Message topic: Whose example are you following?
Scripture: Hebrews 10: 20-30
How often do we reflect on the idea that all mankind are followers of one source, one thing or the other; you may ask why do I use the term one source or one thing? It is because there are only two elements in the world, which are good and evil: God represents good while Lucifer the devil represents evil,so you must choose one
We should also remember that we cannot serve two masters at the same time, we will hate one and serve the other: you may ask, Is not God the source of all things? Listen to these words which is recorded for us in Isaiah 45;7-8, I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things.
God requires true and faithful service, God is true and faithful to mankind and requires the same in return from all who say that they believe in him but do otherwise: that which is not good is bad, God represents good while the evil one represents evil, that which is evil cannot stands in God’s presence.
God has this message for us in 2nd. Corinthians 6;17, come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean things; and I will receive you; I will be a Father unto you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Almighty; that is why the question is being asked of us, whose examples are we following?
Before we answer the question, let us look at the perfect example which Jesus gave us: He, Jesus lived a perfect life to show us the way back to our Heavenly Father, although He never sinned, Jesus was still baptized to be obedient to God and teach us that baptism is a requirement for everyone. Jesus is also the perfect example of love. In His life on earth, He cared for the poor, He healed the blind, he welcomed little children, and He even forgave those who crucified Him. His love is endless and available to any who seek it.
We know that the life Jesus lived here on earth pleased His Father, we are also aware of the things Jesus did to pleased His Father, so how can we now answer the question, whose example are we following, that which pleases God in like manner as Jesus or that which pleases myself? My will in my ways and my time.
It is interesting to know that everything that God asked us to do He has wisely given real-life examples of how to live that out whatever the situation is, if you look around, there are always someone with similar situation that we can learn from, whether you know them or not.
If patience is what is required, there will be one displaying patience, If it love, there will be someone displaying love; If sacrifice is what is required, then there will be someone who made great sacrifices, If loyalty is what is required, then the act of loyalty will be seen, It will also be the same when the act of kindness is required. God never gives us any assignments without solutions at the end.
The bible provides numerous examples for Christians to follow, both positive and negative. Jesus himself is the ultimate example, and Christians are called to follow his teachings and example of love, humanity, and service. Additionally, the bible showcases examples of faith, obedience, and perseverance in figures like Abraham, Moses, David, and Daniel as well as examples of flawed individuals like David, Peter and Paul, whose stories offer lessons in repentance and redemption.
Jesus demonstrated love and compassion for all, including the marginalized and those considered sinners: He demonstrated love, humility and service: He washed his disciples feet, an act of humility and service and encouraging his followers to do the same. Jesus consistently obeyed His Father’s will, even unto death on the cross.
I think it is time for us to remind ourselves that we are really asking the question of ourselves, whose examples are we following? Are we taking note of the negative and the positive examples listed for us, and where they both leads?
Charity is the pure love of Christ. It includes God’s boundless love for His children. We are to seek to develop that kind of love; as you pray sincerely for the gift of charity, strive to live righteously and serve others, you will come to feel a sincere concern for the welfare and happiness of other people. You will avoid negative feelings such as anger, envy, lust, or saying negative things about others.
You will try to understand them and their point of view, you will be patient with them and try to help them when they are struggling or discouraged. Charity stems from action. you will develop charity as you look for opportunities to serv others and give of yourself.
Charity suffered long, and is kind: charity envied not; charity vaunted not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. charity never fail.
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.
let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead, let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is an idolater) and has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
We mentioned earlier that there are but two great powers in this world, good that is represented by Jesus, and evil that is represented Lucifer, we know that he Lucifer lost his power in heaven and was cast down to earth, now he is subject to destruction as Jesus has come and with the shedding of his blood was able to make a way for mankind to find the path of restoration to God the Father in haven where there is joy and peace forever, while the evil one has no plan to protect those who follow him.
Now let’s take a look at our-selves to see if we are better able to answer the question whose examples are we following? Jesus or Lucifer? When we first surrender our will to God and asked Him to equip you for His service, what assignment or how many did He gave to you?
Was it peace-making, patience, longsuffering, did you get any gentleness? Did you get the ability to recognize the voice of the evil one, who is always at work striving to distract any-one who has a desire to follow the leading of Jesus? Did he speak to you about patience with loving kindness, did he let you know that you must always be ready to display gentle and kind words to those around you?
How can we know that if we truly follow the examples which Jesus bids us to follow we will regain fellowship with God the heavenly Father? He assures us in John 14: 6 that He is the only way the truth, and the life: and no man can come to the Father but by me.