Following Jesus by Following Others

We follow Jesus.

You can never go wrong following Jesus.

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 my Father honour.John 12:26

Jesus has given us others who will help us to follow Him.

We follow their example.

Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.Philippians 3:17

We seek their godly wisdom.

Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.Proverbs 11:14

How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!Proverbs 16:16

We encourage them making good on their investment.

For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.3 John 1:3-4

Following a mature, but imperfect Christian shows us how to handle the struggles of life.

Jesus is a perfect example, but He cannot show us how to recover after sin. Jesus is a perfect example, but He cannot show us how to restore the things we have broken. Jesus is a perfect example, but He cannot show us how to repent and begin reconciliation. Jesus is a perfect example, but He cannot show us how to pursue Christlikeness in sinful flesh.

We must follow those who live out biblical Christianity, not just someone who claims to be Christian.

–mark=“fix your gaze on”– This requires a continual examination of the lives of those we follow.

Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.Matthew 12:33-35

–This is not social media following, but real people in our church that you can follow their example.–

A healthy church should be full of godly examples that we can follow.

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.1 Timothy 4:12

Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.1 Corinthians 4:16-17

Godly character in the church flows from the leadership of the church.

Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.1 Peter 5:3

This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;1 Timothy 3:1-3

It’s important that we don’t idolize godly examples.

Idols always fail. What we idolize, we will ultimately demonize.

Unwillingness to look to the example godly Christians is a mark of spiritual immaturity and pride.

While we grow in Christlikeness, we should seek to be the example for others to follow.

Growing together with other Christians provides safety, accountability and encouragement in the journey.