Emulating Christ

Even as we pattern ourselves by those who live righteously…

“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ”

(1 Corinthians 11:1)

…ultimately our pattern to follow is the Lord Himself.

What Christ Did as Our Example

He suffered for us1 Peter 4:12-16; 2:18-21

1 Peter 4:12-16Beloved, do not think it strange

concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

1 Peter 2:18-21Servants, be submissive to your

masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. 19 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.

What Christ Did as Our Example

He suffered for us1 Peter 4:12-16; 2:18-21

He repelled the tempter through God’s word and prayer

Matthew 4:1-11 (Read); Ephesians 6:17-18

Ephesians 6:17-18And take the helmet of salvation,

and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

What Christ Did as Our Example

He suffered for us1 Peter 4:12-16; 2:18-21

He repelled the tempter through God’s word and prayer

Matthew 4:1-11 (Read); Ephesians 6:17-18

He forgave sinners seeking His mercyMatthew 6:12, 14-15; Colossians 3:12-13

Matthew 6:12, 14-15(12), And forgive us our debts,

As we forgive our debtors.

(14-15), For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Colossians 3:12-13Therefore, as the elect of God,

holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

What Christ Did as Our Example

He suffered for us1 Peter 4:12-16; 2:18-21

He repelled the tempter through God’s word and prayer

Matthew 4:1-11 (Read); Ephesians 6:17-18

He forgave sinners seeking His mercyMatthew 6:12, 14-15; Colossians 3:12-13

He was CompassionatePhilippians 2:1-2; Colossians 3:12-13

Philippians 2:1-2Therefore if there is any

consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Colossians 3:12-13Therefore, as the elect of God,

holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

What Christ Did as Our Example

He suffered for us1 Peter 4:12-16; 2:18-21

He repelled the tempter through God’s word and prayer

Matthew 4:1-11 (Read); Ephesians 6:17-18

He forgave sinners seeking His mercyMatthew 6:12, 14-15; Colossians 3:12-13

He was CompassionatePhilippians 2:1-2; Colossians 3:12-13

He exemplified HumilityJohn 13:12-15; Philippians 2:5-8

John 13:12-15So when He had washed their

feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.”

Philippians 2:5-8Let this mind be in you which

was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

ConclusionWWJD is trivialized when worn as

a piece of jewelry.

The more important consideration is WDJD (What Did Jesus Do), and

we should seek to emulate His example of love, mercy,

compassion and sacrifice in our own lives.