Elements of Discipleship - Discernment

  • THIS WEEK'S PLAY LIST: YOUTUBE 

  • THIS WEEK’S BIBLE READINGS    July 16 - July 23,  John 12:1-26– Col. 3, 

  • NEXT WEEK’S BIBLE READINGS  July 24 - 30,  John 12:27-50 – Col. 4, 

SERMON IN A NUTSHELL:  If our Christian life is like a journey, and it is... If we are constantly making major life choices, and we are... If someone is always giving us input, and they are... then how do we discern who to listen to? Discerning the voice of the Good Shepherd is a vital discipline. He doesn't just lead us into comfortable places.   The Good Shepherd's voice is familiar to those who have spent time listening to Him in virtually every kind of circumstance. The disposition with which we live our life is a telltale sign of to whom we are listening, not so much our comfort zone or a lack of life struggles. 

TEXTS: John 10:1-16;  Psalm 23; Galatians 5:16-25; Ephesians 5:15-21

7 Questions for Reflection

  1. What kind of relationship does this parable suggest between the sheep and the shepherd?

  2. How does Jesus expand the concept of His being a Shepherd?  John 10:7-21

  3. How did people respond to Jesus’ teachings about sheep and the shepherd?

  4. How do you try to nurture your relationship with Jesus Christ so that you can discern His leading?

  5. What kinds of circumstances does Psalm 23 suggest our Shepherd might lead us through?

  6. According to Galatians 5:16-25 what are some cultural indicators that we are following the Good Shepherd also known as “Keeping in step with the Holy Spirit”?   And what are some indicators that we are not following the Good Shepherd?

  7. How should we then walk, learning to discern the voice of our Shepherd? Ephesians 5:15-21

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