Walking in the Footsteps of Our King
KEY PASSAGE
1 John 2:6 (ESV)... Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
WE USED TO EXPECT A LOT OUT OUR LEADER
1. We expect a lot out of our leaders… especially morally!
2. We expect a lot, because “moral virtue” matters!
3. When the wicked rule the people groan…Proverbs 29:2
4. We have all been let down, by leaders who have failed.
THE HISTORY OF THE KINGS IS FRAUGHT WITH FAILURE
1. Right out of the gate, the 1st king of Israel failed.
2. Some kings lacked faith… others lack morals. Many did not even truly know God.
3. Even the righteous kings (like David) had glaring flaws!
4. Good kings sometimes had bad sons who didn’t walk in their footsteps… 2 Kings 23:31-37
5. Thankfully, God promised someone better… Isaiah 11:1-5; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Zechariah 9:9; Isaiah 53:9
JESUS… THE ONE-AND-ONLY PERFECTLY OBEDIENT KING
1. The Apostle Peter spoke of the perfect obedience of Jesus… 1 Peter 1:22
2. Jesus said he “always” did the will of his Father… John 8:29
3. Jesus was obedient even unto death… Luke 22:41-42; Philippians 2:8
4. When we trust in the “King of Kings” we become a child of the King… Romans 5:19; 10:9
DUSTY DISCIPLES…WALKING IN THE SAME MANNER AS CHRIST
1. We are called to follow in the footsteps of Christ… Matthew 16:24; 1 John 2:3-6
2. Paul called believers to follow him as he followed Christ… 1 Corinthians 4:15-17; 11:1
3. Let your religion be marked by mercy… Matthew 9:10-13
4. Let your words be seasoned with salt… Colossians 4:5-6
5. Be a saint who is a servant… Mark 10:42-45
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. What about Christ’s “obedience” impresses you the most?
2. What are some areas that believers struggle to follow in the footsteps of Christ?
3. Why is it sometimes helpful to look to other more mature believers to know how to follow Christ?
4. Which of the three challenges in today’s message can you seek to apply this week?