1. God owns everything, you own nothing.
2. God entrusts you with everything you have.
3. You can either increase or diminish what God has given; He wants you to increase it.
4. God can call you into account at any time, and it may be today.
Four comforting characteristics of the Good Shepherd’s care for His people
I. He Provides What is Needed for God’s People’s Sustenance
Psalm 23:2-3 - He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul…
A. Physical needs (rest/food/drink—"green pastures, still waters”)
B. Spiritual needs (“restores the soul”)
II. He Leads Through Difficulty for God’s People’s Growth
Psalm 23:3-4 - He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
A. The Shepherd’s presence (“You are with me”)
B. The Shepherd’s protection (“Your rod” and “Your staff”)
III. He Exalts Amidst Adversaries for God’s People’s Honor
Psalm 23:5 - You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows.
IV. He Secures His People Home for His Glory (His name sake v. 3) and His People’s Good (v. 6)
Psalm 23:6 - Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
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