How to Be a Model Like Jesus

June 13, 2021

OPEN “Hook”

How many of y’all like rap music? (students raise their hands). If you don’t, that’s cool. I’ve always listened to different kinds of music from rap and r&b to reggae and alternative. On any given day you could find me switching from Green Day to Erykah Badu to Jay-Z to Bob Marley in one sitting. But hip-hop has always had a special place in my heart. I love rap music so much to the point where I even started a business teaching people about money and the stock market through rap lyrics. Here are a few of my favorites:

“Make investments with this money I’m blessed with.” I used this verse by Meek Mill to encourage people to buy stocks.

“You get the bag and fumble it / I get the bag and flip it and tumble it.” I used this verse by Quavo from Migos to encourage people to use their money to generate more money.

“Dividing them dividends, get the money and dip.” I used this verse by Nicki Minaj to educate people about stocks that pay dividends which is like free money.

I was using these rap lyrics to not only educate about practical money management skills, but to also show that having good money habits was cool. However, rap music has always gotten a bad rap because of some of the other content in the songs. More often than not, you hear about people blowing money fast on things that don’t matter, calling women out of their God-given names, or the excessive use of cussin’ that practically drowns out the minor money nuggets that you could get from a song. As much good as I thought I could do using rap lyrics as a model to help people financially, I wasn’t building people up spiritually to be more like Jesus.

TRANSITION

Now, I’m not knocking rap music by any means. But I realized that the type of rap music I was listening to and using to help others had the potential to set them up for failure in other areas of their lives. I was being a model for worldly financial success but not a model for moral and spiritual success like Jesus.

Dictionary.com defines model in a couple of ways. First as a noun, “A standard or example for imitation or comparison,” and then as a verb, “to form or plan according to a model.” When you put those two together for our purpose today, a model is someone that’s setting a standard through action with a result that glorifies God.

So let me ask you, do you currently have someone that serves as a model in your life? (silent pause) Maybe it’s your mom or dad, an older brother or sister, or even your small group leaders. Maybe you yourself are serving as a model to someone else and you don’t even know it

TENSION

In Romans chapters 1-11, Paul gave us a theological framework that set the standard of what a model looks like. But it wasn’t until Romans chapter 12 that he started giving us the sauce for action steps to put that model into practice and produce results. As we go through Romans 15 today, we’re going to talk about 5 ways that we can be a model just like Jesus.

PRAYER

SCRIPTURE READING “Book” / “Look” - Romans 15:1-13

Open up your Bibles to Romans chapter 15. If you have a physical Bible, it’s wedged between Acts and 1 Corinthians on the right side. If you’re on your phone, I’m sure Siri can assist with finding it. We’re going to be covering verses 1-13. Again, we’re in Romans chapter 15 verses 1-13.

Before I read today’s text, let me give you some context here → at this time, Christianity was still relatively a new thing

Imagine creating a new Instagram account and you want to get on the explore page, you know the one that has a bunch of random stuff for you to get lost in. So you post and post and post trying to get everyone to see your stuff and once you get on the explore page it just takes off and your followers, likes, and comments just explode

That’s what Paul was doing...each letter he wrote in the New Testament was like a new post which became a trending topic and once all the letters reached all the churches, people started believing in droves, especially once Romans got out there → this book is the one that got Paul on the explore page and Christianity just went viral

In Romans chapter 14, Paul set the tone for what strong and weak means in relation to his listeners and Aiden and Max did awesome jobs breaking it down

In Romans chapter 15, Paul is talking to Christ-believing Jews and Gentiles saying they are strong in reference to their faith in Jesus

The weak refers to non-Christians and possibly immature believers who are still wrestling with this new faith called Christianity and the lifestyle that comes with it so he’s encouraging believers to be models just like Jesus

Part 1 - Read Romans 15:1-7

1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

5 Ways to Be a M.O.D.E.L. Like Jesus (aka the “MODEL Formula”)

Meet people where they are… why? We have an obligation because we can

1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Paul said…

The strong (that’s us believers living IN the world then and now) have an obligation to the weak (that’s those living OF the world then and now)...”have” is in the present tense meaning we’re to actively MEET PEOPLE where they are because we can and not because it’s convenient → to bear with in this instance means to support them as the stronger person → this obligation is a rule, it is a standard that we must walk out daily

Jesus did…

This obligation we have to the weak is a rule because Christ modeled it Himself → During His earthly ministry, He MET people where they were by taking on their (and ours might I add) failings (sin) at His own expense so that we can be free (John 4 - Woman at the Well; 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”)

You can…

One way I meet people today is with my Believers + Beatz music playlist → It’s Christian rap that at times has Future or Migos type beats but with lyrics about Jesus from artists like Lecrae, Jackie Hill Perry, and 1K Phew

Offer people our time and strengths… why? To build them up for their good

2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.”

Paul said…

The word neighbor here doesn’t mean just other believers, but even those who don’t know Christ. We must build up those around us for their good → this doesn’t mean to engage in or encourage sinful acts so that people may “feel” good but rather OFFER PEOPLE our time and strengths to help them to see what is good by God’s standards and live in that way

Jesus did…

Jesus was empathetic in that He didn’t avoid the weak but OFFERED His time and strengths. He went head first in with their issues...their troubles were His troubles → Love your neighbor as yourself

He does this in Luke 8 where a woman with a bloody discharge for years that touched him and He said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me,” and her faith made her well

You can…

I have a friend who I believe is saved but hasn’t really dedicated his life to Christ

I do my best to offer my time and share what I know and experiences with him so his worldview can be transformed

Disciple people to help them be more like Jesus… why? Sets a moral code for life

4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Paul said…

We are to endure through Scripture by making the reading of It a discipline; Some say the BIBLE stands for Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth but Paul is saying that it’s more than that → people didn’t just have Bibles back then like we do now, only priests or the super wealthy did BUT people were encouraged when attending church meetings like we’re in today to share the Scriptures they heard (this can be seen in Nehemiah 8:1-8 when Ezra and other priests read the Law of God to people and did it in a way that they would understand)

God’s Word keeps us grounded so we may endure when we’re being tempted and encourages us to focus on our hope in Jesus instead of putting our hope into a fallen world → we are fortunate to have Bibles today that through our discipline we can DISCIPLE PEOPLE

Jesus did…

He DISCIPLED many people throughout His earthly ministry (Jesus and the 12 Disciples, especially Peter, James, and John; John 3 w/ Nicodemus → story about 6th grade science classmate messing up the grading curve) → whether fisherman or pharisee, He met them where they were, offered His time and strengths, and discipled them in a way that was appropriate for them

You can…

An easy way to disciple someone is to include Jesus in your conversations Even sharing a verse via text or on your social media can go a long way because you never know how it will impact someone

Encourage people at all times… why? Creates unity without uniformity

4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (see Psalm 139:8; Hebrews 3:13)

Paul said…

We are to ENCOURAGE PEOPLE by being in harmony or of the same mind with them → this means that collectively we all should have a singular purpose and lift each other up in that purpose without compromising our differences (we can like different sports, music, foods, etc. without watering down God’s will) → oneness means unity, not uniformity (we’re not robots) → Romans 12 says that we have all different gifts but are one body of Christ

Jesus did…

Through His teachings (parables) and various miracles He performed, Jesus always ENCOURAGED people and kept them focused on one purpose

You can…

There’s a concept called Fills & Drains which means just that, we can be filled up and we can be drained → when you encourage someone you are filling them up because who knows what life has thrown at them draining them every day

Love people as Jesus loves you… why? 1 John 4:8 says, “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Paul said…

The strong and the weak are meant to work together and this can be done by welcoming others the same way Jesus welcomes us but it only works when we LOVE PEOPLE

Jesus did…

He accepted us just as we are, which is the ultimate act of love which in turn He commands us to LOVE Him and others (Great Commandment, Matthew 22:37-40)

You can…

Love someone not just with your words but with your actions

REMIX

Part 2 - Read Romans 15:8-13

8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.” 10 And again it is said, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” 11 And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.” 12 And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.” 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

5 Ways to Be a M.O.D.E.L. Like Jesus (revisit MODEL Formula but how instead of why)

Meet people where they are… how? We do this through service

8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9a and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy.

Paul said…

Christ MET the Jews where they were by becoming a servant to them but he didn’t stop there → the word “and” is a conjunction connecting more than one thing (in this case, Jews and Gentiles) → Not only did Jesus want to reach the Gentiles but He wanted the Jews to reach them as well as models likes Jesus

Jesus did…

Becoming a servant and MEETING people where they were → Mark 10:45 says, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

You can…

Help a friend with their homework, practicing their skills and talents

Offer people your time and strengths… how? Engage someone you normally wouldn’t

9b As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.” 10 And again it is said, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” 11 And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.” 12 And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.”

Paul said…

Since he’s addressing Jews and Gentiles, Paul is in full agreement with John 14:6 when Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Christianity may be exclusive in that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life but it’s inclusive in that it’s OFFERED to ALL that believe in Him.

Jesus did…

Jesus engaged everyone offering His time and wisdom whether it was a pharisee, a disciple, or a sinner just like he did in Matthew 9 when he was chillin’ and eating with all the tax collectors and sinners → Nobody liked Matthew because he was a tax collector but Jesus saw more in him and engaged him ultimately making him one of His disciples

You can…

Spark up a conversation with someone you don’t know or maybe someone that’s being excluding from the crowd

Disciple people to help them be more like Jesus… how? Lead with Scripture

9b As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.” 10 And again it is said, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” 11 And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.” 12 And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.”

Paul said…

He DISCIPLES by going back to the basics from former days by quoting the OT, especially people who were good models of their time (Luke 24:44)

David says, “I will praise You among the Gentiles”

Moses says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people”

The Psalmist says, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.” → extol just means to praise enthusiastically which you all do a phenomenal job over here

Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.”

Jesus did…

Jesus was always using Scripture from the time he was tempted in the wilderness in Matthew 4 to when He died on the cross in Matthew 27

You can… Sharing Scripture isn’t just about correcting bad behavior but instilling good behavior → don’t be afraid to share that verse when the Holy Spirit is moving you to do so and see where the conversation goes

Encourage people at all times… how? Through prayer and power of the Holy Spirit

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Paul said…

Encourage them through and with prayer with the Holy Spirit as your guide

By through I mean when you’re not around them

By with I mean when you are around them

Jesus did…

By giving us power through the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8) who fills us, leads us, and empowers us:

We are filled by the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:1)

We are led by the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:14)

We are empowered with spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-11)

We have life by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:11) meaning we have a life worth living knowing that we’ll be reunited with our Heavenly Father some day

You can… Just pray → the circumstance, length, location, etc. don’t matter → just pray

Love people as Jesus loves you… how? Through prayer and power of the Holy Spirit

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Paul said…

Always be in prayer and use the power of the Holy Spirit to guide you → you don’t have to know every Bible verse to pray or to let the Spirit lead you, but you do have to be available

Jesus did…

Jesus showed us how to Pray with the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6

You can…

Love through the power of the Holy Spirit

TAKEAWAYS “Took”

As we close, I want to share a Romans 12:2 moment in my life. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” In December 2019, I had a come to Jesus meeting with God like look bruh, I will read Your Word everyday going forward so I can really see what You’re about. I wanted to go past what I hear on Sunday and really develop a relationship with Him. I started reading a chapter, and sometimes more, a day in both the Old and New Testament simultaneously, which may be a lot for some but that’s what I did. As God began to reveal Himself to me, my love and faith towards Jesus grew stronger and as a result those same rap songs I used to listen to just weren’t getting it done for me. I no longer felt like I was being built up for good. I told my wife one day, “You know, I don’t think I can really do this rap thing anymore. It’s just not filling me up like the Holy Spirit does.” Little did I know that there was rap music that would speak to me unlike I’ve ever heard before. Here are a few of my new favorites:

“If we don't make it to the millions / If we don't make it to the healing / No, we made it 'cause we children / In the end it will be brilliant.” - KB is spittin’ about how we don’t always get temporary things but eternity will be great.

“We're just pottery / The joy is that the clay is shaped by grace / And the Potter promised me that everything will work for good.” - Jackie Hill Perry is rapping straight from Jeremiah 18 and how despite our shortcomings, God is working for our good.

“I know for a fact we ain't read the same bible, there has to be two different versions.” - Aha Gazelle addresses false doctrine just like y’all heard about in the World Religions series.

You see, I no longer wanted to conform to this world and I was being transformed by the renewal of my mind. I could now truly discern the will of God, what was good and acceptable and perfect. Now I know those are words from Romans 12 but you have to understand that that transformation had to happen in order for me to be a model like Jesus as Paul illustrates in Romans 15. And I didn’t have a Romans 12 moment until some Romans 15 type people met me where I was, offered their time and strengths, discipled me, encouraged me, and loved me to the point where I wanted to be a model like Jesus just as much as they did. My prayer is that you too can be a Romans 15 model like Jesus so someone else can have a Romans 12 moment.

Ephesians 5:1 says, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” For us to be imitators, let’s recap the MODEL formula that Christ set for us to actively live out:

You need to MEET people where they are

You need to OFFER people your time and strengths

You need to DISCIPLE people

You need to ENCOURAGE people

You need to LOVE people

CLOSING PRAYER