Message In 1peter – Number 6 – Follow My Example Of Suffering And Walk Accordingly (But Not The Writer’s Example) – 1peter 2:21-23 Series

MESSAGE IN 1PETER – NUMBER 6 – FOLLOW MY EXAMPLE OF SUFFERING AND WALK ACCORDINGLY (BUT NOT THE WRITER’S EXAMPLE) – 1Peter 2:21-23

{{1Peter 2:21 “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,”}}

[A]. A HARD EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW

One human being is held up as an example for others to follow. Another is alluded to as being an example not to follow. The modern world is fond of promoting examples of good while urging the younger generation to follow some role model or other. This is especially so in areas where youth crime and delinquency are rife and role models from among their own are sought.

Young people these days strive to follow some pop idol and begin dressing like their idol and acting that way. It is all so contagious. There was a time in my nation long ago when people were individuals and strove to live successful lives without being influenced by the pressure to imitate someone else and live in their shadow. All that has changed through mass media.

Children used to be told at school to be good examples to younger children and parents would be told to be good examples to their children. In theory all that may sound good but how true to a perfect example is the person an example to others. It causes people to adopt a hypocritical stand and to pretend to be something they naturally are not. A father may “set an example” by not smoking in his house, but when he is at work or with his mates then he smokes.

Human beings are fallible and untrustworthy so they make imperfect examples for other to follow. How often do we hear of some pop star or film idol supposedly living a “clean” life, then it turns out he/she has been living a lie. It is all fakery.

When it comes down to it there is only one person who has ever lived who has lived a perfect life in 100% godliness and honesty. That One of course is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He really is the only perfect role model and example.

However, there are many examples we can follow as Christians. One such pattern was set by the Bereans as this verse declares – {{Acts 17:10-11 “The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so.”}}

That is a splendid example to follow, to examine the scriptures daily to see if what we are told measures up. They are the examples we are to follow. The world wants to follow drug addicted film stars and occult pop stars, sporting idols and the rest, all to its own disillusionment but the Christian places his decisions on solid ground.

That is enough to introduce this subject and now we will get down to the core of this message. I said earlier that we do not follow man but Christ was the perfect Example. We take pointers from others as good examples to follow either of their conduct or way of Christian life and study. However they never become our idols. The Holy Spirit has given gifts that we recognise and we can imitate that in others.

The most arrogant thing a man can say is “Follow my example (because I am right).” There is only ONE tiny group of people who has the right to say that, and they are the biblical writers writing under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, holy men of God who lived in the hand of God. Chief among those is Paul.

Let us consider a few things Paul wrote -

(a). {{Philippians 3:17 “Brethren, join in FOLLOWING MY EXAMPLE, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us,”}}

Paul encourages the Philippians to follow his example because too many are walking as enemies of the cross. The Christians needed to be “narrow minded” in the correct walk with the Lord and Paul provided that. In today’s society there are hundreds of philosophies and patterns and New Age propositions that the world is in a great confusion of beliefs and isms. Christians must be absolutely true to the word of God. Follow Paul’s example.

(b). {{2Thessalonians 3:6-7 “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep aloof from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us, for you yourselves know how you ought to FOLLOW OUR EXAMPLE because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you,”}}