Hall Mark of a True Shepherd by Gan Tuan Boon dated 18.8.13

Hall Mark of a True Shepherd by Gan Tuan Boon dated 18.8.13

This sermon is based on John chapter 10.  Bro. Gan started by sharing the differences between fool’s gold and true gold. He shared about a story of a British Martin Frobisher in the 19^th Century who brought “gold” ore from Canada to England and sold them for great profits.  Later buyers discovered them as fool’s gold commonly called iron pyrite.

Therefore we must discern between the true and false shepherd.

1.        A true shepherd knows His sheep and leads them by His voice ( V.1-6)

Jesus comes according to God’s timing ( V 1-3a ), John the Baptist testified about Him John 3:32-34.

Jesus called His own people out of Judaism ( V 3b-4a )

God’s people recognized Jesus’ voice resulting in close relationship ( V4b )

God’s people can discern a stranger’s voice and will ran away from the stranger ( V 5-6 )

Lesson: Is to spend time with Jesus by reading the Word and praying to know His voice.

2.        The true shepherd protects His sheep and provide for them ( V 7-13 )

 Jesus is the only gateway to salvation and the others are false ( V 7-8 )

Under the Lordship of Jesus and His protection we have the freedom to live our lives ( V 9 )

We can make a decent living and may prosper in many aspects of life ( V 9b-10 )

False shepherd and bad hireling take care of themselves ( V 11-13 )

Lesson: Submit to the Lordship of Jesus and discover our freedom and abundance.

3.        The true shepherd sacrifices for the sheep and give them eternal security ( V 14-42 )

Jesus gives His life for the Jews and gentiles so that they may be one people ( V 14-21 )

Jesus knows who are His sheep and who believe in Him ( V 22-27 )

Jesus gives His people eternal security and they will not lose their salvation ( V 29-30 )

Jesus is able to provide eternal security because He is God Himself ( V 31-39 )

Lesson: God call us to be His people but we must hold on to Him to enjoy eternal privilege

4.        Summary and Application

These are the Hallmark of the true shepherd of our Lord Jesus Christ :

1^st characteristic : The true shepherd knows His sheep and lead them by His voice

2^nd Characteristic: The true shepherd protects His sheep and provide for His sheep

3^rd characteristic : The true shepherd sacrifices for His sheep and gives them eternal security