THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - INVISIBLE IMPOSTERS
Dependency on God.
Introduction (5 minutes)
Opening Prayer
Begin with a prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide the session and open hearts to the truths of God's Word.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 23
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Teaching and Reflection (10 minutes)
The Role of a Shepherd
Tending: Feeding and attending to the welfare of the sheep.
Defending: Protecting against enemies and harmful environments.
Ruling: Exercising authority and guidance.
Key Point: Only God, through His Word, should be the true shepherd of our lives.
Imposters of Self
Many believers declare, "The Lord is my shepherd," but live as if they are their own shepherd or a co-shepherd with God.
Reflect on the ways we often rely on ourselves instead of fully depending on God.
Scripture Insight: 1 Corinthians 3:9 and John 15:5
1 Corinthians 3:9: "For we are laborers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building."
John 15:5: "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me, you can do nothing."
Key Point: Dependency on God does not mean inactivity. It means recognizing our role and God's role in our lives.
Isaiah 53:4-6 – Understanding Jesus’ Sacrifice
Isaiah 53:4-6: "Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all."
Key Themes:
God’s initiative to deal with our sin.
Human rejection of God’s solution.
God’s provision of salvation despite rejection.
Personal Reflection (5 minutes)
Reflection Questions
In what areas of your life do you act as your own shepherd?
How have you experienced God bearing your griefs and carrying your sorrows?
Are there transgressions and iniquities that you struggle to let God handle? Why?
Activity: Write down your reflections and areas where you need to surrender more to God’s shepherding.
Action Points (5 minutes)
Practical Steps
Daily Surrender: Each morning, commit your day to God, acknowledging your need for His guidance and strength.
Scripture Meditation: Memorize and meditate on Isaiah 53:4-6 to remind yourself of Jesus’ sacrifice and your dependency on Him.
Prayer of Dependency: Pray daily, asking God to reveal areas of self-reliance and to help you trust Him more fully.
Group Discussion (5 minutes)
Discussion Prompts
Share one area where you’ve struggled with self-reliance and how you plan to surrender it to God.
Discuss how understanding Isaiah 53:4-6 has impacted your view of God as your shepherd.
Activity: Pair up with a partner to pray for each other’s areas of struggle and surrender.
Closing (5 minutes)
Final Prayer
Conclude with a prayer, asking God to solidify the truths learned in this session and to help each person grow in their dependency on Him.
Next Session Preview: Next week, we will begin exploring "The Lord and the World as Shepherd," examining how worldly influences can act as imposters in our spiritual journey.
Blessings!
May this session deepen your understanding of God as your true shepherd and draw you closer to Him in trust and dependency.