Category Archives: Miscellaneous

Following Jesus’ example is more than a Christian fad like the WWJD craze. Following His example is biblical.

Yet, we must raise some red flags so we understand God’s intent when it comes to following Jesus’ example.

Cautions about Following Jesus’ Example:

1) Though Jesus is our example, He is so much more. He came to earth as Immanuel, God with us (Matt. 1:23). He died on the cross to take our sin upon Himself so we can be made right with God — our Savior (Isa. 53:5; Jn. 14:6). He ascended back to heaven and one day every knee will bow to Him — our Lord (Phil. 2:10).

Consequently, following Jesus’ example isn’t going to gain us points with God. The only way we can be made righteous is by grace through faith because of the shed blood of Jesus (Eph. 2:5, 8-9; 2 Tim. 1:9).

2) Becoming Christ-like takes more than self-effort or striving to follow His example. Rather, it comes through living or abiding in Him because apart from Him we can do nothing (Jn. 15:5). — “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him …” (Col. 2:6)

Consequently, following Jesus’ example is more than outward conformity. Rather, it is a genuine transformation wherein He makes all things new (2 Cor. 5:17) as His Spirit works within us (Gal. 5:16-26) through the strength He provides (Phil. 4:13).

3) We should be “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Heb. 12:2) but must understand that we will never be able to perfectly emulate Him as He is God and we are human. — “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” (1 Jn. 1:8)

Consequently, following Jesus’ example does not make us sinless and perfect like Him. Rather, it’s an on-going process of submitting to Him and His ways (James 4:6-8; Heb. 12:9).

Yes, follow the example of Jesus but keep your focus on Him. Take heed to these cautions so you guard against making it about you and what you’re doing rather than about Him and His work in and through you.

Do you remember the “What Would Jesus Do?” craze? While we don’t hear or see it as much now, it’s still out there. (Check out the WWJD Resources in one of our affiliate stores.) It became about following Jesus’ example, a biblical practice, in the various decisions and activities of our lives, as a guide for what we should do.

The Apostle Paul used the example of Jesus as the only ground for his own life to be used as a model. He said, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). But, there are also some cautions in using Jesus as our example which we will look at in the next post. Let’s first, however, consider ways in which Jesus is our example.

Instances where Scripture specifically refers to following Jesus’ example:

I find it interesting that I could only locate two specific instances where Scripture tells us to follow the example of Jesus.

1) His example in servanthood

I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. (Jn. 13:15)

More: Jesus’ Example of Being a Servant

2) His example in suffering

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. (1 Pet. 2:21)

More: Jesus’ Example in Suffering

Walking in Jesus’ steps isn’t always glamorous or easy but these two aspects highlighted Jesus’ life. Are we willing to follow His example in laying aside our sense of entitlement and perhaps even in laying aside our very lives?

Notice how Philippians 2:5-8 refers to these same qualities in Jesus as a mindset, or attitude, not just a part of what Jesus would do (WWJD).

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross! (Phil. 2:5-8)

Following Jesus’ example, then, involves our inward being, not just our outward actions. Are we willing to let His example affect us to the core of our being?

Instances where Scripture Exhorts Us to Be Like Jesus:

To do something “just as” or “as” Jesus, implies following His example in that area. — “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” (1 Jn. 2:6) Below are some specific ways we’re commanded to be like Jesus:

1) Love as He loves. (Eph. 5:1-2; 1 Jn. 3:15-16)

2) Forgive as he forgives. (Col. 3:13)

Following Jesus’ example, then, affects our relationships with others. Are we willing to be self-less as He was?

Jesus came to set us free. Scripture points to Him as the source of true freedom. Knowing where to find freedom is one thing, but living out that freedom is another. Reflect on what the Bible says about it.

Bible Verses About the Outworking of True Freedom

I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free. (Ps. 119:32)

Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me. (Ps. 142:7)

You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. (Rom. 6:18)

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. (Rom. 6:22)

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. (Rom. 8:1-2)

“I have the right to do anything,” you say — but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything” – but I will not be mastered by anything. (1 Cor. 6:12)

Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. (1 Cor. 9:19)

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. (Gal. 5:13)

Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. (1 Pet. 2:16)

Conclusion About True Freedom:

True freedom does not result in licentiousness or the right to do as we please. Rather, it frees us to truly love God demonstrated through obedience, holy living, and praise to the Lord. No longer bound to sinful indulgences and self, we are also free to love others evidenced through humility and service to them.

God makes freedom available to all. We need to understand the what true freedom really is and live within it as God intends. To start, we need to understand that it is the Son who sets us free. He is the Source of true freedom.

Bible Verses About the Source of True Freedom

When hard pressed, I cried to the LORD; he brought me into a spacious place. (Ps. 118:5)

I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. (Ps. 119:45)

The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. (Lk. 4:18-19)

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (Jn. 8:32)

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (Jn. 8:36)

Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses. (Acts 13:39)

because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. (Rom. 6:7)

You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. (Rom. 6:18)

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. (Rom. 6:22)

The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” (Rom. 8:15)

For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. (1 Cor. 7:22)

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Cor. 3:17)

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Gal. 5:1)

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. (Eph. 3:12)

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death — that is, the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. (Heb. 2:14-15)

Conclusion About True Freedom:

We find true freedom in Christ Jesus through faith in Him. Positionally those who put their trust in Christ stand free in Him. But, it is possible to not live like we are free if we become legalistic or give in to sin. Through prayer and the Word we are able to enjoy the realities of that freedom as we walk in the Spirit.

Jesus came to set us free. Knowing that He’s the Source of true freedom is only the starting point. We need to understand what that freedom is about so we properly use it. Take some time to reflect on what the Bible says about it.

Bible Verses About the Essence of True Freedom

Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses. (Acts 13:38-39)

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. (Rom. 6:22)

because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. (Rom. 8:2)

The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” (Rom. 8:15)

For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended (Rom. 13:3)

But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation (Col. 1:22)

and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. (Heb. 2:15)

For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance — now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant. (Heb. 9:15)

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, (Rev. 1:5)

Conclusion About True Freedom:

True freedom happens in the core of our being … in our heart or soul. We no longer live in bondage to sin which destroys and leads to death. In this life God releases us from the penalty and power of sin over us and one day from the very presence of sin. We are freed from a life of misery to an abundance and newness of life. We can live with inner security rather than bound by fear. This is true freedom which we can have regardless of our physical circumstance.

On occasion I will get a contact in which I can tell the person is trying to force an issue, start a debate, or coerce me into taking a side … all the while making it clear they are right and everyone else is wrong. And, they may indeed be right in some cases but their approach leaves me cringing. Where is the love of Christ in this kind of divisive approach? What about verses like Ephesians 4:2-3? — Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Is it little wonder so many in the world around us look at Christians as intolerant, as people who stand against so much?

Where to Put the Focus

Here are some suggestions:

Let’s focus on what we stand for, not what we stand against.

Let’s focus on what we have in common, not our differences.

Let’s focus on what we can agree on, not our disagreements.

Let’s focus on the real enemy, not one another.

What to Do When We Feel We Must Take a Stand Against Something

For where we are different, disagree, and have to respond by taking a stand, let’s do the following:

Let’s still show the love of Christ rather than hostility.

Let’s learn from one another rather than totally dismiss the person.

It is possible to gain favor without compromising truth. It’s not about rolling over on doctrinal beliefs or moral issues. Notice that I wrote, “Let’s FOCUS on” what we have in common and can agree on. “Let’s FOCUS on” what we stand FOR, not what we stand against. When we FOCUS on something, that gets most of our attention but it does not mean we ignore everything else.

We can’t turn a blind eye for we are “the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15). God exhorts us to “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist” (Eph. 6:14).

Remember, We’re All Personally Accountable

Convictions are good but we will all stand before God for what we believe and what we do with that belief, not for someone else’s personal convictions. Know what you stand FOR and stand for it in ways that respect others as God’s Word clearly instructs us.

• Speak the truth in love. (Eph. 4:15)
• Always pursue peace not the need to be right. (Eph. 4:3; James 3:17; 1 Pet. 3:8-12)
• Be ready to defend and give an account of what you believe to anyone who asks, yet with gentleness and respect. (1 Pet. 3:15)
• Correct an erring brother with gentleness and respect. (Gal. 6:1-5)
• Be kind, as the Lord’s servant, not quarrelsome. (2 Tim. 2:24)
• Show care for one another rather than divide. (1 Cor. 12:26)