WALKING AS JESUS WALKED
Text: 1 John 2:6 - "Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did."
Introduction:
Imagine walking through a snowstorm, trying to find your way home. What would be your safest path? Following in the footprints of someone who has gone before you. This powerful image illustrates our spiritual journey as Christians. The apostle John tells us in 1 John 2:6 that if we claim to live in Christ, we must walk as Jesus walked – following His footprints through life's journey.
Walking as Jesus walked means living in a way that reflects His actions and character. In 1 John 2:6, the Bible tells us that if we say we follow Jesus, our lives should look like His. It’s not just about saying we believe in Him; it’s about showing it through how we live. Jesus showed us how to obey God and love others, and we are called to do the same.
You can’t just say you follow Jesus; you must live like Him too. This applies to every part of life, but especially to your spiritual life. What does it mean to "live the way Jesus lived"? While some might think it’s about performing miracles, it’s really about living a life of love and obedience, just as Jesus did.
From a young age, Jesus obeyed God in everything. He followed God’s plan, even when it was hard. When He was popular, He didn’t stay in one place to enjoy the attention; He went where God sent Him. When people criticized Him for following God, He didn’t stop. Even when Satan tempted Him with power and riches, He refused.
Today, we'll explore five essential aspects of walking as Jesus walked, learning how to align our daily lives with His perfect example.
1. Walking in Love: Embracing the Commandment
Jesus demonstrated the ultimate expression of love through His life and death. In 1 John 4:19-21, we're reminded that we love because He first loved us.
Illustration: During a severe hurricane in Florida, Pastor James chose to stay behind in his community while others evacuated. He transformed his church into a shelter, providing food and comfort to stranded families. When asked why he risked his life, he simply said, "Because this is what Jesus would do." This exemplifies walking in love – sacrificial service that puts others first. (For detailed Illustration, Please visit my Sermon Illustration page in Sermon Central).
The kind of love Jesus demonstrated wasn't just emotional; it was practical and sacrificial. In John 13:34-35, He gives us a new commandment: to love one another as He loved us. This means:
- Loving when it's inconvenient
- Loving those who can't repay us
- Loving our enemies
- Loving through actions, not just words
2. Walking in Obedience: Submission to the Father's Will
Jesus's entire life was characterized by obedience to the Father. In John 14:31, He declares, "I do exactly what my Father has commanded me." This obedience wasn't always easy – remember His prayer in Gethsemane.
Let me share a powerful modern example the story of John Parker: A successful businessman felt God calling him to leave his lucrative career to serve in a homeless ministry. Despite financial uncertainty and others' skepticism, he obeyed. Years later, his ministry has transformed hundreds of lives, demonstrating how obedience to God's will, though challenging, bears eternal fruit. (For detailed Illustration, Please visit my Sermon Illustration page in Sermon Central).
3. Walking in Humility: The Path of Servanthood
Philippians 2:5-8 presents Jesus's ultimate example of humility – leaving heaven's glory to become a servant.
Illustration: Mother Teresa, washing the feet of lepers in Calcutta, embodied this Christ-like humility. When she received the Nobel Peace Prize, she redirected all attention to God and the poor she served. (For detailed Illustration, please visit my Sermon Illustration page in Sermon Central). Like Jesus washing His disciples' feet (John 13:14-15), true humility means:
- Putting others' needs before our own
- Serving without seeking recognition
- Being willing to do the lowest tasks
- Treating everyone with equal dignity
4. Walking in Faith: Trusting the Father's Plan
Hebrews 12:2 directs us to fix our eyes on Jesus, "the pioneer and perfecter of faith." Jesus demonstrated unwavering faith in the Father's plan, even when facing the cross.
Illustration: When George Muller established orphanages in 19th century England, he never asked for donations but prayed in faith for daily provisions. Like Jesus, he demonstrated complete trust in God's provision and timing. (For detailed Illustration, Please visit my Sermon Illustration page in Sermon Central).
5. Walking in Power: Living by the Spirit
Acts 10:38 tells us how God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power. This same power is available to us today. As promised in John 14:12, we can do even greater works through His Spirit.
Modern Example: A missionary in a closed country faced persecution daily but continued ministering through the Spirit's power. Through prayer, she saw miraculous healings and conversions, demonstrating that walking in the Spirit's power isn't just historical but present reality. (For detailed Illustration, Please visit my Sermon Illustration page in Sermon Central).
Conclusion:
Walking as Jesus walked isn't about perfect performance but persistent pursuit. It's about:
- Following His footprints in love
- Choosing obedience even when difficult
- Embracing humility in service
- Exercising faith in God's plan
- Relying on the Spirit's power
As we close, remember this final illustration: A young girl was once asked why she always walked in her father's footprints in the snow. She replied, "Because I know if I follow his steps, I won't get lost." Similarly, when we walk as Jesus walked, we can be confident we're on the right path.
Closing Prayer:
"Father, help us to walk as Jesus walked – in love, obedience, humility, faith, and power. May our lives reflect His character more each day. In Jesus' name, Amen."
This week, I challenge you to:
1. Identify one area where you need to walk more like Jesus
2. Take specific steps to follow His example
3. Journal your journey of following in His footsteps
Remember, "Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did." Let's make this our daily pursuit.
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Blessings,
Pastor JM Raja Lawrence
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
email: lawrencejmr@gmail.com
Mobile: +91 9933250072
