PASTOR'S SERMONS

Radio Programs     Confession     Sermons     Riverside Baptist Report     Links

Pastor Brant Seacrist

JULY 21, 2019

"THE GOOD SHEPERD AND HIS SHEEP"

TEXT:  JOHN 10:  1-18
READING:  PSALM 119:  65-80

YouTube Sermon Video
Due to technical difficulties only 4 minutes of
today's "Video" service was recorded.
The full sermon is recorded as listed below.

If you would like to download the Audio File
Right Click your mouse Here and choose
"Save Target As"

If you would like to listen to the Sermon
Push the Play Button below



SUBJ: The special relationship between Christ and His people illustrated by the relationship of a shepherd and his sheep.

AIM: That we might realize the commitment of Christ and the character of true salvation witnessed in this beautiful parable of affection and devotion.

INTR: It is good from time to time to revisit familiar portions of scripture and study again some things we tend to take for granted. We know that He is the Good Shepherd, but we would see that truth in Him and look to the increasing experience of knowing Him in that role.
1. After the healing of the blind man in chap. 9, the Pharisees were indignant at the implications that they were blind. Thus, the Lord gives further explanation.
2. Like other parables (Matthew 13) they did not understand this simple message that characterizes saved people as totally dependent on Him, His mercy and grace.
3. The relationship of the Lord with His people is one of identity and there can be no concession on this point of truth. The Shepherd and the Sheep cannot be separated.

THESIS: Christ's answer to the Pharisees here defines the very nature of being saved and we do well to study our Lord's explanation closely.

I. The challenge to the Pharisees in the form of a parable (vv. 1-6)
1. The reference to and character of eastern sheep and the use of the figure for the Lord's people.
2. The entrance here is with the purpose of calling out (specifically from Israel but to be extended to Gentiles) and thus we see an apt illustration of effectual calling of the Lord's people.
3. The true shepherd comes through the door and the Porter opens to He who has the proper identity and credentials - Possibly a picture of God the Father.
4. They are His Own sheep and He calls them by name and leads them out. They had been given to Him (John 6:37). Here we hear the vindication of that claim.
5. He goes before and they follow Him because they know His voice.
6. Compare His characterizations of false prophets and false shepherds.

II. The explanation of the parable with the use of four essential "I AMs" (vv. 7-14)
1. I AM the Door - See verses 7 and 9
1) A simple declaration v. 7
2) Salvation is entered into through Christ only - the Way, the Truth and the Life!
3) They go in and out. Certainly, this is not going in and out of salvation. Rather, it is the going in to Him in worship devotion, praise prayer, repentance and faith and going out for service in the Kingdom.
2. "I AM" come (v. 10)
1) For the life of the sheep. He came to seek and to save that which was lost
2) More abundantly. More than the life of Adam and the life of this world which comes to nothing. It is rather a grace filled life in Christ - there are abundant evidences attending the way of such people.
3. "I AM" the Good Shepherd who died for His sheep (vv. 11)
1) The unmistakable reference to the sacrifice of Christ wherein His sheep are secured from judgment and loss.
2) He is there to interpose His sacrifice in every regard and to secure the power of God in their behalf so that no enemy can prosper against them.
4. "I Am" the Good Shepherd (v. 14) Who knows His sheep
1) In calling them out He named them; in this He has personal and affectionate acquaintance with them - Oh to be sensitive to such a care as He has for His own.
2) 2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
3) And "AM" known of mine. See v. 27

III. The conclusion (vv. 15-18)
1. The relationship of the Father and the Son (v. 15) shows us a common will in the matter and the method of salvation.
2. "Other sheep I have. Which are not of this fold ..." Note the MUST in verse 16.
3. The acceptable sacrifice of the willing Shepherd
4. Power and the commandment from the Father and consider that there was perfect harmony in the will of the Father and the Son.
5. At another time He was challenged again by the Pharisees and answered the matter of their unbelief very succinctly: John 10:26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.