Jesus Is Our Example 1 Peter 2:18-25

Learning By Example Children imitate parents Hero “worship” Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:1) Especially while suffering

Example English –It is “someone or something that serves as a pattern to be imitated or not imitated.” (Webster)

Example Vine’s Expository Dictionary –“The Greek word hupogrammos is literally an underwriting (from hupographo, to write under, to trace letters for copying by scholars), hence, a writing copy, an example, 1 Peter 2:21…said of Christ that they might follow His steps”

Example Wuest’s Word Studies –It was “used of words given to children to copy…trace over written letters…Peter changes from this idea to a Christian planting his feet in the footprints left by our Lord.”

Follow Wuest’s Word Studies –It is literally “to take the same road” as someone else takes.” We should learn to follow His example in many vital areas

Obedience Began before He came to the earth –Submitted to the Father in coming (Philippians 2:5-9) –Obedient to His parents (Luke 2:49-52; Ephesians 6:1, 2) –Learned obedience (Hebrews 5:8, 9)

Obedience Uppermost in His mind –Seen in His rebuke of Peter (Matthew 16:23) –Constant desire to please the Father (John 5:30; 6:38; 8:29) –Obedient to the point of death (Matthew 26:39; Philippians 2:8, 9)

Temptation In the wilderness –God in the flesh (John 1:14) –Relied on the Word and overcame (Hebrews 4:15, 16)

Temptation Rejected Satan’s offer –Overcame as we do (Luke 4:4, 8, 12; 1 Corinthians 10:13) –Satan’s shortcut (Matthew 16:23; James 1:12-15) –Strive for holiness (1 Peter 1:15, 16)

Dealing With Others Others first –Key to unity (Philippians 2:3-5) –Selfishness robs us of true joy

Dealing With Others Humility –Destructive nature of pride (John 13:13-15) –Example of Diotrephes (3 John 9, 10)

Dealing With Others Compassion –Touched by others’ infirmities (Hebrews 4:15) –Suffering both spiritual and physical ills (Matthew 9:36; Luke 7:1-16; John 11:35)

Dealing With Others Love –Surpassed His own standard (John 15:13; Romans 5:8, 9) –Purchased the church (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25) –Our example in loving others (1 Peter 1:22, 23; 1 John 2:6; 4:11)

While Suffering Many causes for suffering –Should not be for wrongdoing (1 Peter 4:12-16) –Jesus could have been rescued (Matthew 26:39, 53) –Prayer, not threats, for His persecutors (Luke 23:34; 1 Peter 2:21-23)

While Suffering How could He do it? –Looked to the result of His suffering (Hebrews 12:1-3) –Prayer (Hebrews 5:7)

“A Little Fellow Follows Me” A careful man I want to be, A little fellow follows me; I do not dare to go astray- For fear he’ll go the selfsame way.

“A Little Fellow Follows Me” I cannot once escape his eyes, Whate’r he sees me do, he tries; Like me he says he’s going to be- The little fellow who follows me.

“A Little Fellow Follows Me” He thinks that I am good and fine, Believes in every word of mine; The base in me he must not see- The little fellow who follows me.

“A Little Fellow Follows Me” I must remember as I go, Through summer sun and winter snow; I am building for the years that be- For that little chap who follows me.

Conclusion We must follow Jesus The decision is up to you