In this series on Psalm 23, Pastor Ian Bayne takes us through one of the most well-known passages in the bible: an immense source of comfort, but also a picture of the whole gospel and Christian life. As a sheep farmer by trade, Ian is well placed to show us the depth of Psalm 23. Join us as we explore what it means to be a Christian and experience the care and guidance of our great shepherd.
Series context
This series began against the backdrop of the 2020 covid pandemic. As New Zealand, it was a troubling and uncertain time. We turned to the great psalm as a source of comfort. Many of us will be familiar with it, and in times of trouble, when our hearts are full and our minds are confused, taking a fresh look at a familiar passage can help God speak to us.
Preacher and date
Preacher: Ian Bayne, 2020
Book/Passages: Psalm 23
Psalm 23 series notes
The Good Shepherd I (Psalm 23:1 & John 10:1-18) – The Lord is my shepherd
In times of trouble, our hearts are full and our minds are confused. We need to remind ourselves of old truths and seek dependence, trust and security from God: our shepherd.
The Good Shepherd II (Psalm 23:2 & Hebrews 3:1-11) – He makes me lie down in green pastures
The Lord gives us rest. Where does it come from and what should we do with this?
The Good Shepherd III (Psalm 23:3 & 1 Peter 1:3-9) – He restores my soul
He restores our soul. Why do we need restoring, how does He do this, and what is the purpose of our life? Pastor Ian Bayne tackles the big questions.
The Good Shepherd IV (Psalm 23:3 & Acts 8:1-5) – He leads me in paths of righteousness
As well as restoring our soul, this week, we’ll look at how the Lord calls us, leads us and even drives us, along the right paths.
The Good Shepherd V (Psalm 23:3 & 1 John 3:16-24) – For His name’s sake
Why does the Lord help us? What is His purpose? This week we’ll look at the importance of “His name’s sake” and the purpose we can aspire to in good times, and times of trouble.
The Good Shepherd VI (Psalm 23:4 & 2 Cor 4:16-5:10) – The valleys of life
This week Psalm 23 takes a much darker turn. Life is not plain sailing, and Christians aren’t exempt from life’s troubles. This psalm was written by David in one of his darkest hours. What guidance can we draw from the Good Shepherd to get through?
The Good Shepherd VII (Psalm 23:4 & Ephesians 6:10-17) – The shadow of death
From the “valleys of life”, this week we look at the evil that stalks the valleys and makes them dangerous. We’ll look at how our shepherd protects us, and what we need to do to stay safe.
The Good Shepherd VIII (Psalm 23:4 & 2 Cor 4:16-5:10) – Your rod and staff comfort me
Though we can have severe trials in life, how does the Lord protect us from harm? What tools does he have available, and what can we expect?
The Good Shepherd IX (Psalm 23:5 & John 21:12-23) – You prepare a table before me
From the valley of the shadow of death, to a table prepared for us in extraordinary circumstances. What is this table, and what does it mean for us?
The Good Shepherd X (Psalm 23:5 & Luke 7:40-50) – You anoint my head with oil
Possibly one of the strangest parts of the psalm, and often overlooked; anointing with oil at a feast was reserved for the most honoured of guests. Why would our Lord honour us like this? How do we see God’s blessing?
The Good Shepherd XI (Psalm 23:5 & Mat 18:23-25) – My cup overflows
Anointed with oil, our cup overflows. Such abundance from our Lord. What should we look out for? How should we respond?
The Good Shepherd XII (Psalm 23:6 & John 14:8-17) – Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
The last verse of Psalm 23 seems clear, but is of immense meaning. How can we be sure of God’s goodness and mercy? What does dwelling in the house of the Lord look like? As we close Psalm 23, we see the riches of the Good Shepherd and an eternal dwelling place.
The Good Shepherd XIII (Psalm 23:6 & Heb 13:20-21) – I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever
One sermon can’t do this great verse justice! What does it mean to dwell with the Lord? How do we experience this today? This verse sums up Psalm 23 and the experience on offer to every Christian.
The Good Shepherd Finale (Psalm 23:6, Deuteronomy 15:12-18 & John 16:5-11) – Am I a Christian?
Am I a Christian? In this series finale we’ll look at how to tell. How can you really know if you’re saved; and what happens if you’re not?
Resources
Questions? Please contact us. Inspired? Come and worship with us on Sundays.
