Scattered Sheep | Herbert Cooper

Matthew 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (NLT) John 10:12   A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. (NLT) 2 Dangers Of Scattered Sheep 1. Scattered sheep get lost Psalm 23:1–3 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. (NKJV) A. Some of you are lost because you’re following their own way Isaiah 53:6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all. (NLT) B. Some of you are lost because you’re following the wrong shepherd Jeremiah 50:6 “My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds have led them astray and turned them loose in the mountains. They have lost their way and can’t remember how to get back to the sheepfold. (NLT) 2. Scattered sheep get isolated 1. Isolated sheep carry all of their burdens Galatians 6:2   Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (NIV) 2. Isolated sheep have no one to help them up when they fall Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10  If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. (NIV) 3. Isolated sheep get attacked 1 Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (NIV) Ecclesiastes 4:11–12 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12  Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (NIV) 4. Isolated sheep get weird Genesis 2:18 GOD said, “It’s not good for the Man to be alone; I’ll make him a helper, a companion.” (The Message) 2 Healthy Next Steps For Scattered Sheep 1. Follow the Good Shepherd Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (NKJV) Matthew 11:28–30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (NIV) 2. Get connected with other sheep