SERMON NOTES WITH APPLICATION - "BUILT TO SHEPHERD - NOT AN HIRELING" PT I - JOHN 10:10-14

Series: Discerning The Holy

BUILT TO SHEPHERD...NOT AN HIRELING PT I - John 10:10-14

Theme: High And Lifted Up

Big Idea

Jesus contrasts the thief, the hireling, and the shepherd.

The thief takes.

The hireling leaves.

The shepherd stays.

Whether as fathers, mentors, leaders, spouses, community builders, or disciples, God has called us to live as shepherds—people who protect, nurture, guide, and help others flourish.

A shepherd mindset produces life. A hireling mindset only produces transactions.

1: BUILT TO PURPOSE (v.10)

"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."

Jesus came to bring life, not merely existence.

Purpose is bigger than survival.

Many people are working hard just to get through the week, but God calls us to live intentionally and abundantly.

For Black communities especially, purpose means refusing to allow circumstances, stereotypes, or setbacks to define who we are.

Practical Application

Young People

• Discover what gives you life, not just what gets likes.

• Develop your gifts intentionally.

Adults

• Evaluate whether your daily habits align with your purpose.

• Invest your energy in what builds legacy, not just income.

Parents and Fathers

• Understand that your presence is part of God's purpose for your family.

• Your voice, guidance, and example matter.

Everyone

• Ask yourself: "Am I merely existing, or am I living on purpose?"

2: BUILT TO SACRIFICE (v.11-13)

"The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."

The shepherd stays when things get difficult.

The hireling leaves when responsibility becomes inconvenient.

Real love always costs something.

Real leadership always requires sacrifice.

Jesus teaches us that commitment is measured not by what we say when things are easy but by what we do when things become difficult.

Practical Application

Young Adults

• Stay committed to your goals even when progress feels slow.

• Discipline today creates freedom tomorrow.

Parents

• Keep showing up.

• Consistency often matters more than perfection.

Leaders

• Serve people, don't simply use people.

• Leadership is stewardship, not status.

Everyone

• Identify one relationship or responsibility where God is calling you to show up more faithfully.

3: BUILT TO BE IN THE KNOW (v.14)

"I know my sheep, and am known of mine."

The shepherd knows the sheep and the sheep know the shepherd.

Healthy relationships are built on connection, trust, and understanding.

Jesus does not lead strangers; He leads people He knows.

Likewise, God calls us to cultivate authentic relationships rather than superficial connections.

Practical Application

Young People

• Build real relationships, not just digital followings.

• Learn who you are before letting others define you.

Adults

• Spend time listening to God through prayer, worship, and reflection.

• Be intentional about knowing your family and community.

Fathers and Black Men

• Your influence grows through relationship, not intimidation.

• Be emotionally present as well as physically present.

Everyone

• Ask: "Who truly knows me, and whom am I truly getting to know?"

TAKEAWAYS

For Christians

Jesus is the Good Shepherd who models how we are to live. Following Him means embracing purpose, sacrifice, and authentic relationship.

For Non-Christians

Whether or not you identify as religious, healthy communities are built by people who choose responsibility over convenience, service over selfishness, and relationship over isolation.

For Black Men and Fathers

The culture often celebrates performers and providers while overlooking shepherds. Yet Scripture reminds us that some of the most powerful work a man can do is to guide, nurture, protect, and remain present. You were not built merely to produce. You were built to shepherd.