* Shepherds typically did not own the sheep they cared for.
* The principle of stewardship is the context of shepherds throughout Scripture.
* The flock belongs to someone else and shepherds are accountable to how they take care of the sheep.
* If the shepherd seeks his own well-being and prosperity over that of his sheep he will be disqualified by the owner of the sheep.
* This is what happened is Jeremiah’s day and is the same thing happening today.
* I call it “blasphemy leading to idolatry.”
* 1 Timothy 1:20 - Blasphemy definition: “to ruin the reputation of.”
* If a spiritual shepherd refuses to confront a blasphemous theology because he wants to protect his own reputation, what sin is he in danger of committing?
* Idolatry - concerning himself above God.