Christ our Example

Christ came to us in the flesh for an example of how we should live our lives. It is important that we focus on that example He gave us and follow it. Our Father sent us that Chief Cornerstone, the corner stone that brings all things together. That Chief Cornerstone is Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:6-9/15-25

2:6 Sion: Zion. Confounded G 2617; to shame. (Compare cornerstone: Eph 2:20, Isa 28:16). If you believe upon that Cornerstone then you are going to listen and absorb His word. And believing upon His word will never leave us shamed.

2:7-8 disallowed G 593; to disapprove, reject. (Compare: Psalm 118:22, Isa 8:14). It is sad that many false shepherds lead Gods people astray. These false shepherds are leading people to follow after the false Christ who will appear. The shepherds were to teach the word but stumble at it and lead many astray.

2:9 we don’t stumble at His word, rather follow it the best we can.

2:15 Truth dispels ignorance and foolishness. We must do well and not partake in what those that don’t believe do. Follow the word of God and not the traditions of men.

2:16 liberty G 1657; freedom. We are free because we have accepted that gift of salvation, which is Jesus Christ. The gift of salvation does not give us the freedom to sin and do evil to others.

2:17-18 brotherhood G 81; the Christian fraternity. Froward G 4646; crooked, perverse. Don’t tear people down, rather build them up. We can still plant seeds with people who may be disobedient and perverse. That seed could change their lives for the better. We as Christians are to be examples for the unbelievers as Christ is our example!

2:19-20 buffeted G 2852; chastened. We as Christians should be more mature than those who are living in the world. This is because we have the gift of salvation and are able to ask forgiveness of our sins. We all receive exactly what we deserve rom God.

2:21 follow Christ’s example He set forth. You can be assured you are doing the will of God if you follow His example.

2:22-23 reviled G 486; to rail in reply.  Even through all the abuse Christ took, He did not open His mouth in defense. He did it for us! He trusted in God, who judges righteously. Do we trust in God? Any time you think you are suffering more than you can bare, think about how much Christ suffered for you on the cross.

2:24-25 bishop G 1985; overseer. Jesus Christ took the stripes and we receive the healing. Don’t ever forget the awesome price He paid to give us that healing. Jesus is our Shepherd and example to follow.

Ezekiel 34:1-16

34:1-2 Jesus, our true Shepherd feeds His flock with perfection. Unfortunately these false shepherds (who were supposed to follow the example of God) do not follow His example.

34:3 the sheep are symbolic of God’s children. They kill the ones who know the truth and feed not the others.

34:4 The false shepherds don’t teach the sheep that Jesus took the stripes so we can receive the healing. These tear people down and don’t build them up. They don’t teach them how to repent and find true forgiveness from our Father.

34:5-6 our goal is to help lead the lost sheep back to the true Shepherd. Many are lost and wonder today looking for something that will help and heal them. They jump from church to church, pastor to pastor never able to find it. We know where to find it, it’s in Jesus!

34:7-8 God keeps track of the things done. These were not doing their jobs!

34:9-10 today the false shepherds are leading many to worship the false Christ (Satan), with their lies and traditions rather than following the word of God.

34:11-12 the cloudy and dark day is now; it is the time of the gentiles. Although others may be lost in the clouds and darkness we have the Light! The Light is Jesus Christ; He shows us the way by His example. He knows where His sheep are and will find them, Praise God He found me!

34:13 He will gather and bring His own home!

34:14 they will be fed the word of God and not starved, as many are fed today the truth and not lies.

34:15-16 strong H 2389; usually in a bad sense.  Fat H 8082; lusty. The false shepherds will answer for their deeds. The true Shepherd will take care of His own, never fear!

John 13:12-17

13:12 when Jesus walked the earth people wore sandals and their feet got dirty. Jesus used this example to show us that when we walk this earth, we are going to get dirt on us. Spiritually speaking Jesus is how we get rid of the dirt of this world.

13:13-14 be a blessing to a brother or sister who is lost. Show them how to get rid of the dirt their sins bring on.

13:15-16 don’t ever forget who is in charge! Many false shepherds set themselves up as the great ones doing mighty things, be careful and follow God.

13:17 if you follow the example Christ set forth you will be happy. You will be richly blessed by our Father for following the example set forth by Christ. Following His example will ensure you are doing the will of God!