WOW: Women of Wisdom
W.O.W. (Women of Wisdom) is a Bible study for women, sponsored by The Shepherd's Church in Cary, NC. This Bible study, taught by women of The Shepherd's Church & guest speakers from The Shepherd's Seminary, aims to lead women to Biblical Truths to grow in their relationship with God through His Word. Each week has daily lessons for personal study, followed by "iron sharpening iron" in small group discussions and finishes with a lecture that seeks to apply Biblical truths to our daily lives.
WOW: Women of Wisdom
John 10 The Good Shepherd | Rich Main
The Good Shepherd - John 10
Women of Wisdom - January 15, 2025 | Rich Main | richmain.nc@gmail.com
Introduction
Although he was greatly advanced in age when he penned [his gospel], John was still actively ministering to churches. He was the sole remaining apostolic survivor who had intimate, eyewitness association with Jesus throughout His earthly ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension. The church Fathers (e.g., Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, Eusebius) indicate that after that time, John lived at Ephesus in Asia Minor, carrying out an extensive evangelistic program, overseeing many of the churches that had arisen, and conducting an extensive writing ministry. One church Father (Papias) who had direct contact with John described him as a “living and abiding voice.” As the last remaining apostle, John’s testimony was highly authoritative among the churches. Many eagerly sought to hear the one who had first-hand experience with the Lord Jesus.
-- John F. MacArthur Jr., The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006).
Big Idea
Jesus is the Good Shepherd who is perfect in all his ways. As His faithful sheep, we can confidently and completely entrust our lives to Him! Are you a member of his flock?
Outline
- Jesus is the door of the Sheep (John 10:1—10)
- Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11—18)
- The Good Shepherd’s Call Demands a Response (John 10:19—21)
Application - Five Marks of the Good Shepherd’s Sheep
If Jesus is our Good Shepherd, then a fitting question is, “what are the marks of the Good Shepherd’s sheep?”
- The Good Shepherd’s sheep know Him (v14)
- We have a vital, personal relationship with Jesus
- Not just associating with the Good Shepherd's flock, but humbly submitting ourselves to the Lordship of Jesus (Psalm 95:6—9)
- The Good Shepherd’s sheep hear His voice (v3, 27)
- Importance of regularly being in the word and communing with Jesus in prayer
- We must be discerning! Listen to His voice only and not the voice of false teachers.
- WARNING! Satan often disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Cor 11:14)
- The Good Shepherd’s sheep follow Him (v4, 27)
- We TRUST in Jesus and His word
- We OBEY His voice and follow willingly
- We faithfully follow Him, even when the path of life seems uncertain (Psalm 23)
- He will make our paths straight (Proverbs 3:5—6)
- The Good Shepherd’s sheep will never perish (v28)
- The Good Shepherd’s sheep have full assurance of eternal life NOW (John 6:47)
- Nothing in all creation can separate the Good Shepherd’s sheep from the love of God (Rom 8:38—39)
- The Good Shepherd’s sheep are secure (v28—30)
- We fear no evil! The Good Shepherd is watching over us! (Psalm 23:4, Isa 40:11)
- The Good Shepherd and the Father are united in purpose to protect us
QUESTION: Are you one of the Good Shepherd’s sheep?