We Love Role Models

• They are often referred to, extolled and honored.• Typically in reference to celebrities, athletes… or

Mom and Dad (and, Grandma).

What About Jesus?

• We know Him to be the exact representation of God’s nature. Heb. 1:3

• We know Him to be the author and finisher (perfecter) of our faith. Heb. 12:2

• But, do we actually use Him as our role model?

Is Jesus Your Role Model?

• We admire His purity, but how “pure” do we want to be?– In our marital (boy/girl friend) relationships?– In our thoughts, speech, or behavior?

Is Jesus Your Role Model?

• We applaud His humility, but how humble do we want to be?– When a person wrongs us?– When someone else behaves arrogantly against you?

Col. 3:12-13 - Put on… humility…forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

Is Jesus Your Role Model?

• We’re inspired by His selflessness, but how selfless are we? – When a stranger is asking for financial help?– When serving the needs of others?

Phil. 2:3-5 - Do nothing from selfishness… do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.

Is Jesus Your Role Model?

• We praise God for Jesus’ sacrifice, but do we crucify our flesh?– Or, is our time spent in folly?– Are our efforts spent on temporary and vain endeavors?

1 Pet. 2:21 - For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps.

So, Why Isn’t He Our (daily) Role Model?

• We struggle (Gal. 5:17) between our desire to live like Him and the desires of the flesh. Rom. 7:21-Rom. 8:5– We “walk” (our lifestyle) in likeness to Jesus.– When we fail, Jesus (our role model) becomes our

mediator, intercessor, advocate and redeemer!

1 John 2:6

The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same

manner as He walked.

Conclusion

• We may be far from perfect, but those who follow after Him will be perfected in Him.

1 Jn. 2:5 - But whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him.