Thesis: Christians MUST work to promote Christ, not in an effort to earn anything. but out of recognition of who he is and what he has done - desiring that others should value his worth.
While it is fadish to ponder, "What Would Jesus Do?" (WWJD), our text today reminds to glory in what he has already done and who he is in that work:
1. GRACIOUS EXAMPLE (v. 21-23)
* Regardless of situation, what said to him,
what done to him, he never sinned in response
* His path paved with shame and humiliation
* v.21 we are to follow his footsteps
* In trials, we look to our example, Jesus
* Christ had pure heart despite constant reviling
* He was eternally focused
2. GIVING SUBSTITUTE (v.24)
* Christ died in believer's place
* Jesus paid for sins - punishment must be paid
for a holy, righteous God
* Substitute also provides for giving us a
perfect life to present before the Father
* Our heart is incredibly sick - we need what
Christ provides in healing it.
* Didn't substitute his death and life for us to
live a prosperous life until we die - He did
this so we could live prosperously for
eternity!
3. GREAT SHEPHERD (v.25)
* Bible says people are like sheep - dumb,
straying, wayward animals - in need of a caring
shepherd.
* Christ leads us to fruitful pastures
* sheep know their master's voice - Christ knows
his
CONCLUSION: Gazing at Christ's example, sacrifice and shepherding should motivate us to live in like fashion; striving to let our example show others his perfect example, his perfect and willing sacrifice and his loving care for us. |
