Shepherds of the Flock - Talk Handouts
Introduction
See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:10-11
Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding. Jeremiah 3:15
Gentle, servant leadership
42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:42-45
14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. John 13:14-15
…not violent but gentle… 1 Tim 3:3
… not overbearing… Titus 1:7
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. Gal 6:1
Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth… 2 Tim 2:25
Clear, directive leadership
Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. Acts 20:28
He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?). 1 Tim 3:4-5
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 2 Tim 4:2
These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you. Titus 2:14
Nature of authority
‘Ministerial’ / ‘Servant’ authority:
Wherefore there is no Rule of the Church, but what is Ministerial, consisting in an Authoritative Declaration and Application of the Commands and Will of Christ unto the Souls of Men, wherein, those who exercise it are Servants unto the Church for its Edification, for Jesus sake, 2 Cor. 4:5. John Owen
For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 2 Corinthians 4:5
1. The calls we give
Distinguishing between issues:
− Truth: right / wrong
− Moral: obedient / sinful
− Wisdom: wise / foolish
− Preference: like / dislike
2. The heart we have