I Shall Not Want

·34 min·3 clips

Pastor Jeff starts a new series asking if your life has meaning, contrasting the world's devaluation with Christ as your Good Shepherd.

The episode opens with Pastor Jeff introducing a new series centered on the Lord as the Good Shepherd, referencing Psalm 23 and John 10. He frames the series around two value systems: one from the world that devalues and belittles, and one from God that affirms worth and purpose. Jeff shares a childhood memory of being called 'Jiffy Peanut Butter' to illustrate how devaluation starts early. He discusses broader cultural examples, such as Pluto's demotion and Bill Nye's comments on human insignificance, to highlight worldly perspectives. The core theological insight is presented: rightful owners care more than hirelings, with Jesus as the Good Shepherd who owns and cares for his sheep, unlike the hireling who flees. Jeff reads John 10:11-13, contrasting the Good Shepherd's sacrifice with the hireling's abandonment. He interprets John 10:10, distinguishing the thief who steals and destroys from Jesus who gives abundant life, using the analogy of a Big Gulp to describe superabundance. Personal stories, like looking behind a couch or buying a used rental car, reinforce the ownership principle. Jeff addresses potential objections about self-worth being selfish, clarifying that value comes from being made by God, not from self-creation. He shares an anecdote about meeting a boy named Andrew to illustrate that even unplanned lives are planned by God, citing Psalm 139:16. The sermon emphasizes that God's book of life includes everyone before creation. Jeff leads the congregation in a reading of Psalm 23, encouraging daily confession of 'The Lord is my shepherd' for faith in provision, protection, and worth. He prays for freedom from oppression and depression, concluding with a blessing.

As heard by us

A present-tense reading of Psalm 23 grounds human worth in the Good Shepherd's care.

Lifepointe Church Sermons begins its Good Shepherd series by treating Psalm 23 as language for daily life, not only for funerals. Read alongside John 10, the sermon sets the world's measures of value against Christ as the Good Shepherd, with attention to provision, protection,…

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Why you'd press play

When Psalm 23 needs to move off the funeral program and into Tuesday morning.

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