the things that are lacking in the churches in Crete. First on the list appears to be Shepherds. We lack elders too. The purpose of this lesson is to help us understand that this really is a lack that needs to be set in order for us to be the church our Head would have us to be.

09) Jars of Clay

19 February 2017

Synopsis: Paul’s work in Corinth, as described by Luke in Acts, portrays his work as being very bold in teaching and opposing the Jews. But to the Corinthians, Paul wrote that he was among them in fear and weakness. He even explains to them his boasting in weakness because of God’s grace with regard to the thorn in the flesh. So it’s not surprising that at one point he tells the Corinthians that he has treasure in jars of clay. He is speaking of himself as a jar of clay and the treasure is the message of Jesus Christ. This lesson encourages us to boast on our weaknesses, like Paul, so that the treasure can be shared with all.

10) Looking for Leaders in All the Wrong Places

26 February 2017

The history of Israel demonstrates the folly of choosing leaders that differ from Jehovah’s wisdom and word teach us. Samuel points us in the right direction… we must pray.