Christ, Our Perfect Example “Book of Examples” 1. Aim: To show some important ways in which Christ is our example. 2. In many ways, the Bible is a book of examples: a. Shows wicked men - warning not to be like them, shows good men and encourages us to follow them. b. Example is a powerful force in our life - for good or bad c. We need a good pattern to follow and imitate. 3. Jesus is that perfect example:

Christ, Our Perfect Example “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Heb. 4:15 a. He was tempted and did not sin - Heb. 4:15 “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

Christ, Our Perfect Example copy for imitation “... because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” 1 Pet. 2:21 “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” 1 Cor. 11:1 1. Jesus overcame sin and left us an example - 1 Pet. 2:21 “because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps” – (CLICK) example = copy for imitation 2. We must follow in His steps a. 1 Cor. 11:1 “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” 3. Here are some things in which Jesus is our great example

Jesus is our example... I. Sacrifice “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Matt.16:24 I. SACRIFICE A. Jesus taught His disciples to sacrifice for His Kingdom (church) 1. Matt. 16:24 “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” a. Under Roman law, criminals who were to be crucified carried their own crosses to the place of execution b. So why did Jesus say that anyone who comes after him must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Jesus? c. It is the acceptance, for the sake of the will of God, of some burden or burdens, otherwise avoidable, but which are undertaken out of a pure desire to fulfill the master’s purpose d. The cross refers to all sufferings for righteousness sake. (sacrifices)

“Though He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor” 2 Cor. 8:9 Jesus is our example... I. Sacrifice “Though He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor” 2 Cor. 8:9 “...taking the form of a bondservant, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Phil. 2:5-8 B. Jesus taught His disciples to sacrifice by example. While being fully God, notice how He humbly scarified Himself: 1. II Cor. 8:9 “Though He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor”

Jesus is our example... I. Sacrifice “...taking the form of a bondservant, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Phil. 2:5-8 1. Phil. 2:5-8 “...taking the form of a servant, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” 2. Jesus set the example of what true sacrifice is all about by giving His life for us. 3. He expects us to be willing to make a sacrifice for Him. - Rom. 12:1 – living sacrifice

I. Sacrifice The Pig and Chicken Jesus is our example... Sacrifice is good for us 1. Those things for which make a sacrifice become dear to us ! 2. Ill. A pig and a chicken were walking by a booth where a charity event was taking place to raise money for poor families in need of food. Getting caught up in the atmosphere, the pig suggested to the chicken that they need to help out. "Great idea!" the chicken replied. "Let's offer them ham and eggs!" "Not so fast," said the pig. "For you, that's just a contribution. For me, it's a total sacrifice." (explain and relate) 3. Application to the church - When we make a sacrifice for Christ and His church, then it helps us to see how valuable it really is. D. Christ is our perfect example in sacrifice.

“Fulfill all righteousness” Matt. 3:15 Jesus is our example... II. Baptism Walked about 60 miles “Fulfill all righteousness” Matt. 3:15 II. BAPTISM A. His example in baptism is worthy of our imitation 1. He walked about 60 miles - He Desired to be baptized 2. He had no sins for which to be baptized, but he was to “fulfill all righteousness” a. Righteousness is to keep God’s commandments. He was also being an example to us today by being baptized b. It was God’s will that John baptize Jesus

II. Baptism Jesus is our example... Acts 2:38 Acts 22:16 Heb. 5:8 A. His example in baptism is worthy of imitation 1. He walked about 70 miles - He Desired to be baptized 2. He had no sins for which to be baptized, but he was to fulfill all righteousness a. Righteousness is to keep God’s commandments - Matt. 3:15 b. It was God’s will that John baptize Jesus 3. Two aspects of baptism: a. We are baptized for the remission (forgiveness) of sins - Acts 2:38. It is where we come in contact with the blood of Christ b. Act of obedience to God B. Jesus had no sin but he had to obey God - Heb. 5:8 “though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience” 1. If Jesus had neglected or refused baptism, then He would have sinned 2. Because even if baptism were not for the remission of our sins, it would still be an act of obedience, which would be sin if neglected C. Are you following the example of Jesus in Baptism? 1. Would you walk 60 miles in order to be baptized so that your sins may be forgiven? 2. Do you desire to be baptized? 3. Would you take the initiative? Heb. 5:8 “though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience”

“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:16 “There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ:” 1 Pet. 3:21 1. Unlike Jesus, we have sins, therefore we need to be baptized as Jesus commanded for the remission of our sins. a. Mark 16:16 “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” - saved = deliver, protect, be whole, preserve b. 1 Pet. 3:21 – save “There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ”

Eph. 6:11 “whole armor of God” Jesus is our example... III.Temptation 1. Arm for them Matt. 4:4 “It is written,” Eph. 6:11 “whole armor of God” “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.” Ps.119:11 III. TEMPTATION A. Jesus is our great example in meeting and overcoming temptations. Here is how he overcame: 1. Armed for them. a. He knew the scriptures and often quoted it b. Matt. 4:11 = “it is written” all 3 times when tempted by Satan. We must know what the Word says to combat Satan c. Eph. 6:11 - “Whole armor of God” “sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” d. Heb. 4:12 - the scripture is sharp, it will drive the Devil away from you e. Follow Jesus example in meeting temptations by being armed for them f. Ps. 119:11 “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You” Have you hidden God’s Word in your heart for when Satan’s comes to do battle with you?

“fled” = to vanish away, put to flight Jesus is our example... III.Temptation 2. Flee from them 1 Tim.6:11-12 Flee – run away, shun Follow righteousness 2. Flee from temptations a. I Tim. 6:11-12 “But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” “Flee” = to run away, to shun “Follow” Righteousness b. Gen. 39 - example of Joseph v. 13 “fled” = vanish away, put to flight d. A desire to please God will help us flee sin Gen. 39:11-13 - Joseph “fled” = to vanish away, put to flight

III.Temptation Every day Satan comes at us with hundreds of temptations. And each and every time we have a choice to make. We can either cave in, and fall prey to Satan and his devices, or we can do what we know is right, as so many faithful men and women in the Bible did, and flee, run away from the temptation that is before us. It is a choice, may we be strong and make the right choice

III.Temptation 3. Rejoice in them Jesus is our example... III.Temptation 3. Rejoice in them “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” Jas. 1:2-3 3. Rejoice in our temptations. Someone might ask, Why? a. James 1:2-3 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”

III.Temptation 3. Rejoice in them Jesus is our example... III.Temptation 3. Rejoice in them “So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” Acts 5:41 Acts 5 – Peter and the other apostles were sent before the Sanhedrin council because they were teaching about Jesus. Read verse

4. Find a Way to Escape from them 1 Cor. 10:13 “a way to escape” Jesus is our example... III.Temptation 4. Find a Way to Escape from them 1 Cor. 10:13 “a way to escape” There is a way of exit from sin We must look for and follow the way of exit 4. Find the way to escape from our temptations a. 1 Cor. 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” b. There is a way to get out of any and every sin - we must look for and follow the way of exit B. Jesus is the example for us to escape temptation

Luke 19:10 “come to seek and save lost” Jesus is our example... IV. Concern For the Lost Luke 19:10 “come to seek and save lost” John 3:17 “through Him might be saved” Luke 2:49 “my Father’s business” Matt. 28:19-20 Mark 16:15-16 IV. Concern for the Lost A. His example of zeal for sinful souls is for us 1. Luke 19:10 “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." 2. John 3:17 “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” B. Are we following our Leader 1. Luke 2:49 “"Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?"” 2. We must be about our Father’s Business - saving souls !!! C. Great Commission 1. Matt. 28:19-20 2. Mark 16:15-16 Great Commission

Christ, Our Perfect Example Sacrifice Baptism Temptation Zeal for the Lost 2. Follow his example in: a. Sacrifice b. Baptism - for the remission of your sins c. Temptation - how He overcame (1) Arm (2) Flee (3) Rejoice (4) Escape d. In zeal for the lost 3. We must do our very best to follow in the steps of Jesus ! 4. 1 Cor. 11:1 “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” 1 Cor. 11:1

What Must I Do To be Saved ? In Christ = SAVED Baptized (Gal.3:27) Confess (Rom.10:10) Repent (Lk.13:3) Believe (Jn.8:24) Hear (Rom.10:17)