Connecting to local church (click link for sermon)

Read Isaiah 53:6 and John 10:9-11

How does the shepherd and flock metaphor communicate the gospel and our rescue in Christ?

How does it speak to the ongoing vulnerability and the need for guidance, provision and protection within the flock?

Read Jeremiah 3:15

What’s the relationship between Jesus as the Good Shepherd and His provision of shepherds after His own heart?

How does this speak to the importance of connection to a local church as the Lord’s design?

Read Acts 20:26-32

What does verse 28 tell us about overseers (shepherds) in His church?

What is the role of the Holy Spirit in appointing church leaders and what is the significance?

How do verses 27 and 29-32 model how a shepherd provides care for the flock?

Read 1 Corinthians 4:14-15

How was Paul able to care for the local church in a way that their “countless guides” couldn’t?

How is this relevant to us today?

When was the last time you were helped by being lovingly admonished?

What does the following quote show us about local church in the New Testament?

“Paul instructs Titus to appoint elders (overseers) in every city (Titus 1:5; Acts 14:23) to lead, feed and protect those among them. In Phil. 1:1 he writes to the elders and deacons among the saints in Philippi. In 1 Pet. 5:2-3 there is a charge to the elders to shepherd the flock of God that the Lord has given them charge of. These are just examples of a local community that is somehow identifiable and organized… Further, Jesus’ plan for church purity in Matthew 18:15ff necessitates some type of understanding and application of membership. In 1 Cor. 5 Paul instructs the church to have the one who is persistent in sin put out of the church. How can you have someone put out of the church if you do not know who is in the church? …Church membership helps to clarify who has willingly put themselves into community and under the pastoral care of the church. We know who is a part of the family. This clarifies community and accountability.” Erik Raymond

What does the following quote say about the benefit and necessity of spiritual leadership?

“(God’s design for His flock is) the benefit of receiving the care of, and being accountable to, spiritual leaders. Hebrews 13:17 says every believer must “obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls.” This command assumes that you have a covenant with certain spiritual leaders. They are responsible for you and you to them… Some people may say, “I am accountable only to God. ” Ultimately, only God has authority over you. But the doctrine of sin should sober us about making ourselves the sole judges over our own hearts, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jer. 17:9). Hebrews 3:13 says we need others to exhort us “daily” lest we become hardened by sin. Some people may say, “I am accountable only to God. ” Ultimately, only God has authority over you. But the doctrine of sin should sober us about making ourselves the sole judges over our own hearts, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jer. 17:9). Hebrews 3:13 says we need others to exhort us “daily” lest we become hardened by sin. Tim Keller

How does church membership relate to biblical accountability?

What role does accountability play in fostering spiritual growth within the church community?

Read Hebrews 3:12-13

How can church membership help individuals to express mutual love and accountability?

How can we cultivate trust in relationships within our church community?

What are some ways to encourage others in the congregation to remain engaged and rooted in their spiritual community?

Why is it important to seek the Lord about where to be planted?

When considering where to be planted, why is it necessary to ask “Do I see the leaders here as my shepherds?”

In which ways can we ensure we remain ‘planted’ in our local church amidst challenges and distractions?