John 10:7-10

In Jesus' day, the summer sheepfold was located in the highland pasture. It had stones from the pasture itself piled on top of each other until they formed a circular wall. The wall had one gap that served as a gate through which the sheep could enter and leave. The shepherd would lie down in the gap as a literal door to the fold. Keep in mind that the fold in this parable is the picture of a relationship with God that includes forgiveness of sin, salvation and eternal life.

I. BECAUSE JESUS SAVES YOUR LIFE - John 10:7-9

• Who did Jesus say is the Gate to the sheepfold in v.7? Put what this means into your own words.
• How is the face that there wa sjust one way into the "fold" confirmed by: Genesis 3:24? Genesis 6:16? Exodus 26:33?
• Explain how v/7 helps to illustrate John 14:6; Hebrews 10:19-22; John 17:2-3; Acts 4:12.
• Who are the thieves and robbers in v.8? Give phrases from 1 Peter 5:8; Matthew 7:15; Luke 20:46-47; Luke 21:8; 1 Corinthians 6:9. Name types of people today who would fit into these categories.
• What is in the sheepfold that the thieves and robbers are trying to steal? How do they do this?
• What can you do to recognize and guard against a thief or robber: Romans 16:17? Matthew 7:16-18, 21-24? Colossians 4:2? 1 Timothy 4:16?
• Describe an experience you've had with a thief or robber.
• How far has Jesus gone to protect and secure our place in the fold? John 10:11, 14-15. Give phrases also from: Ephesians 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; Revelation 7:10, 19:1

II.  BECAUSE JESUS CHANGES YOUR LIFE - John 10:10

• Describe a life without Jesus according to Acts 26:18; Ephesians 3:12, 5:8.
• Give as many characteristics of a life without Jesus as you can from Romans 1:18-32.
• Before Jesus came into your life, what was your life like?
• In v.10, what does Jesus say He will do for you?
• How does Jesus change your life for the better, according to: John 4:13-14 with 7:38? John 8:12? 1 Corinthians 2:16? 2 Corinthians 4:6? Romans 12:2? 1 Corinthians 6:9-11? 2 Corinthians 3:18? Colossians 1:13? Ephesians 5:13-14?
• How complete is this change according to John 1:12? John 3:3-8? 2 Corinthians 5:17? Ephesians 2:19?
• What difference has Jesus made in your life?
• What changes in your life have your spouse, neighbor, children, church, or co-worker seen?

From personal experience, I can testify to the fact that my life is much better with Jesus!

This Bible study was prepared especially for the Spring 2011 Newsletter.  If you do not receive the newsletter by either email or postal mail and would like to, please register for this FREE quarterly resource here.