𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗣𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗗 𝘃𝘀. 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗣𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗗

WITHOUT SHEPHERD vs. WITH SHEPHERD

Life Without Christ vs. Life Under Christ’s Care (Grace Age)

INTRODUCTION

Scripture often portrays humanity as sheep—dependent, vulnerable, and easily led astray. In the dispensation of the grace of God (Eph. 3:2), Christ is revealed as the Good Shepherd who saves, secures, and supplies His flock.

To live without a shepherd is confusion and danger; to live with the Shepherd is care, clarity, and confidence.

Sheep do not need better grass—they need a shepherd.
John 10:11 (KJV)

① DIRECTION — Aimless Wandering vs. Appointed Way
Isaiah 53:6; John 14:6 (KJV)

A. Straying Path – Without Christ, all go astray
B. Settled Route – Christ is the Way, not one of many
C. Secure Guidance – The Shepherd leads with purpose
Grace gives direction through a Person, not a principle.

② DESTINY — Destruction vs. Deliverance
Matthew 7:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:10 (KJV)

A. Certain Peril – Sheep without a shepherd face ruin
B. Christ’s Rescue – Jesus delivers from coming wrath
C. Confident Hope – Salvation secures eternal destiny
Grace rescues from destruction.

③ DEFENSE — Vulnerable vs. Victorious
1 Peter 5:8; John 10:28 (KJV)

A. Exposed Flock – Wolves prey on scattered sheep
B. Shepherd’s Protection – None can pluck from His hand
C. Guaranteed Security – Eternal life assured
Grace protects what Christ possesses.

④ DEPENDENCE — Burdened vs. Blessed
Matthew 11:28; Psalm 23:1 (KJV)

A. Crushing Loads – Sheep overburdened by excess wool
B. Caring Provision – “I shall not want”
C. Comforted Rest – Christ supplies every need
Grace removes burdens—it does not add them.

⑤ DISCERNMENT — Blindness vs. Belonging
Matthew 9:36; John 10:27 (KJV)

A. Confused Crowd – Sheep without shepherds faint
B. Recognized Voice – Sheep know His voice
C. Relational Knowledge – Not religion, but relationship
Grace replaces confusion with communion.

⑥ DELIVERANCE — Fear vs. Freedom
Romans 8:15; Galatians 5:1 (KJV)

A. Fearful Living – Sheep driven by panic
B. Fatherly Care – Spirit of adoption
C. Freed Walk – Liberty in Christ
Grace produces freedom, not fear.

⑦ DEVELOPMENT — Neglect vs. Nourishment
1 Peter 2:2; Ephesians 4:15 (KJV)

A. Starved Souls – No shepherd, no feeding
B. Sound Doctrine – Milk of the Word
C. Spiritual Growth – Growing up into Christ
Grace grows believers through truth.

⑧ DESTINATION — Lost vs. Found
Luke 19:10; Colossians 1:13 (KJV)

A. Lost Condition – Without hope, without God
B. Loving Search – The Shepherd seeks the lost
C. Secure Transfer – Translated into Christ’s kingdom
Grace finds what was lost.

⑨ DELIGHT — Doom vs. Divine Preservation
Jude 1:24; Philippians 1:6 (KJV)

A. Certain Falling – Sheep alone cannot stand
B. Christ’s Keeping Power – Able to keep from falling
C. Completed Work – He finishes what He starts
Grace preserves until glory.

CALL TO ACTION

Come to the Shepherd
Trust Christ alone for salvation
Follow His voice, not the crowd
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want — Psalm 23:1 (KJV)

CONCLUSION

Without a shepherd, sheep are lost, burdened, exposed, and doomed.
With the Shepherd, sheep are found, fed, protected, and preserved.
The difference is not the sheep—it is the Shepherd.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Christ gives direction
Grace delivers from destruction
Security is found in Christ
The Shepherd supplies every need
Relationship replaces religion
Freedom replaces fear
Growth follows nourishment
The lost are found in Christ
Preservation is guaranteed by grace