Post by Fletch on May 16, 2009 22:49:42 GMT -8
1 John 2:3-6 NIV
3 We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. 4 The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.
Why should Christians imitate Christ? We should do it for our own sake. If we desire to be in a healthy state of soul—if we would escape the sickness of sin, and enjoy the vigor of growing grace, let Jesus be our model. For our own happiness' sake, if we would drink less wine, if we would enjoy holy and happy communion with Jesus; if we would be lifted up above the cares and troubles of this world, let us walk even as He walked. There is nothing which can so assist you to walk towards heaven with good speed, as wearing the image of Jesus on your heart to rule all its motions. It is when, by the power of the Holy Spirit, you are enabled to walk with Jesus in His very footsteps, that you are most happy, and most known to be the sons of God. Next, for religion's sake, strive to be like Jesus. You have been shot at by cruel foes, but you have not been wounded one-half so dangerously by your foes as by your friends. Who made those wounds in the fair hand of Godliness? The professor who used the dagger of hypocrisy. The man who with pretenses, enters the fold, being nothing but a wolf in sheep's clothing, worries the flock more than the lion outside. There is no weapon half so deadly as a Judas-kiss. Inconsistent professors injure the gospel more than the sneering critic or the infidel. But, especially for Christ's own sake, imitate His example. Christian, do you love your Saviour? Is His name precious to you? Is His cause dear to you? Do you want to see the kingdoms of this world become His? Is it your desire that He should be glorified? Are you longing that souls should be won to Him? If so, imitate Jesus; be an "epistle of Christ, known and read by all men."
3 We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. 4 The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.
Why should Christians imitate Christ? We should do it for our own sake. If we desire to be in a healthy state of soul—if we would escape the sickness of sin, and enjoy the vigor of growing grace, let Jesus be our model. For our own happiness' sake, if we would drink less wine, if we would enjoy holy and happy communion with Jesus; if we would be lifted up above the cares and troubles of this world, let us walk even as He walked. There is nothing which can so assist you to walk towards heaven with good speed, as wearing the image of Jesus on your heart to rule all its motions. It is when, by the power of the Holy Spirit, you are enabled to walk with Jesus in His very footsteps, that you are most happy, and most known to be the sons of God. Next, for religion's sake, strive to be like Jesus. You have been shot at by cruel foes, but you have not been wounded one-half so dangerously by your foes as by your friends. Who made those wounds in the fair hand of Godliness? The professor who used the dagger of hypocrisy. The man who with pretenses, enters the fold, being nothing but a wolf in sheep's clothing, worries the flock more than the lion outside. There is no weapon half so deadly as a Judas-kiss. Inconsistent professors injure the gospel more than the sneering critic or the infidel. But, especially for Christ's own sake, imitate His example. Christian, do you love your Saviour? Is His name precious to you? Is His cause dear to you? Do you want to see the kingdoms of this world become His? Is it your desire that He should be glorified? Are you longing that souls should be won to Him? If so, imitate Jesus; be an "epistle of Christ, known and read by all men."