April 28, 2019

Survive or Thrive
April 28, 2019
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

 

Open:

We often use words interchangeably, when they actually may have very different meanings. Can you give broad examples of the words “existing” and “living”?

We rejoiced last week that Jesus Christ rose from the grave three days after He was crucified and buried. We have a multitude of promises that He will return for us one day, and all who have trusted in Him will spend eternity with Him in Heaven. Meanwhile, we live in the world, knowing it is our temporary “home.” Are we merely surviving the days spent here, or are we thriving in joyous expectation of an abundant life now, while looking forward to a future in heaven? Let’s examine Scripture so you can make sure your faith is real.

Key Verse: John 10:10 “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

Focal Passage: John 10:1-10.

 

Discuss:

Thriving begins with security

Protection:

  • Read John 10:1-10. As we set the stage for the scene that Jesus was using in these verses, will someone describe a “sheepfold” of that culture?
  • Read verses 1-3a again. Who would resort to climbing into the sheepfold by another means other than the door? Why? Who defended the door?
  • When the shepherd led his sheep into the sheepfold, what were some reasons they were secure?
  • With the safety of the wall, the gatekeeper, and the constant vigilance, what picture can you get of Jesus gathering His “sheep” into security?

Intimacy:

  • Read verses 3b-5. Why are the sheep willing to follow the shepherd?
  • What principles can believers understand in that they are like the sheep? Do you ever ponder that Jesus may call you by your name? Why or why not?
  • What are ways in which you get confident with knowing God as your protector, and intimately knowing His voice?
  • Read Psalm 119:11 and John 14:26. If you know the Scripture well, and desire above all to live godly, will you follow a false teacher or leader? Why not?
  • What is the relationship Jesus was giving that existed between the shepherd and the sheep?
  • If you have the security of protection and the intimacy of knowing you’re loved by God, how will you live your life?

 

Thriving grows from experiencing life as God intended

Life-Giver:

  • Read verses 9-10. Verse 10a goes back to which verse? Who is Jesus speaking of here? How do you avoid being caught in his snare?
  • How does that compare to verse 9, and the qualities of those who follow Jesus? How does He end verse 10b? What does abundant mean?
  • How do you get an abundant life, rather than just a day-to-day existence?

 

 

Close:

Jesus used parables (or sometimes metaphors or analogies) constantly in teaching the people. When the disciples asked Him why He did this, He explained it was not given to everyone to make the connection between what He was teaching and Him being the Messiah. Here in John 10, we have a metaphor—a story with a cultural meaning that the common folk could understand because they were familiar with sheepherding, sheepfolds, and the importance of everything involved.

For us in this day, it is quite similar to day care centers in our country. Parents or guardians understand the epidemic of abduction of children for trafficking and have had to implement rules and regulations regarding their children when placed in someone else’s care. Above all, the centers and parents want to be confident the child is safe. Entering or leaving a facility now involves safety concerns far beyond what parents would have believed possible a century ago.

The children themselves, if very many months old, recognize the voice of their parent or guardian and immediately, depending on age, squall or run when they hear the voice of the one they love. How close an analogy Christ presented, when He spoke this story!

What tender care the Shepherd gives! His first concern is that the sheep (we) are safe and in a protected area where they can rest and be secure. Their safety is guaranteed by the careful, watchful eye of the gatekeeper. When the sheep hear the voice of the Shepherd, they run to Him, following wherever He leads. Sometimes it’s in green pastures, sometimes by still waters, and sometimes in valleys deep. He always has His rod and His staff to guard and guide them, and never—even for a moment—lets them out of His care. We can thrive in this environment, knowing abundant life awaits us!

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