MY SHEEP FOLLOW ME By Major Frank Materu
----Key Scripture:
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." (John 10:27-28)
----Introduction
The sheep of God’s fold are distinguished by their ability to hear His voice and follow Him faithfully. In a world filled with competing voices—voices of seduction, deceit, and destruction—God calls His people to remain steadfast in their allegiance to Him. This teaching explores the characteristics of God’s true sheep, the danger of listening to false voices, and the joy of living under the guidance of the Good Shepherd.
----The Voice of the Good Shepherd
God’s sheep are sensitive to His voice and will not follow the voices of strangers or deceivers. The Spirit of God leads them into truth, guiding them away from harm and into the paths of righteousness.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.” (Psalm 23:1-3)
Unlike hirelings who abandon the sheep, the Good Shepherd remains committed to the welfare of His flock, ensuring their safety and provision.
----Beware of Hirelings and False Voices
The world is full of false shepherds who are more interested in their gain than the welfare of God’s people. These hirelings lead the sheep into ruin, enticing them with worldly pleasures and false promises.
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:15-16)
True sheep must exercise discernment, refusing to be swayed by voices that contradict the Word and Spirit of God.
----The Danger of Listening to Seducing Spirits
Those who turn aside from the voice of God to follow seducing spirits invite destruction into their lives. Such spirits lure people into spiritual adultery, leading them away from the path of eternal life.
“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” (1 Timothy 4:1)
Listening to these voices ultimately leads to despair, destruction, and eternal damnation.
----The Assurance of Eternal Life for True Sheep
The true sheep of God have the blessed assurance of eternal life. No one can pluck them out of the hand of the Good Shepherd, and they will dwell in the presence of the Lord forever.
“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” (John 10:28)
God’s sheep are kept safe under His protection, secure in the knowledge of His love and care.
----Summary
God’s sheep are called to remain steadfast, listening only to His voice and rejecting the many competing voices of the world. The Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, leads His flock into truth, righteousness, and eternal life. False shepherds and seducing spirits seek to destroy, but those who remain faithful to God are assured of His guidance and protection.
----Conclusion
The call to follow the Good Shepherd is a call to obedience, faithfulness, and unwavering trust in God. As His sheep, we must resist the lure of false voices and remain anchored in His Word and Spirit. Our Shepherd leads us into abundant life, away from the traps of the enemy.
“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
----Call to Action
Commit today to follow the voice of the Good Shepherd. Spend time in His Word, seek His guidance in prayer, and be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Refuse to give attention to any voice that contradicts the truth of God.
----Final Word of Encouragement
Beloved, you are not alone. The Good Shepherd knows you by name, and He walks with you through every trial and challenge. Be confident in His love and protection, knowing that He has prepared a place for you in His eternal fold.
“The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
