God's Calling For Us To Be Shepherds - Sanjay Poonen
Summary
The central message is that God calls all believers to be shepherds in their spheres of influence, not just designated leaders. To be a true shepherd, one must first have a personal shepherd to submit to, possess genuine compassion for others, and never act out of selfish motives. The speaker contrasts the selfless care of a true shepherd, like Jesus, with the mercenary nature of a hired hand.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why the people wander like sheep without a shepherdPeople wander and seek comfort from false sources because they lack a true shepherd to guide them.Zechariah 10:2
The three characteristics of a shepherd's heartA true shepherd must submit to authority, have deep compassion for the needy like Jesus did, and avoid acting like a hired hand who abandons the flock.
The warning against hired handsScripture pronounces a woe upon worthless shepherds who abandon their flock when worldly pressures or distractions arise.Zechariah 11:17
David learned submission and passionDavid learned to submit to King Saul for years and maintained a deep passion for God's people before ever becoming king himself.
Joseph saw God's purpose in sufferingJoseph learned through years as a slave and prisoner to see God's sovereign hand behind his trials so he could save lives and care for his family.Genesis 45:5
Nehemiah's burden for the kingdomThough he had a demanding secular job, Nehemiah wept over the broken walls of Jerusalem and showed fierce zeal for God's house even into his sixties.Nehemiah 1:3
Peter learned humility after failureAfter denying Jesus, Peter was transformed by the Holy Spirit and learned to exhort church leaders to shepherd God's flock diligently and tenderly.
Having the mind of Christ through humilityBelievers are instructed to look out for the interests of others and adopt the servant attitude of Jesus, who humbled Himself to the point of death.Philippians 2:3
An encouragement to be used right where you areYou do not need a public pulpit ministry to be a shepherd; ask God for a burden to care for younger believers in your family, workplace, or small group.
