FOLLOW THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Jesus Christ, who is the good shepherd of the Bible, says: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life” (John 10:27).But he warns us, “beware of false prophets [shepherds], which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matthew 7:17). Following false shepherds may lead to eternal death and separation from God (Roman 6:23; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-9). To distinguish among shepherd, Jesus advises us to search the Scriptures because they bear witness that he is the good shepherd (John 5:39; 10:11).
SCRIPTURES ABOUT THE GOOD SHEPHERD
The good shepherd laid down his life for the sheep (john 10:15). The Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was in the form of God, took the form of humans to died for the sins of mankind (Philippians 2:6-8; Romans 5:8). For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 316; Matthew 1:18-21).
SCRIPTURES ABUT FALSE SHEPHERDS
False shepherds will distort the gospel of Jesus Christ for personal gain (2 Peter 2:1-3). They are like the devil, who deceives and obstructs the lives of God’s people (John 8:44: 2 Corinthians 11:13-15). False shepherds fail to preach the full gospel; but they draw disciples away to themselves with promises of things of this world (Acts 20:30; Colossians 3:1-2)
FOLLOWING ONLY THE GOOD SHEPHERD
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
- Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide you in understanding the written Word of God; and enable you to obey his commandments ( Philippians 4:6; John 14:15-17). Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall [a]direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).
- Study to rightly understand the truth, for the Word of God is able to discern the truth and intents of the heart (2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 4:12). We should study the Bible like the FBI study genuine money–the FBI is said to study real money so that they may distinguish genuine from counterfeit money.
- Jesus said: “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God’” (Matthew 4:4; Deuteronomy 8:3). And the Lord Jesus Christ tells us “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
