What kind of enemies do God’s people have?
(Psalm 23; John 10:11-16) Blog June 26 – July 2, 2022
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
INTRODUCTION: This new quarter we will consider “Suffering with Jesus.” While this may not appear to be a pleasant subject, it should help us better understand the purpose of suffering and help us better cope with it, for it surely will come.
In Pleasant Pastures
1. Despite humanity’s fall into sin what does David say about his life? David wrote that God placed him in pleasant places for he was in his presence (Psa. 16:6, 11).
2. How did David view God in Psalm 23? In Psalm 23 David viewed God as his shepherd (Psa. 23:1).
3. What is the role of a shepherd? Since sheep are followers, a shepherd must lead them to what is good for them (Psa. 23:1; Num. 27:17).
4. What specifically does leading sheep include? Leading sheep includes taking them to good pasture (feeding), giving them rest, guiding them into safe paths, healing the wounded, seeking the lost ones, & protecting them (Psa. 23:2-3; Isa. 40:11; Eze. 34:8; Zech. 11:16; Matt. 18:12).
5. To what extent does the Good Shepherd go in protecting his sheep? The Good Shepherd gives his life for his sheep (John 10:11-15).
6. Where does Jesus want to gather all his scattered sheep? Jesus desires to gather all his scattered sheep into one fold: one church (John 10:16).
7. What do we lack when God is our Shepherd? When God is our guide we lack nothing, for he feeds, leads, heals, & protects us (Psa. 23:1; Phil. 4:19).
Deep Valleys
8. In Psalm 23 what immediately precedes the valley of the shadow of death? Just before entering the valley of the shadow of death, one is walking in the paths of righteousness (Psa. 23:3).
9. How did Paul express the idea that those that walk in righteous paths will encounter dangerous valleys? Paul wrote “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12).
10. How did Jesus give a similar message to his disciples like that of David in Psalm 23:4? Jesus told his disciples: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
11. When God is with us in the valley of the shadow of death what do we not need to fear? With God in trying circumstances, we don’t need to fear that evil will result (Psa. 23:4; 1 Cor. 10:13)
12. How does Paul say that those at peace with God should face tribulation? Justified believers should glory in tribulation because it develops patience, experience, & hope in them (Rom. 5:3).
13. Would the Good Shepherd ever lead his sheep into the valley of the shadow of death? Yes, there are many valleys through which sheep must pass in order to arrive at green pastures. God even led Jesus into the wilderness of temptation (Matt. 4:1).
14. What other Psalms who give us comfort in the valley? Psalm 46, 91, & 121 are great Psalms of comfort when in the valley (Psalm 46, 91, 121).
15. How can God’s rod of correction and staff of support comfort us in the valley? God’s correcting rod reminds us that we are still God’s children & his staff of support reminds us that we need not fall although weak (Psa. 23:4; Heb. 12:5-11. Jude 24-25).
Unexpected Blessings
16. When surrounded by enemies, what does David say that God does? God prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies (Psa. 23:5).
17. What enemies do sheep have? Sheep’s enemies are wolves (John 10:12).
18. What kind of “wolves” are the enemies of God’s people? Greedy administrators, false prophets, & false brethren (Eze. 22:27; Matt. 7:15; Acts 20:29).
19. When surrounded by enemies, how are God’s people to respond? In the presence of our enemies, we are to observe how administrators, prophets, & our brethren live; we are to be wise as serpents & harmless as doves; to be content with what God provides; to be attentive to the danger while feeding on God’s Word that he has set on our table (Matt. 7:15-20; 10:16; Luke 10:3-10; Acts 20:31-32).
20. Besides the bread of God’s Word placed on our table, what other blessings does God give us in the presence of our enemies? God anoints us with the oil of his Holy Spirit & overfills our cup with the forgiving blood of Jesus (Psa. 23:5; John 6:53-56; Acts 10:38).
21. Where will we experience goodness and mercy forever? In God’s house we will experience goodness & mercy forever (Psa. 23:6; 16:11; 2 Chron. 20:9).