The Believers as Sheep.

Characteristics of a Lamb in Relation to the Followers of Christ.

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1. A Lamb is Gentle and Harmless

The Church, as the Body of Christ, is called to reflect meekness, gentleness, and a peaceable nature like a lamb.

Matthew 10:16 – "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves."

Philippians 2:15 – "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world."

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2. A Lamb is Dependent on the Shepherd

The Church relies on Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, for guidance, provision, and protection.

John 10:11 – "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."

Psalm 23:1 – "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."

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3. A Lamb is Submissive and Obedient

The Church is called to be submissive to Christ’s leadership and obedient to His Word.

Isaiah 53:7 – "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth."

Hebrews 13:17 – "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account."

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4. A Lamb is Pure and Spotless

The Church, as the Bride of Christ, is to be pure and holy, just as Christ is the spotless Lamb of God.

Ephesians 5:27 – "That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."

1 Peter 1:19 – "But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot."

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5. A Lamb is Vulnerable and Must Stay in the Flock

A lamb is weak without the protection of the flock and the shepherd, teaching the importance of church fellowship and unity.

Hebrews 10:25 – "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow."

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6. A Lamb Follows the Voice of the Shepherd

True believers in the Church recognize, hear, and follow the voice of Christ alone.

John 10:27 – "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."

John 10:5 – "And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers."

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7. A Lamb is Sacrificial and Willing to Lay Down Its Life

The Church, like the Lamb of God, is called to sacrificial love and commitment to Christ and His cause.

Romans 12:1 – "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."

Revelation 12:11 – "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death."

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8. A Lamb is Marked for Redemption

The Church belongs to Christ and is redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.

Revelation 5:9 – "And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation."

Titus 2:14 – "Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."

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9. A Lamb Triumphs through Christ

Though lambs seem weak, the Lamb of God triumphs over all evil, and His Church will reign with Him.

Revelation 17:14 – "These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful."

Romans 8:37 – "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."

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The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ is called to be like a lamb, reflecting humility, obedience, purity, dependence on Christ, and sacrificial love. Though seemingly weak in the eyes of the world, the Church is victorious through Christ, the Lamb of God, who overcame sin and death.