FOLLOW IN HIS FOOTSTEPS

1 Peter 2:18-25
Suffering is a part of what we as Christians have been called to, just as Christ suffered in his physical body. Let us be those who will suffer for doing good and not bad (1 Peter 3:17,18). We get sick both physically and spiritually, we can undergo persecution, be insulted and abused, be attacked by thugs, struggle with sin in our lives and experience all kinds of suffering. We experience pressure from our earthly masters at work and school, parents, financial obligations, our peers, etc.

When under this kind of pressure it is so easy to walk into sin (verses 21 to 23). But how did Jesus react when he suffered? He did not sin. He deceived no one. He did not retaliate or threaten anyone.

Q. Have you been giving in to the challenges around or have you been glorifying God in them? Make a decision to follow in the footsteps of Christ in this area of suffering. The following will help us to do this:

1. REMEMBER - By His Wounds You Have Been Healed

1 Peter 2:24,25
Suffering may be considered good in that "His pain brought you gain." Because he personally took your sin in his body, you have opportunity for eternal life.

Q. Do you continually remember this or has it been forgotten?
Q. Whether this is true or not will be seen from the way we live our lives - are you committed to doing what is right in the sight of God?

Before he saved us, we were wandering like lost sheep, going round aimlessly in circles, but now that we have turned back to God let us be all the more appreciative of his amazing grace.

Q. How much are you willing to suffer to see the body of Jesus continue to advance? Q. How much are you ready to give for regular and special contribution, no matter how painful it may seem, in appreciation of what Jesus went through for you?

2. RECONSIDER - Continuing In Sin Is Not Worth It

1 Peter 4:1-6
As Christians, we must arm ourselves with the same attitude that Jesus had. If you are ready to suffer for Christ, it shows that you have decided to stop sinning. Don't be afraid of what you might go through as a result of standing up for what is right. Instead, resolve to always be on God's side no matter what. It is so easy to give in to sin in the face of pain. Remember your first century brothers and sisters - 1 peter 5:8-10 - and stop sinning.

Q. What sins have you been giving in to of late as a result of what is going on around you (verse 3)?
Q. What excuses have you been making for yourself in order to minimize the depth of those sins?

Sit down and reconsider - is the short physical pleasure comparable in any way to the promised eternal life in God's house? Definitely not. The challenge is to grow in your faith, to see things through God's eyes and to continually stand firm.

3. RESOLVE - "I Will Zealously Serve The Lord"

1 Peter 4:2
Once you decide to stop sinning you won't spend the rest of your life chasing after evil desires. Instead you will find yourself zealous and in a position to productively do the work to which God has called you. This is something that you must personally resolve to do.

Q. How zealous have you been about in areas where things that that we see Jesus setting the example in the gospels?
Q. Have you been reaching out to your friends constantly and persuading them to come to church so as to have an opportunity to hear God's word and possibly change their lives?
Q. Have you been studying the Bible with people?
Q. Have you been comparing yourself with Jesus or with people around you who are lukewarm? Jesus should be your standard.

Romans 12:11-14
Resolve never to be lazy in your work for God but to enthusiastically serve him and his people who are in need. Resolve to follow in Jesus' steps.

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