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Shepherds After �God’s Own Heart

Unit Servants Training Session 2

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Do we have the proper vision for our service?

We do not just flow with the tide. We need conviction, especially as we meet difficulties.

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Jeremiah 1: 4 - 9

We should seek to know our identity,

as servant of God, as servant-leader.

The word of the Lord came to me: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you. “Ah, Lord God!” I said, “I do not know how to speak. I am too young! But the Lord answered me, Do not say, “I am too young.” To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you—oracle of the Lord. Then the Lord extended his hand and touched my mouth, saying to me, See, I place my words in your mouth!

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It was God’s idea to call Jeremiah for His service.

God’s plan for you is to serve Him and His purpose.

 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,  before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you. (Jeremiah: 1:5)

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Some of us, like Jeremiah, have doubts and fears.

”I am too young. I am inexperienced. I have no training.”

Yet God assures us,

But the Lord answered me, Do not say, “I am too young.” To whomever I send you, you shall go;  whatever I command you, you shall speak. (Jeremiah: 1:7)

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God read Jeremiah’s heart and addressed his fears.

It is important to know that it is God who has called us.

  • Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you—oracle of the Lord.  (Jeremiah 1:8)
  • What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

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What is God’s purpose for calling us to serve?

He has chosen shepherds who will care for His people, according to His own heart, according to His own great love.

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How do we take on the heart of God?

We stand in God’s place and take on the heart of God to rule wisely and prudently.

  • Be prayerful.
  • Seek God’s word and base your lives on it.
  • Depend on God’s power and provision rather than your own.
  • Use your gifts and resources to serve God and His people.
  • Reflect the character of a humble servant with your patience, good example and dedication to God.

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To a prophet, God gives prophetic words and vision. To a servant, He will give courage and servantship gifts.

God is committed to empower us.

Let us look at Moses.

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God calls Moses.

“Go to Pharaoh and lead His people out.”

Moses expressed his fears to the Lord, but God gave him every ability and assurance he needed to fulfill his job.

  • Ex 3:11. Like our own lack of faith. "I'm still struggling..." God: "I will be with you" (v.12). �
  • Ex 4:1. Like our own fear of speaking God's word. They might get back to us: "Who appointed you Servant-Leader? Why you? God: Signs--(1) staff changed into a serpent, (2) leprous hand, (3) river water turned into blood (v.2-9). �
  • Ex 4:10. God: "I'll help you" (v.12). �
  • Ex 4:13. He had run out of excuses, but just did not want to go. God got angry, but provided anyway (v.14-16). .

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Good trait of Moses: �He kept coming back to God.

The Lord is the key. And the purity of our heart.

  • Fear or insecurity is useful if this causes us to turn to God. If we go on our knees begging God for help, we will receive His power.
  • We can be trained if we go to Him, but not when we run away.
  • You will encounter problems. But the Lord can teach you how to handle these.

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Look forward to difficult pastoral situations.

These are ways to maturity and strength in serving the Lord.

  • Fear or insecurity is useful if this causes us to turn to God. If we go on our knees begging God for help, we will receive His power.
  • We can be trained if we go to Him, but not when we run away.
  • You will encounter problems. But the Lord can teach you how to handle these.

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God calls us and needs us. What is our response to God’s call?

God is not looking for people who will give their spare time to Him. Rather, He seeks those who will give Him first place in their lives.

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We have been �called by God to �a great work.

You are a servant of God.

  • Let us no longer take pride in our being lawyers, doctors, engineers, accountants, etc., but let our "pride" come from being called apostles, preachers of the good news, shepherds over God's people.
  • And when our priorities are right, when our vision is clear, when our intentions are pure, then we can expect God to act in our lives.

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There is an abundance of God’s grace and power �for all of us.

You are God’s servant. His co-worker. His shepherd after His own heart, empowered by His Spirit.

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