Epiphany Camden - Confidence in the Comfort of the Great Shepherd

Confidence in the Comfort of the Great Shepherd Sermon by Pastor Doug Logan on Psalm 23 : 

Confidence in the Comfort of the Great Shepherd Sermon by Pastor Doug Logan on Psalm 23 Community Group Study Epiphany Fellowship of Camden John Matthew Leone 7 December 2011

Psalm 23 - A Psalm of David: 

Psalm 23 - A Psalm of David Psa. 23:1   The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.

Psalm 23 - A Psalm of David: 

Psalm 23 - A Psalm of David Psa. 23:4   Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

1. God’s Position: 

1. God’s Position "The LORD (YHWH - Yahweh) is my shepherd..." Yahweh - is the name of God that speaks of His timelessness, self-sufficiency, and self reliance. He is the great "I AM that I AM" as He introduced Himself to Moses in the burning bush (Ex. 3). Yet He condescends as our Shepherd through His Son.

1. God’s Position: 

1. God’s Position How do you see your circumstances and your sin in light of these truths: (1) The description of Yahweh (2) Of Christ as shepherd How can we be confident in our Great Shepherd?

2. God’s Provision: 

2. God’s Provision "...I shall not want." This speaks of God's abundant provision. In the popular “propserity gospel” of our time, this concept is expressed in materialistic ways. However, God never meant for it to be expressed in this manner alone (for He *does* declare himself to be a sufficient provider). He has promised to meet our "needs", not our "greed." He is the Great Shepherd who watches over His sheep.

2. God’s Provision: 

2. God’s Provision What does “the Lord is my shepherd” say of His unique ability to care for His sheep? How can we be confident in His ability to provide?

3. God’s Protection: 

3. God’s Protection "You prepare a table before me..." How are we to take comfort in God's protection in light of the crime-infested streets of Camden? How does Christ protect us from the schemes of the devil (Eph. 6:11)? What are some challenges that we, as sheep, present to our Great Shepherd?

PowerPoint Presentation: 

Let us pray that we all come to a greater understanding of the Lord who is our Great Shepherd and, in understanding, have full and ultimate confidence in Him.