The Shepherd and His Sheep

The Shepherd and His Sheep

Psalm 23:4

Introduction: In verse 4 we see the deepest of all dark places, the valley of the shadow of death.

A. THE PLACE

YEA THOUGH I WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH

1. Death for the Child of God, the Believer Is Gain

Philippians 1:21---For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

2^nd Corinthians 5:8—We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

2. A valley is a Deep Ravine or Gorge

It could be a valley of sickness, a valley of financial loss, a valley of disgrace and dishonor. A valley of bereavement, a valley of age, or as David refers to it here a valley of the shadow of death.

3. There are Three Causes of Death for the Child of God

     1. The Believers Work is Finished

2^nd Timothy 4:6---For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

      2. Divine Discipline

1^st Corinthians 11:30---For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

      3. Glorify God

Philippians 1:20---According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

4. We Are Not To Fear Shadows

Dying is a shadow, the shadow of a dog can’t bite you.

The shadow of death can’t separate the believer from life.

Remember no matter how dark the shadow it is only a reminder of the presence of the light. You can’t have a shadow without a light.

What do we choose to focus on? The shadow or the light! Jesus Is The LIGHT!

B. THE PEACE

I WILL FEAR NO EVIL FOR THOUGH ART WITH ME

1. The Great Shepherd Will Never Forsake Us

When we are weak----example, Paul’s thorn in the flesh

When we are weary----Jesus says come unto Me

When others forsake us---The Lord will never leave you

The Instruments that Settles The Sheep

1. The presence of the shepherd

2. Rod

3. Staff

The rod speaks of authority the staff speaks of aid

The rod is for defense the staff is for direction

The rod is used to rule the staff is used for restoration

The rod is used for enemies the staff for the sheep

The rod governs the staff guides

God’s staff keeps me straight, His rod keeps me safe

The rod and the staff is a type of God’s Word.

2^nd Timothy 3:16---All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

Closing;

The shepherd provides comfort for His sheep in the midst of this dark valley. How?

HE LIGHTS IT UP WITH HIS PRESENCE.