BAD & GOOD SHEPHERDS

(Message by Tanny Keng)

0. Introduction

a) God would judge the religious leaders because they were selfishly caught up in their own concerns and were neglecting their service to others. Spiritual leaders must be careful not to pursue self-development at the expense of broken, scattered people. We give too much attention to our own needs and ideas, we may push God aside and abandon those who depend on us.

b) Those shepherds who failed their flock would be removed from office and held responsible for what happened to the people they were supposed to lead. Christian leaders must heed this warning and care for their flock, or total failure and judgment will be the result (see 1 Corinthians 9:24-27). True leadership focuses on helping others , not just on getting ahead.

@1. 24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NKJV)

c) Let's look at the bad shepherds versus good shepherds.

1. Bad shepherds

a) Take care of themselves.

b) Worry about their own health.

c) Rule harshly and brutally.

d) Abandon and scatter the sheep.

e) Keep the best for themselves.

2. Good shepherds

a) Take care of their flock.

b) Strengthen the weak and sick, search for the lost.

c) Rule lovingly and gently.

d) Gather and protect the sheep.

e) Give their best to the sheep.



The End ...

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