“What Would Jesus Do?” I Peter 2: /17/2006 Dr. Dane Boyles

“What Would Jesus Do?” Scripture Reading 19 For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. (1 Peter 2:19-20)

“What Would Jesus Do?” 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. (1 Peter 2:21)

“What Would Jesus Do?” Introduction In 1896 Charles Sheldon published a book entitled In His Steps. It’s influence would help the name of Jesus to become a cultural phenomenon among evangelicals.

“What Would Jesus Do?” Bracelets and necklaces with the initials W.W.J.D. are still very popular. The whole notion of “What Would Jesus Do” is an intriguing question.

“What Would Jesus Do?” Have you ever considered what Jesus would do if He had come today instead of 2,000 years ago? 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Heb 13:8)

“What Would Jesus Do?”  Jesus Obeyed. Jesus was Obedient as a Boy. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. (Luke 2:40) 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. (Luke 2:52)

“What Would Jesus Do?” Jesus was Obedient as a Man 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” (Matt 3:13-14)

“What Would Jesus Do?”  One of Jesus’ first steps as He began His ministry was to submit to baptism.  Jesus was baptized as an act of submission and obedience to the Father.  Just like Jesus began his ministry with baptism, we begin our Christian life through baptism.

“What Would Jesus Do?”  At baptism we are: –born again –regenerated –washed –forgiven of our sins –given the Holy Spirit

“What Would Jesus Do?” Jesus was Obedient as a Savior. 30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me. (John 5:30)

“What Would Jesus Do?” Jesus prayed for Obedience to the Father. 2 Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. (Luke 11:2) 39 My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matt 26:39)

“What Would Jesus Do?” Jesus was obedient even to death. 8 and being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross! (Phil 2:8) 46 …“Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”- which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matt 27:46)

“What Would Jesus Do?” “To Do What Jesus Would Do” Means Being Obedient to the Father.  It means suffering for doing good and enduring it because this is commendable before God (1 Pet 2:20) 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. (1 Pet 4:14)

“What Would Jesus Do?”  Jesus Studied. The Word of God Permeated Jesus’ Life. “To Do What Jesus Would Do” Means Applying the Word.  If Jesus were living on this earth in flesh today, what role would the Scripture play in His life?

“What Would Jesus Do?”  To be like Jesus is to be immersed in the Word.  We can’t immerse ourselves in the Word when we are satisfied where we are.

“What Would Jesus Do?”  Jesus Prayed. Prayer was Essential to Jesus.  Jesus prayed constantly.  He often got up early or stayed up all night to pray. “To Do What Jesus Would Do” Means Spending Time in Prayer.  We need to pray!

“What Would Jesus Do?”  Jesus Served. Jesus was Born to be a Servant.  Jesus was born in a barn and lived a humble existence.

“What Would Jesus Do?”  He had no home. 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (Phil 2:7) 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

“What Would Jesus Do?”  Imagine, the God of all creation acting as a slave by washing dirty, grimy the feet of the disciples as an example of serving others.

“What Would Jesus Do?” “To Do What Jesus Would Do” Means Serving Others.  Walking in Jesus’ steps means more than soaking up worship and the Word on Sunday morning.  It means living the Word seven days a week and serving others.

“What Would Jesus Do?”  Jesus Forgave. Jesus Came to the Earth for the Ministry of Forgiveness.  When Jesus walked this earth, He personified forgiveness. 34 “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

“What Would Jesus Do?”  We can all find that type of grace and forgiveness in Jesus. 5 By his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)

“What Would Jesus Do?” “To Do What Jesus Would Do” Means Forgiving Others.  For those of us who are born again, Jesus has forgiven every sin of our past, present and future.  Yet, how often do we bear grudges against others?

“What Would Jesus Do?”  How often are we controlled by a bitter, sarcastic spirit? 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Eph 4:32)

“What Would Jesus Do?”  Jesus Loved. Jesus Loved Us in Life and in Death.  God’s love for man brought Jesus to earth.  Jesus’ love for man called Him to the cross. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13)

“What Would Jesus Do?” “To Do What Jesus Would Do” Means Loving Others. 16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. (1 John 3:16)

“What Would Jesus Do?” Conclusion Have you trusted Christ as your Savior today? Why not come and find the forgiveness of sin and the promise of eternal life? Christians, are we ready to follow “in His steps?” To obey, to study, to pray, to serve, to forgive and to love?

“What Would Jesus Do?” I Peter 2: /17/2006 Dr. Dane Boyles