Memory Scripture
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want
Psalm 23:1
God, as the ultimate leader, shepherds His flock, embodying love, compassion and wisdom. As His creatures, we should endeavour to mirror His grace in every aspect of our lives.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. 13: Reflect God’s Wisdom Daily In Leadership (Prov. 3:5-6)
Tue. 14: Reflect God’s Grace In Leadership (2 Cor. 12:9)
Wed. 15: Reflect God’s Patience In Leadership (2 Pet. 3:9)
Thu. 16: Recall God’s Unchanging Leadership Nature (Heb. 13:8)
Fri. 17: Reflect Divine Compassion In Leadership (Psa. 103:13)
Sat. 18: Recall God’s Authority Is Settled In Heaven (Psa. 103:19)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
Embrace God’s wisdom and grace as the Ultimate Leader in your life.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCE: Genesis 1:1ff; Exodus 3:14; Psalm 23:1-6; Matthew 28:18
Glory be to God for bringing us into this glorious year 2025. Last year 2024, the Lord chose to bless us under the theme, SPIRITUAL POWER AND GIFTS FOR THE BODY OF CHRIST. We were privileged to study under 6 units: GOD’S SPIRIT AND POWER, GOD GIVES GIFTS PURPOSEFULLY, GOD GIVES VOCAL GIFTS AND MORE, GOD GIVES POWER AND REVELATION GIFTS, GOD GIVES ADMINISTRATIVE GIFTS AND MORE, and GIFTS SHOULD BE MODERATED. May we never remain the same after going through this series, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Welcome to a transformative Sunday school lesson, where we embark on a profound exploration of God’s roles as the Ultimate Leader and Shepherd. This is the first lesson in the series, PREPARING GOD’S PEOPLE FOR LEADERSHIP. This journey will take us through the rich collection of scriptures, seeking to unveil the multifaceted nature and attributes of our Heavenly Father. As we delve into the Word, our aim is to gain deep insights that will not only enrich our understanding of God but also inspire a renewed perspective on His leadership roles in our lives. Let us open our hearts to the wisdom and revelation waiting to unfold as we seek to know God more intimately through His Word.
LESSON OUTLINE
- GOD AS THE ULTIMATE LEADER
- GOD IS THE ULTIMATE SHEPHERD
LESSON EXPOSITION
GOD AS THE ULTIMATE LEADER (Gen. 1:1ff; Exod. 3:14; Psa. 23:1; Matt. 28:18)
And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you’”
(Exod. 3:14).
a) Gen. 1:1ff: Scriptures show God as the Supreme Leader. The Creation story reveals His creative authority and Ieadership at the start of all things, signifying His sovereignty over the entire cosmos,
b) Exod, 3:14: That He is the / AM shows Him as the self-existent and unchanging One whose leadership extends beyond Creation, with eternal stability, unbound by the constraints of time.
c) Psa. 23:1: God ‘is the ultimate Shepherd-Leader; the faithful leader, ever-present and steadfast (Deut. 31:6)-the perfect Model.
d) God’s leadership is marked by divine wisdom, surpassing human understanding, guiding His people purposefully towards a secure future (Isa. 55:8-9; cf. Prov. 3:5-6; Jer. 29:11).
e) Matt. 28:18: Christ is the ultimate expression of God’s leadership, with authority over heaven and earth. In Him, we see God’s unchanging leadership (Heb. 13:8) and how it benefits believers.
f) Rev. 1:8 depicts God’s absolute control (authority) over all aspects of existence.
GOD AS THE ULTIMATE SHEPHERD (Psa. 23:1-6)
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want
Psa. 23:1
a) The shepherd metaphor in the Scripture unveils insights into God’s character, care and leadership, signifying His intimate relationship with His people through the Scripture
b) Psa. 23:1 establishes the tender and compassionate God as the Shepherd, showing His role in providing, guiding, and ensuring the well-being ofHis flock (cf. Isa. 40:11; Jn. 10:11,15).
c) Lines 2-3 illustrate the Shepherd’s provision, guidance and soul restoration under His watchful care. Do you believe in Him? Are you learning from His perfect model?
d) Line 4 further attests to God’s Shepherd-leadership of guiding and protecting His flock. He promises to gather, protect and care for His scattered flock (er. 31:10; Ezk. 34:12).
e) 23:6: The Shepherd’s care extends beyond physical provision and protection to profound healing and restoration (147:3). His goodness and love assure us of the eternal dwelling in His presence. Jesus affirms the eternal security of His sheep (Jn. 10:27-28)
LESSONS DERIVED
- God’s leadership guides believers toward a secure future. Believe in, and follow Him.
- The shepherd metaphor illustrates God’s care, guidance and provision, showing tenderness. We should find assurance in this
QUESTIONS
- How does the concept of God’s leadership, as portrayed in Genesis 1:1ff and Exodus 3:14, influence your understanding of His sovereignty and authority in your life, today?
- How does your perception of God as the Shepherd impact your daily life, trust and reliance on Him for guidance, provision and protection?
