NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, Lifeway publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from the Bible Studies For Life curriculum.
Bible Passages: John 10:7-11, 14-18, 27-30
Discussion Questions:
— In what ways have you experienced Jesus as your Good Shepherd?
— Why is it sometimes hard to trust that our salvation is secure, despite Jesus’ strong assurance?
— How does knowing we are secure in Christ change the way we live?
Food for Thought:
Many people believe all religions are valid and any expression of spirituality is sufficient to find salvation. The Bible does not teach this. Christians believe Jesus is the only way of salvation. Critics consider us narrow-minded and judgmental. We are neither. We simply follow Jesus and take Him at His word.
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). When Jesus described Himself as the gate of salvation, He communicated this reality with a powerful symbol. Jesus underscored, “If anyone enters by me, he will be saved.” Clearly, Jesus wanted us to know He is the only way of salvation.
In the ancient world, shepherds often gathered their flocks together for protection and companionship with other shepherds. The sheep would intermingle, but when it was time to reassemble as a particular flock and move to a new location, the sheep would respond only to the voice of their shepherd. Shepherds not only had distinctive sounds which were used to signal their sheep, they also called them by name.
Against this backdrop, Jesus then added, “My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me.” One of the marks of your salvation was hearing Jesus’ voice and responding to Him. Jesus speaks today through the Bible and through people who communicate truth from the Bible. When you hear the Gospel and respond positively, this is a good sign you are one of His sheep. For those who respond in this way, Jesus promises to give them eternal life.
Eternal life starts at the moment of your conversion. Jesus gives eternal life to all who hear His voice calling them to salvation and choose to follow Him. He gives this gift once and never takes it away.
Many voices are calling for your attention today, ranging from people you know personally to the incessant noise from anonymous hordes on social media. Whom are you listening to today? Make sure you listen to Jesus more than any other voice clamoring for your attention.
Bible Studies for Life
Bible Studies for Life connects the Bible to life for adults, students, and kids. Bible Studies for Life helps individuals and groups know God’s Word through trustworthy content, creates biblical community through engaging and conversational group studies, and helps people engage the culture missionally by unpacking what the Bible says about real-life issues. More information can be found at Lifeway.com/biblestudiesforlife.
Other ongoing Bible study options for all ages offered by Lifeway can be found at Lifeway.com/SundaySchool.
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