The Sheep Test (Its Plain And Simple) Series

Chapter 10: Jesus, The Good Shepherd.

Week Two: The Sheep Test: Its Plain and Simple. (10:22-30)

I. Introduction.

--I have taken some hard tests in my life.

II. Are you one of God’s Sheep…One of His chosen? There are some simple steps to see:

A. The sheep understands God’s Word. (v. 24)

1. In order to become a believer, you must have an understanding of the Gospel.

2. Scripture:

a. I Corinthians 1:18- “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”

b. Romans 1:21-22;25- “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools…Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever, Amen.”

c. I Peter 1:4-5;9-12.

d. Luke 10:21- “In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.” (Remember, to experience salvation, you have to come as a little child!)

e. Why did Jesus speak in parables. Jesus tells us in the parable of the sower. (A parable about the Gospel!)- Mark 4: 11-12- “And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.”

3. Why would some have a hard time understanding?

a. They are consumed by a rationalistic outlook.

--The listeners to the parables who did not receive Christ did not have a hearing problem, but a heart problem. They understood what God was saying, but not the penetrating power of the truth. Therefore, they didn’t understand fully the implications of Jesus’ teaching.

--Salvation comes by faith…if you focus on logic, faith is nowhere to be found. This is the problem with many who do not understand the Gospel…they keep everything in the realm of logic.

b. They are consumed by misplaced priorities.

--Many of the listeners enjoyed hearing Christ because of what they thought he could do for them, but they did not understand much of what he said.

--Many wanted to follow Jesus and hear more of His teaching, but they didn’t understand that they would have to give up some of their “priorities” in life to do it. There understanding was only partial, because if they realized the full extent of what was going on, their “priorities” would vanish in light of the grand message Christ was bringing.

c. They are consumed by pride.

--Many refuse to understand because their pride gets in the way. Faith and belief and the humbling involved in the gospel message takes humility. Those obsessed with pride miss a deeper understanding of what God has for those who accept Him.

B. The sheep believes God’s Word. (v. 25a)

1. Jesus says here: “I told you the Gospel, but you just didn’t believe it.” Maybe it was pride, or misplaced priorities, or rationalism. Whatever it was, it stood in the way of these men’s belief.

2. You can understand the Gospel message, but if you don’t believe it, then you will go nowhere.

a. Hebrews 10:39: “But we are not of them who draw back into perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”

b. Mark 1:15- “Repent ye, and believe the gospel…”

c. John 16:8-9- “And when he (The Holy Spirit) is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and judgment; Of sin, because they believe not on me.”

d. John 3:16.

e. John 12:36- “While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light.”

f. John 3:18- “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

C. The sheep accepts God’s Word. (v. 25b-26)

1. Jesus in essence says: “I told you my word, and you didn’t want to believe it. Then I showed you my works, and you still refused to believe in who I am.”

2. God’s word is revealed through preaching, or through someone picking up a Bible and beginning to read. But, the more God’s Word sinks into a person’s heart, the more it starts to work.