Follower of Christ, Leader of Others

1 Peter 3:12 NKJV

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Introduction:

Attention Getting:

Textual Segment:Tonight, Joshua was inducted into the Gallileans. I want to examine their motto more closely. Their 2 key verses are great life verses for us all.

Their motto: Follower of Christ, leader of others, is based on

1 Peter 2:21 NKJV

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

and

1 Timothy 4:12 NKJV

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Relational Segment: Though only 1 has been inducted tonight, the message of these verses are good for all of us. We would do well to follow his example.

Transitional Sentence: First, let us look closer at the call to be a follower of Christ

1. Follower of Christ.

1 Peter 2:21 NKJV

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:

a. Our Calling

We are called to follow Christ

We must answer that call with

100% obedience

100% loyalty

b. Our Example

We are called to follow His example

ILLUSTRATION: In the book, In His Steps, the phrase, “What would Jesus Do?” became popular

the premise was to make decisions by asking what Jesus would do in those situations.

A couple of years ago, I came across a good variation of this.

The challenge: Do what Jesus Did!

Search the Scriptures and study the example Jesus set.

He always loved others

No matter what type of person:

woman in adultery- neither do I condemn you

Rich and corrupt tax collector- I’m going to your house today.

Samaritan woman living in adultery: offered the living water.

Jew or Gentile didn’t matter.

He loved them!

He proclaimed the truth

Taught God’s standard

Beatitudes:

Reiterating the 10 commandments

Parables

He called for repentance

His message was one of repentance

Called for them to turn from the world and follow Him.

He walked in obedience to the Father

He put obeying God ahead of all

In the Garden He prayed “not my will”

He prayed

He often spend time in prayer

Began His day in prayer

Ended it in prayer

Prayed before big events (arrest and death)

That just scratches the surface!

We would do well to live as Jesus lived

Transitional Sentence: Not only are we challenged to be followers of Christ, but also a leader of others.

2. Leader of Others

Our world needs leaders

Yes, we need employers, presidents, governors, etc.

But that isn’t what this motto is about:

we need spiritual leaders!

teachers, preachers, worship leaders, ministry leaders, etc.

One of the best way to lead, is to lead by example.

1 Timothy 4:12 NKJV

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

a. You’re never too old/young

Let no one despise your youth

You are never too young to live for God

Age has nothing to do with spiritual maturity and righteousness.

b. Set an example

Live an exemplary life:

in word

c. Live

speak truth

speak words which edify (build up) others

speak God’s word

in conduct

living as Jesus lived (which we just discussed)

in love

Loving as Jesus loved

Put others needs ahead of your own

Serve others

in spirit

Be filled with the Spirit

Walk in the Spirit

in faith

Trust God completely

Trust His Word.

in purity

Do what Jesus said to many, “Go and sin no more.

If God calls it sin, don’t do it!

If God says to do something do it!

Conclusion:

Conclusion:

Reproduction Segment:

Follow Jesus’ example by living as He did.

Set an example for all by your words and actions.

Application Segment:

Are you a follower of Christ and leader of others?

Invitation Segment:

Repent, and renew your commitment today.