"We Are Sheep" - 1 Peter 2:22-25 & 5:1-4 - Nathan Edwards

The strength of the sheep is its nearness to the Shepherd.

Outline: Three facets of our sheep-ness:

1. We are prone to wander (1 Peter 2:25a)

2. We are rescued by the Good Shepherd (1 Peter 2:22-25)

3. We are kept safe in His flock (1 Peter 5:1-4)

Questions for Personal Reflection:

1. The number of people who call themselves Christian is much higher than the number who attend church. Why do you think this is so?

2. What are some things this week that distracted you from your faith? How did church this morning help recenter you?

3. The news of influential Christian leader Philip Yancey’s 8-year affair reminds us that we are always prone to wander. What are some ways we try to convince ourselves we aren’t prone to wander?

4. “No matter how astray we have been; the Good Shepherd brings us home.” Where can you testify to the truth of this in your life?

5. Read Hebrews 10:24-25 and discuss the following:

(a) Do you think streaming a church service or listening to a sermon podcast can replace the gathering? Why or why not?

(b) What are some ways the church gathering stirs you up to greater love and good works?

(c) How does our presence in the gathering provide encouragement to others and ourselves? Share an example of how you have been encouraged by others through the gathering.

(d) What are some reasons you have used to neglect the gathering? What is something you can do to overcome those reasons?