READ: 1 Corinthians 4:14-17
“…for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.“ – 1 Corinthians 4:15-16
Sheep who do not listen to their pastor’s messages are not receiving the lordship of their shepherd.
Sheep who do not read the books written by their pastors are not receiving the lordship of their shepherd. They are no more blessed by these materials. They know it all and therefore are not under the lordship of their shepherd.
Sheep who do not honour their pastors according to Galatians 6:6 are denying the lordship of their shepherds over them. Why should they honour someone who they do not consider to be their leader?
Sheep declare their independence of their shepherd by not attending important gatherings and meetings. Failure to attend meetings is a declaration by the sheep that, “I am as great as you are and I do not need to come to your meeting.”
“Verily , verily , I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him” (John 13:16).
Sheep get sick because they do not feed from their shepherd. Shepherds get sick because they do not receive from their chief shepherd.
“He saith to him again the second time Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep” (John 21:16).