The Example That We Should Follow and Be

I. INTRODUCTION

---The Bible tells us that the reason that we are called is because of an example that was left for us.

-Do you know what example I am making reference to?

-Do you know what a great example was left?

-Do  you realize what we are to do with this example?

---If you answered NO to any of these three questions, I trust after our discussion tonight, you will be able to say YES to every one of them.

---The Bible affirms our need for being examples, but there is a pattern that we should learn to follow?

II. Do you know what example I am making reference to? (I Peter 2:21)

A. Jesus Christ our Lord.

---Jesus the Son of God came in the flesh and suffered for you, left you an example, and wants you to walk in His steps.

---So now you can answer YES to question #1 because you know exactly who we are making reference to.

---Now that wasn’t so bad, was it ...

III. Do you know what a great example was left?  (I Peter 2:22-24)

A. Our Lord was sinless.

1. I Peter 2:22a; Isaiah 53:9-10; II Corinthians 5:21; 7:1.

B. Our Lord controlled His tongue.

1. I Peter 2:22b; Ephesians 4:25, 29,31; James 3:8-10.

C. Our Lord endured wrong.

1. I Peter 2:23a., 19-20; I Peter 4:14-16, 19 (see 23c of the text); Matthew 5:10-12.

D. Our Lord did not avenge Himself.

1. I Peter 2:23b; Luke 6:27-28; Proverbs 20:22; Romans 12:14, 17-19.

E. Our Lord prayed for the forgiveness of His enemies as He trusted God.

1. I Peter 2:23c; Luke 23:34; Matthew 6:14-15.

F. Our Lord sacrificed Himself.

1. I Peter 2:24; Romans 12:1-2 (talk about OT sacrifice); Romans 6:12-13

G. Our Lord obeyed the Father in heaven.

1. I Peter 2:24; Matthew 20:17-19; Philippians 2:5-9; Hebrews 5:8-11.

H. Our Lord is our Shepherd if only we will return to Him and follow His example.

1. I Peter 2:25; John 10:10-15; John 15:13-14

---Christ left us an excellent example and showed to mankind the greatest love that he has ever known.  

 “Greater love has no man than this, that He lay down His life for His friends.”

---At this point I know you can answer question #2 because you can see the example set by Christ

IV. Do  you realize what we are to do with this example?

---Christ continues that statement in John 15 by saying,:

 “you are my friend if you do whatsoever I command you.”

-WHAT DID CHRIST COMMAND US?

-HEAR                  John 12:47-48.

-BELIEVE             John 8:24.

-REPENT             Luke 13:3,5.

-CONFESS           Matthew 10:32-33; Acts 8:37

-BAPTIZED          Mark 16:16.

-FAITHFUL          Revelation 2:10

 ---Have you kept the commands of the Lord? Are you a friend to Jesus today?

---We must always seek to follow Christ and be an example everyday.

 ---Keep in mind that we are supposed to follow Christ’s’ steps, and this signifies doing exactly as He did when He was here on the earth.

We are all to be examples:

Parents must set an example -Ephesians 6:4

Congregation must set an example -I Thessalonians 1:6-8

 Young people must set an example -I Timothy 4:12

Consider this statement:

“You’re writing each day a letter to men,

Take care that your writing is true,

Tis the only gospel some folks will read,

The gospel according to you.

---May we all strive to be an example in our everyday lives, showing others the gospel truth and proclaiming Christ to them.

 ---(Prayer)   

- we all might follow Christ and His example

- realize responsibilities to God.

- we will grow spiritually and serve well in the local church of our Lord.

- young or old we will love the Lord for laying down his life for us and the way that He has prepared for us.

- Thanks for the word of truth and the gospel of our salvation.