Protector or Predator | Vision

Introduction

  1. We are in a series on Vision.
  2. Many are thinking about family as the holidays get closer. Thank God for Facetime and Zoom.
  3. We live in a global village shaped by technology and AI. In leaving behind our agrarian roots, we lost many of the insights and illustrations of life that Scripture draws from.
  4. The shepherd had two problems.
    1. Sheep ________________.

      Add A Note

    2. Sheep being ________________ by a predator.

      Add A Note

  5. The shepherd could be real or false, protector or predator.
    1. A false shepherd was called a ________________ who abandoned the sheep in danger.

      Add A Note

    2. A real shepherd fought for the sheep.

A Look at the Text

  1. Ezekiel 34
    1. God is speaking to Israel’s leaders who he calls shepherds. They were false shepherds or predators.
    2. They put themselves first instead of the sheep.
      1. The word “Woe” (hôy) הוֹי
        1. Lament or grief.
        2. Judgment or warning.
    3. They failed to take care of the sheep.
      1. They did not bring back the ________________.

        Add A Note

      2. They did not strengthen the weak or heal the sick.
      3. They treated the sheep ________________ or brutally.

        Add A Note

      4. The sheep were ________________ and became food for wild animals.

        Add A Note

      5. The shepherds will be ________________.

        Add A Note

      6. A ________________ word is given that God will provide a shepherd who will care for the sheep in verses 23 and 24.

        Add A Note

  1. Ezekiel 34
    1. Be a shepherd in verse 2.
    2. A true shepherd must have a ________________ to serve.

      Add A Note

    3. A true shepherd must ________________ be ________________ for money.

      Add A Note

    4. A true shepherd must not lord over the people but lead by ________________ in verse 3.

      Add A Note

God is Speaking to Us

  1. As Christians we are ________________ to be shepherds in some way.

    Add A Note

  2. Who are you shepherding.
  3. What kind of shepherd are you.
    1. Are you scattering or gathering. Are you a protector or a predator.
    2. Are you giving or taking.
    3. Are you hungry to serve or upset that you have to.
    4. Are you domineering or leading by example.
  4. What keeps us from being the shepherd we want to be.

Conclusion

Email my notes