Message: “The Shepherd Who Provides and Guides” from Joe Summers

Sermon Title: "The Shepherd Who Provides and Guides" Main Texts: Psalm 23, Matthew 6:9-13 Introduction 1. Attention Grabber: o Ask: "How many of you have ever felt lost, anxious, or uncertain about the future?" o Share a brief story or example of someone feeling lost but finding peace in God’s guidance. o Today’s sermon will show how Psalm 23 and The Lord’s Prayer reveal God's role as a Shepherd and Father who provides, protects, and leads us. 2. Bridge to the Scriptures: o Both passages teach us about God’s provision, guidance, and presence. o David in Psalm 23 describes God as a Shepherd caring for His flock. o Jesus in The Lord’s Prayer teaches us to trust God as a loving Father. o These scriptures are not just poetry or prayer formulas—they are invitations to deeper faith and trust in God. ________________________________________ I. The Lord is Our Provider Psalm 23:1 - "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want." Matthew 6:11 - "Give us this day our daily bread." 1. God Provides What We Need o A shepherd ensures his sheep have food, water, and shelter. o Jesus teaches us to ask God for daily provision, showing our dependence on Him (Philippians 4:19). 2. Application : o Many young adults worry about finances, careers, relationships, and the future. o Trusting in God as our Shepherd means releasing anxiety and believing He will provide (Matthew 6:25-26). 3. Supporting Scriptures: o Matthew 6:33 – "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." o James 1:17 – "Every good and perfect gift is from above." ________________________________________ II. The Lord is Our Guide Psalm 23:2-3 - "He leads me beside still waters... He leads me in paths of righteousness." Matthew 6:10 - "Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." 1. God Leads Us in the Right Direction o Sheep don’t always know where to go; they need guidance. o Jesus teaches us to pray for God’s will because His way is always best (Proverbs 3:5-6). 2. Application : o How do we know God’s will? Through prayer, scripture, and wise counsel. o Trusting God’s path keeps us from bad relationships, poor choices, and regret. o Even when we don't understand, we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). 3. Supporting Scriptures: o Isaiah 30:21 – "Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it.’" o John 10:27 – "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." ________________________________________ III. The Lord is Our Protector Psalm 23:4 - "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil." Matthew 6:13 - "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." 1. God Protects Us in Dark Times o Life includes trials, spiritual battles, and suffering. o Jesus teaches us to pray for deliverance from temptation and evil. o God’s protection is not just physical but includes spiritual and emotional strength. 2. Application Adults: o Many struggle with fear, mental health, peer pressure, and spiritual battles. o God’s presence brings peace even in the darkest times. o The enemy tries to distract, discourage, and destroy, but God’s Word is our defense. 3. Supporting Scriptures: o 2 Timothy 1:7 – "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind." o Ephesians 6:11 – "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes." ________________________________________ IV. The Lord is Our Eternal Hope Psalm 23:6 - "I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Matthew 6:13 - "For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever." 1. God’s Goodness and Eternal Promise o Life on earth is temporary, but God’s kingdom is forever. o Jesus reminds us that all glory and power belong to God, not the world. 2. Application: o Don’t get caught up in temporary success, wealth, or approval. o Keep your eyes on eternity (Colossians 3:2). o Live in faith, knowing God’s goodness will follow us always. 3. Supporting Scriptures: o John 14:2-3 – "I go to prepare a place for you... that where I am, you may be also." o Revelation 21:4 – "He will wipe every tear from their eyes." ________________________________________ Conclusion & Call to Action Summarize Key Points: o God is our Provider, Guide, Protector, and Eternal Hope. o Psalm 23 and The Lord’s Prayer show us how to trust Him daily. 2. Challenge to the Audience: o Are you allowing God to be your Shepherd in every area? o Are you praying with faith, surrender, and trust in His will? Optional: Group Reflection Questions 1. What part of Psalm 23 speaks to your current situation? 2. How can you apply The Lord’s Prayer more intentionally in your daily life? 3. What step can you take today to trust God more as your Shepherd?

More Messages from Joe Summers

From Series: "Sunday Service"

These are the regularly scheduled Sunday lessons