"The Danger Of Not Following Christ-Like Leadership"

“This sermon was preached extemporaneously”

3 May 2009

Fourth Sunday of Easter

U.S. Army Chaplain (MAJ) Ken Harris

Fortress Chapel

Contingency Operation Site (C.O.S.) Sykes

Tall-afar, Iraq

BIG IDEA: Believers should follow pastoral leadership that is Christ-like.

REFERENCES: The door, the provider, and the guide (D, P, G).Enemy of Sheep: Coyotes, Wolves, Wild-dogs, Golden eagles;

John 10:10 (ESV) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly; Ephesians 4:11 (KJV) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 1 Corinthians 11:1 (ESV) Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ; Acts 6:4 (ESV) But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."; 1 Timothy 5:17-19 (ESV) Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer deserves his wages." 19Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses; Psalm 23 (ESV); Ezekiel 34 – When the Sheep Get Scattered (MSG); John 10:11-18 (ESV); 1 Peter 5:1-7 “He’ll promote you at the right time” (MSG); 1 Corinthians 14 “Prayer Language” (MSG); Hosea 4:6a (KJV) My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; Ezekiel 3:1-21 “ Warn these people” (MSG); Proverbs 26:13 (ESV) The sluggard says, "There is a lion in the road!; Proverbs 23:13 (ESV) The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!"; 1 Samuel 17:34-37 (MSG) David said, "I’ve been a shepherd, tending sheep for my father. Whenever a lion or bear came and took a lamb from the flock, I’d go after it, knock it down, and rescue the lamb. If it turned on me, I’d grab it by the throat, wring its neck, and kill it. Lion or bear, it made no difference—I killed it. And I’ll do the same to this Philistine pig who is taunting the troops of God-Alive. GOD, who delivered me from the teeth of the lion and the claws of the bear, will deliver me from this Philistine."; James 5:14 (ESV) – Pray for the sick - Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.; 1 Peter 5:1-2 (ESV) – Shepherd the flock - So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; Hebrews 13:7 (KJV) Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation; Jeremiah 3:15 (KJV) And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding; John 9:1-12 ESV (Jesus heals a man born blind); John 9:13-34 ESV (The Pharisees Investigate the Healing); John 9:35-41 ESV (Spiritual Blindness);

I. ANNOUNCE THE PERICOPE: John 10:11-18 (ESV)

II. READ THE PERICOPE: John 10:11-18 (ESV)

III. READ THE TEXT: John 10:12-13 (ESV) He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

IV. PURPOSE: To encourage believers to follow Christ-like leadership.

V. SERMONIC THEME: “The Danger of Not following Christ-like Leadership”

VI. INTRODUCTION:

The Hebrew Writer says in Hebrews 13:7 (KJV) Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

In reference to Christ-like Leadership - Hebrews 13:17 (KJV) says “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”

We are all aware that our Army is in a quagmire (sticky situation). It is facing the largest suicide numbers in years (142 confirmed and 13 unconfirmed in 2008; while already 13 confirmed and 3 unconfirmed in 2009).

Many members of the US Army are currently experiencing their second and third deployment. At the same time, many are also experiencing failed marriages and relationship back on the home front.

Therefore, in the midst of chaos, war, and confusion, I want to speak to you for a few moments about the “danger of Not following Christ-like Leadership”.