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Sheep are often described as dumb. But is that the most helpful way to understand the Bible’s picture of God’s people? In this reading, Ben Smith, Sr., considers the sheep’s dependence on the shepherd and what that relationship reveals about Christ’s care for His people. The reflection moves from common descriptions of sheep to the blessing of being known, protected, and provided for by the Good Shepherd, who willingly lays down His life for His sheep. Scripture considered: Micah 5:4–5; Isaiah 53:5–6; John 10. Related sermon passage: Psalm 17. Read the original article, first published January 13, 2022: https://www.bensmithsr.org/ponderings/are-they-really-that-dumb-rethinking-how-we-describe-sheep-2022 Related study: “Satisfied in God,” Psalm 17. This sermon explores refuge in God, confidence in His protection, and rejoicing in His provision. Listen to the sermon (free): https://www.bensmithsr.org/bensmith-allforthekingdom/satisfied-in-god-psalm-17-podcast Sermon outline and listening guide (free PDF resource): https://www.bensmithsr.org/store/p/psalm-17-sermon-outline Full sermon manuscript (paid PDF download): https://www.bensmithsr.org/store/p/satisfied-in-god-psalm-17-sermon Written and read by Ben Smith, Sr. Ponderings with Ben Smith, Sr. — Thinking out loud about faith, culture, and life. Explore sermons, articles, and Bible study resources at https://www.bensmithsr.org/. Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Whose approval are we seeking? At our children’s athletic events, spectators often shouted instructions from the sidelines. But the players understood whose direction mattered: they were playing for the coach. In this episode of Ponderings, I read “Play for the Coach, Not the Crowd,” a reflection on pleasing God and remaining faithful to the gospel when the world demands compromise. Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 2:4, we consider the church’s responsibility to speak faithfully as those entrusted with the gospel. The pressure to gain the world’s approval is real, but its intensity does not give it authority. Read the article Play for the Coach, Not the Crowd Explore the related sermon and resources For a fuller exposition of 1 Thessalonians 2:1–8: Listen to “Please God, Not Man” Find the sermon notes and outline handouts Scripture referenced: 1 Thessalonians 2:4; Jude 3. The written article was originally published October 9, 2026. Read by Ben Smith, Sr. Discover more sermons, articles, and Bible study resources at BenSmithSr.org. Ponderings with Ben Smith, Sr. — Thinking out loud about faith, culture, and life.

Welcome to Ponderings, the audio companion to my Ponderings blog. I’m Ben Smith, Sr., a pastor, writer, and Bible teacher. In this introductory episode, I share what you can expect: readings of my articles with biblical reflections on Scripture, faith, culture, pastoral ministry, the local church, and everyday Christian life. Each reading stays close to the written article, with small changes for natural spoken delivery. Episode notes will link to the original article and related resources when available. Whether you’re driving, walking, or taking a quiet moment, I hope you’ll join me as we think carefully about what we believe and how we live. Explore more Read the Ponderings articles