Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday evening, Oct. 10, 2004, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia. For more outlines, including zipped files of outlines from previous years, click on the link at the bottom of this note, and go to our website:
THE CHIEF SHEPHERD
By Michael D. O'Neal                  Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church                  Albany, Georgia

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 5:1-4

Text: 1 Peter 5:4

1 Peter 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Introduction: Tonight I want to once again use our entire preaching time to magnify our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ by bring a message about His wonderful Person!

Jesus is THE CHIEF SHEPHERD!

John 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
 
What a blessing to be one of the Lord's sheep!

Psalms 100:3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Tonight I want us to look at our Shepherd, especially in His dealings with us.

I. JESUS LOVES THE SHEEP

Mark 6:34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.

A. Even though they may be unlovely

B. Even though they may be ungodly

C. Even though they may be uninterested

II. JESUS LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS SHEEP

John 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
 
A. He died voluntarily
         
B. He died vicariously

C. He died victoriously

III. JESUS LOOKS FOR THE SHEEP

Ezekiel 34:12 As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.

A. They are scattered sheep
        1. Abused by sin and Satan        

B. They are straying sheep
        1. Isaiah 53:6

C. They are sinful sheep

IV. JESUS GIVES LIFE TO THE SHEEP

John 10:27-28 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

A. Eternal life

B. Exciting life

C. Enjoyable life

V. JESUS LABELS THE SHEEP

John 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

"and calleth his own sheep by name"

A. They have an individual calling
       
B. They have individual care

C. They receive individual comfort

VI. JESUS LIBERATES THE SHEEP

Ezekiel 34:10 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.

A. From the roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8)

B. From the ravenous wolves

C. From a rocky, rough wilderness

VII. JESUS LEADS THE SHEEP

John 10:3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

"and leadeth them out"

A. He leads them to pasture

B. He leads them in paths of righteousness

C. He leads them to peace (beside the still waters)