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Study 06 of 10

Hearing and Recognizing the Shepherd

We must listen for the True Shepherd's voice, not the world's compromise and policy.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

Prescott warns against the 'danger signals' that come from compromising with worldly wisdom and policy. He asserts that we must not seek to soften the message, especially on distinctive truths like the Sabbath, to gain the world's influence. He calls for faithfulness as sentinels on the watch-tower. True leaders are those who hear the voice of the True Shepherd and do not follow the 'blind leaders of the blind' who promote human wisdom and policy over God's direct instruction. The message is to be proclaimed with the power of God, not in a tame or spiritless way. He emphasizes that those who follow Christ step by step will not be deceived.

Key points

  • We must not compromise the truth for the sake of worldly influence or policy.
  • The world will try to induce us to soften our message and suppress its distinct features.
  • We must be faithful sentinels who do not hold their peace.
  • Those who follow the True Shepherd will recognize His voice and not be led astray.

Key texts

  • 2 Corinthians 6:17
  • Revelation 3:16
  • Isaiah 58:1

From the book

Sermon 4 · Faithfulness · Read this chapter

  • “Unless you watch, and keep your garments unspotted from the world, Satan will stand as your captain.” (sermon 4)
  • “But those who follow the leader step by step, will hear and recognize the voice of the True Shepherd.” (sermon 4)
  • “Seventh-day Adventists can make no compromise.” (sermon 4)

Put it into practice

  • Ask myself if I am allowing worldly opinion to shape my message.
  • Be bold in standing for the distinct truths of the third angel's message.
  • Focus on hearing the voice of the True Shepherd above the noise of worldly counsel.
  1. Comprehension

    1. Why should we not seek to soften our message to please the world?

  2. Scripture

    2. What is the role of the Sentinel in this message?

  3. Doctrinal Clarity

    3. Why does the author warn against 'human wisdom'?

  4. Scripture

    4. What is the danger of being 'tame and spiritless'?

  5. Doctrinal Clarity

    5. How can we recognize the voice of the True Shepherd?

  6. Comprehension

    6. What is the world's strategy to weaken our message?

  7. Contrast

    7. Why must we not hold our peace?

  8. Application

    8. What personal compromise are you most tempted to make today?