Living Like Jesus

Living Like Jesus I John 2. 5 But if anyone obeys His word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in Him: 6 Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did. The goal of every follower of Jesus is to be like His Master. We are called to it. It is the acid test of being a Christian. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. (Acts 11.26) Like Jesus being called, “A friend of sinners”, the term “Christian” was a term of derision. Sometimes the judgment of the world is complimentary to us. Like someone who criticized me years ago in a note, “I think you only talk about money when it is brought up as you go the Bible.” What a compliment! The term “Christian” meant follower of Christ. They were saying that the disciples looked like they were imitating Jesus. What a compliment! I hope that is what they say about us! Ephesians5.1Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, 2 and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.… Walking in the footsteps of my Savior.... giving ourselves up, His will becoming my will. I Peter 2.21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps. * Walking In His Footsteps to make one's way, progress; to make due use of opportunities Walk regulate ones life, conduct oneself. Following Jesus “As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew. ... 'Come, follow me, Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men. ' At once they left their nets and followed Him.” Matthew 4:18-20 NIV Follow Me, the invitation to begin the journey It is a journey. Progress, growing to become like Him. You cannot rush the process. Like a plant we grow on this journey. We mature. We grow in grace. II Peter 3.18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever! Amen. Following in His steps, living as a Jesus did means we will have... * Forgiveness as a Life Style Colossians 3.13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. You will need the help of the Holy Spirit. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. That is completely impossible without the Holy Spirit’s power. How did Jesus forgive you? Fully, completely and forgetting our sins. You will need to pray over some situations until you are free. Keep praying until you are free. Remember His Words on the cross. Remember His words on teaching on prayer. Following in His Steps, living like Jesus means we will... * Listening to the Broken-hearted Making use of every opportunity because the days are evil Ephesians 5.16 Jesus looked at interruptions as opportunities. He took advantage of them to share His love. He never looked at them as inconveniences. Matthew 9.36 When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Living like Jesus, walking in His Steps, means we will see people who do not know Christ, as victims of the enemy, not the enemy. Compassion= a heart in which mercy resides Blessed are the merciful for they will obtain mercy. He spoke the words that cheered and blessed, He welcomed sinners to his breast, I want to be like Jesus. Following in His Steps, living like Jesus means we will be... * Seeking to Please Our Father in Heaven Hebrews 10. 5 Therefore, when Christ came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire,     but a body You prepared for Me; 6 with burnt offerings and sin offerings     You were not pleased. 7 Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about Me in the scroll—     I have come to do Your will, my God.’” (Psalm 40.6-8) Seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness, doing His will, Following in His Steps, living like Jesus means we will be * Having a set purpose of finishing the work God has given to you to do. Jesus prayed, “I have brought You glory on earth by finishing the work You gave Me to do.” John 17.4 Following Jesus means that we are going to do the same thing. Having a life of Intercessory Prayer Using your gifts Investing your time and money in the Kingdom of God. This is not sinless perfection. Only Jesus had that. As we all like Jesus walk we contend with the sinful nature. We stumble sometimes. Provision is made for sin. I John 2.1 Keep your eyes on Jesus. Walk in the Light. Live like Him. Always make it your goal to please Him.