Textual Segment:Tonight, Joshua was inducted into the Gallileans. I want to examine their motto more closely. Their 2 key verses are great life verses for us all.
Their motto: Follower of Christ, leader of others, is based on
1 Peter 2:21 NKJV
For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
and
1 Timothy 4:12 NKJV
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Relational Segment: Though only 1 has been inducted tonight, the message of these verses are good for all of us. We would do well to follow his example.
Transitional Sentence: First, let us look closer at the call to be a follower of Christ
1 Peter 2:21 NKJV
For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
1. We are called to follow Christ
We must answer that call with
100% obedience
100% loyalty
We are called to follow His example
ILLUSTRATION: In the book, In His Steps, the phrase, “What would Jesus Do?” became popular
the premise was to make decisions by asking what Jesus would do in those situations.
A couple of years ago, I came across a good variation of this.
The challenge: Do what Jesus Did!
Search the Scriptures and study the example Jesus set.
a. He always loved others
No matter what type of person:
woman in adultery- neither do I condemn you
Rich and corrupt tax collector- I’m going to your house today.
Samaritan woman living in adultery: offered the living water.
Jew or Gentile didn’t matter.
He loved them!
b. He proclaimed the truth
Taught God’s standard
Beatitudes:
Reiterating the 10 commandments
Parables
He called for repentance
His message was one of repentance
Called for them to turn from the world and follow Him.
c. He walked in obedience to the Father
He put obeying God ahead of all
In the Garden He prayed “not my will, but Yours be done"
d. He prayed
He often spend time in prayer
Began His day in prayer
Ended it in prayer
Prayed before big events (arrest and death)
That just scratches the surface!
APPLICATION: We would do well to live as Jesus lived
Transitional Sentence: Not only are we challenged to be followers of Christ, but also a leader of others.
2. Our world needs leaders
Yes, we need employers, presidents, governors, etc.
But that isn’t what this motto is about:
we need spiritual leaders!
teachers, preachers, worship leaders, ministry leaders, etc.
One of the best way to lead, is to lead by example.
1 Timothy 4:12 NKJV
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
a. Let no one despise your youth
You are never too young to live for God
Age has nothing to do with spiritual maturity and righteousness.
b. Live an exemplary life:
in word
speak truth
speak words which edify (build up) others
speak God’s word
in conduct
living as Jesus lived (which we just discussed)
in love
Loving as Jesus loved
Put others needs ahead of your own
Serve others
in spirit
Be filled with the Spirit
Walk in the Spirit
in faith
Trust God completely
Trust His Word.
in purity
Do what Jesus said to many, “Go and sin no more.
If God calls it sin, don’t do it!
If God says to do something do it!
Conclusion:
Reproduction Segment:
Follow Jesus’ example by living as He did.
Set an example for all by your words and actions.
Application Segment:
Are you a follower of Christ and leader of others?
Invitation Segment:
Repent, and renew your commitment today.
