BRBC Bible Notes
Week by week, we post notes based on the theme of the Sunday service, so that people can follow them in their own personal devotions, in prayer triplets, or in the church life groups.
Bible Study #4: “I AM the Door of the Sheep”
Main Passage: John 10:1–10
Purpose of the Study
This study explores Jesus’ declaration as the Door (or Gate) of the sheepfold, examining Old Testament imagery of sheep and gates, His teaching in John’s Gospel, and the Epistles’ teaching on access to God and spiritual security through Christ.
Opening Prayer
“Lord Jesus, You are the Door to life and safety. Help us to enter through You and find protection, provision, and peace. Guide us to lead others to the true Door who gives abundant life. Amen.”
1. Read the Passage
John 10:1–10 — Jesus describes Himself as the Door through which the sheep enter and find safety and abundant life.
Questions
What does Jesus mean by calling Himself the Door?
How does this metaphor shape your understanding of access to God?
What does “abundant life” mean to you in this context?
2. Context and Old Testament Imagery
OT Sheep and Gate Imagery:
Sheep as God’s people: Psalm 23; Ezekiel 34 — God as shepherd caring for His flock.
The gate of the sheepfold: Ezekiel 34:31 — God as the door or protector of His people.
The Messiah as Shepherd: Zechariah 13:7 — Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.
Temple gates: Psalm 118:20 — The “gate of the Lord” as entry into God’s presence.
Jesus’ Claim:
Jesus is the only legitimate Door, the way into the fold of God’s people. Those who enter through Him find safety and life, while others are thieves or robbers.
Epistles Reflection:
Ephesians 2:18: Through Christ, we have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Hebrews 10:19–22: Jesus as our great high priest opens the way into the holy place.
1 Peter 2:9: Believers are God’s people, called out and protected through Christ.
Questions
How does Jesus as the Door provide security and belonging?
What “thieves” or “robbers” threaten our spiritual lives?
How can you ensure you are entering through the true Door daily?
3. Jesus Christ: The Door of the Sheep
Jesus invites us to enter through Him for spiritual life and protection from harm.
His sacrificial death and resurrection open the way for us into God’s family.
Through Jesus, we find abundant life, not just survival but flourishing.
Questions
How has Jesus opened the door to God for you?
How can you help others find and enter this Door?
4. Kingdom Implications and Church Life
Toward One Another
How do we welcome and protect one another as members of the sheepfold?
Are we vigilant against false teachings or influences that threaten our unity? How do we recognise them?
How do we encourage growth and flourishing in the church family?
Toward Our Local Community & Wider World
How can BRBC be a welcoming gate for seekers in Horsham?
What ways can we practically minister the life Jesus offers?
How might we pray for those outside the sheepfold?
Toward Families, Friends, and Relationships
How do you encourage spiritual belonging in your relationships?
What barriers might keep loved ones from entering through Jesus?
Questions
What makes BRBC a safe and life-giving “sheepfold”?
How can we improve our openness to newcomers while guarding truth? Does truth need to be guarded?
How might your own witness invite others through the Door?
5. Practical Action
Reflect on your spiritual “entrance” into Christ daily through prayer and Scripture.
Reach out to someone who needs to hear about Jesus as the Door.
Create a welcoming environment in church and community for seekers.
Pray for protection and growth of BRBC’s flock.
Questions
How intentional are you about entering through Jesus daily?
Who could you invite to experience the abundant life Jesus offers?
What role can you play in making BRBC a welcoming gate?
Closing Scripture Meditation
John 10:9 — “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.”
Final Prayer
“Jesus, our Door and Shepherd, lead us into Your safety and life. Help us to follow You faithfully and invite others to enter through You. May Brighton Road Baptist Church be a place of refuge and abundant life for all. Amen.”
For a printable version of this, and previous editions, please click here.
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