1 Peter 2:21 NIV
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
In few verses back, exactly in verse 19 Peter says:
It is commendable - If we suffer because of conscience towards God.
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
In few verses back, exactly in verse 19 Peter says:
It is commendable - If we suffer because of conscience towards God.
1 Peter 2:19 (NIV)
19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.
Following the footsteps of Christ means not that one will be successful in everything he does, its not about being great about who we are, its not about our strength or our knowledge and wisdom. But, it means following everything that Jesus asked us to follow. To leave the earthly things (1 John 2:15) and to love him more than any other things(Matthew 10:37). To be dead to our old for our life - (Colossians 3:3 & Romans 6:4), i.e. sinful life to following Christ, that is to suffer for the right cause.
What does following the footsteps means?
Following as we saw in the life of Disciples as to how they left their business or work or job to follow Jesus. Footsteps - The aim and objectives of our life, no one walks a way that leads to nowhere. Everyone walks through a ways that leads to a certain place. We should guard our hearts and minds even before taking a step. Because our steps direct to our destiny. If we were to follow Jesus' steps, rest-assured that our destiny in him is the perfect will of God.
Proverbs and Psalms gives us the most important aspects in following the right path or taking the right step.
Proverbs 3:6 NIV
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 4:26 NIV
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.
Psalm 37:5 NIV
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:
Psalm 85:13 NIV
Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.
Three commitment required to follow Christ:
In all your ways submit to him
Give careful thought to the paths
Commit your way to the LORD
Four patterns for those who commit their ways to Christ:
He will make your paths straight
Steadfast in all your ways
He will do this
Prepares the way for his steps
Beautiful are the feet of those who bring Good news - The Gospel:
Isaiah 52:7 NIV
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"
Paul reminds us about this verse in Romans:
Romans 10:15 NIV
And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
Following is not only literally just going behind, it is following the principles, objectives of the kingdom. Jesus relates this to John, "for the one who if for us is not against us."
Following the footsteps of Christ means not that one will be successful in everything he does, its not about being great about who we are, its not about our strength or our knowledge and wisdom. But, it means following everything that Jesus asked us to follow. To leave the earthly things (1 John 2:15) and to love him more than any other things(Matthew 10:37). To be dead to our old for our life - (Colossians 3:3 & Romans 6:4), i.e. sinful life to following Christ, that is to suffer for the right cause.
What does following the footsteps means?
Following as we saw in the life of Disciples as to how they left their business or work or job to follow Jesus. Footsteps - The aim and objectives of our life, no one walks a way that leads to nowhere. Everyone walks through a ways that leads to a certain place. We should guard our hearts and minds even before taking a step. Because our steps direct to our destiny. If we were to follow Jesus' steps, rest-assured that our destiny in him is the perfect will of God.
Proverbs and Psalms gives us the most important aspects in following the right path or taking the right step.
Proverbs 3:6 NIV
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 4:26 NIV
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.
Psalm 37:5 NIV
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:
Psalm 85:13 NIV
Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.
Three commitment required to follow Christ:
In all your ways submit to him
Give careful thought to the paths
Commit your way to the LORD
Four patterns for those who commit their ways to Christ:
He will make your paths straight
Steadfast in all your ways
He will do this
Prepares the way for his steps
Beautiful are the feet of those who bring Good news - The Gospel:
Isaiah 52:7 NIV
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"
Paul reminds us about this verse in Romans:
Romans 10:15 NIV
And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
Following is not only literally just going behind, it is following the principles, objectives of the kingdom. Jesus relates this to John, "for the one who if for us is not against us."
Luke 9:46-50New American Standard Bible (NASB)
The Test of Greatness
46 An argument [a]started among them as to which of them might be the greatest. 47 But Jesus, knowing [b]what they were thinking in their heart, took a child and stood him by His side, 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great.”
49 John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow along with us.” 50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not hinder him; for he who is not against you is [c]for you.”
No comments:
Post a Comment