Ye Should Follow My Steps
1 Peter 2:21-24
Peter writes, “For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered threatened not; but committed (himself) to him that judgeth righteously; who his own self bare our sins, might live unto righteousness; by whose stripes ye were healed” (1Peter 2:21-24).
Jesus left us an example to follow. Together we sing the words “…we will follow the steps of Jesus, where’re they go.” Where do the steps of Jesus lead us?
Through The Waters Of Baptism. “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to the Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John would have hindered him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? But Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus when he was baptized, went up straightway from the water: and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon him; and lo, a voice out of theheavens, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:13-17). Jesus was baptized to “fulfill all righteousness.” His obedience pleased the Father (vs 17). Those who follow Jesus must be baptized for the salvation of their soul (Mark 16:16 John 3:5 Acts 2:38; 22:16 1Peter 3:20-21). Baptism is an act of humble submission to the will of God. It is the product of true faith. Will you follow Jesus and work righteousness?
Through The Wilderness Of Temptation. Immediately following His baptism, Jesus was tempted (Matthew 4:1-11 Mark 1:12-13 Luke 4:1-13). He successfully resisted Satan using God’s written Word! Those who follow Jesus may expect Satan to tempt them, so follow in His steps (James 1:13-14). “Thy word have I laid up in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.”(Psalm 119:11). “Be subject therefore unto God; but resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7) The follower of Christ is sure of His help. “For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:18). “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation…” (2Peter 2:9).
Through The Fields Of Service. Peter told Cornelius that Jesus “went about doing good”(Acts 10:38). He sought after the sinner for the purpose of healing him of his sins. He served mankind (Luke 22:27 John 13:1-17) and we must follow His example. We must be like Paul, who was willing to “most gladly spend and be spent for your souls” (2Corinthians 12:15). We must also “do good” as did Christ (Matthew 25:34-40). Jesus said, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23 cf. Matthew 16:24). “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be; if any man serve me, him will the Father honor” (John 12:26).
Through The Mountain Of Prayer. Jesus spent much time in prayer. “…He went out into the mountain to pray; and he continued all night in prayer to God” (Luke 6:12 cf. Luke 9:28 Mark 1:35; 14:32 Matthew 14:23-25 John 17:1). Every follower of Jesus should diligently follow His lead. “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Matthew 7:7). “But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5). “Pray without ceasing”. (1Thessalonians 5:17)
To The Cross Of Suffering. “Though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered” (Hebrews 5:8). Christ went to Calvary’s cross on our behalf. He suffered humiliation and physical abuse. He was scourged, nailed to the cross and pierced by the soldier’s spear. Sickness, suffering and persecution is part of the Christian’s life. Jesus is the example to follow! “For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps” (1Peter 2:21). “If ye are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed ye; because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God resteth upon you. For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil-doer, or as a meddler in other men’s matters: but if a man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this name”. (1 Peter 4:14-16). The Christian has the assurance of Christ’s help. “…I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5)
Through The Valley Of Death. Jesus has passed this way before and did so victoriously! (1Corinthians 15:12-22; 54-57) We are reassured of the resurrection and victory over death! Jesus has promised the Child of God to escort him through this unknown passageway called death. “Yea, tho I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou are with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). What comfort! (1Thessalonians 4:13-18) — Daniel S. Dow
Source: https://dow1960.wordpress.com/2015/08/08/ye-should-follow-his-steps/
By
Daniel
Dow
From Expository Files 22.11; November 2015
