Disciples Live Like Jesus

Today’s Main Idea: Disciples of Jesus strive to follow his teachings and imitate his example throughout their daily lives.

Today’s Bible Passages

• 1 John 2:1-6; Ephesians 5:1-2; 1 Corinthians 11:1; John 13:15; John 14:12; Mark 1:9-45; Philippians 3:7-9

What Would Jesus Do?

• A popular phrase that prompts people to consider how Jesus would respond in various situations.
• A good reminder that one of our core commitments as disciples is to live like Jesus.

Embracing Our True Calling

• Our Mission: “The church exists to develop lifelong disciples of Jesus who glorify God, love others, and make more disciples.” (Be One, Make One)
• What kind of disciples are we called to be? Our vision statement explains it like this: “We strive to be a diverse church family where each individual commits to growing with God, connecting in community, and living like Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

We need a clear picture of where we’re going (mission) and how we plan on getting there (vision); otherwise, we will lose sight of our true goal.

• Sobering truth: it’s entirely possible to be committed to church on Sundays without actually living like Jesus the other six days of the week.

Some people outside the church are noticing that many Christians do not imitate Jesus in their daily lives.

• “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” -Gandhi.
• To the extent this critique is applicable to us, we need to hold each other to our true calling of living like Jesus.

God calls us to live like Jesus.

Scripture: 1 John 2:1-6

• We are called to reject sin.
• We are called to imitate Jesus.
• Jesus died for our sins and acts as our advocate (a source of strength, comfort, and encouragement).

Three Goals of First-Century Discipleship

(Adapted from Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer)

1. Be With Your Master
2. Become Like Your Master
3. Do As Your Master Did

Bible Verses About Imitating God & Jesus

• From Paul: Ephesians 5:1-2 (follow God’s example, imitate Jesus); 1 Corinthians 11:1 (Follow Paul’s example as he follow Christ).
• From Jesus: John 13:15 (do as I have done for you); John 14:12 (you will do even greater things than me)

Key Point: We can’t follow Jesus’s example unless we know what Jesus was like.

• What was important to him? Who did he spend time with? How did he treat people? What were his top priorities? What made him upset? What brought him joy?
• The only way to answer those questions truthfully is by devoting ourselves to the study of God’s Word — especially the Gospels.

The Crucial Role of Studying God’s Word

• Disciples are called to live like Jesus.
• We can’t imitate Jesus without knowing him. 
• We can’t know him without reading the Bible.
• We won’t read the Bible unless we make it a priority. 
• Reading alone won’t change us; it takes a commitment to putting our faith in action.

A Christ-Centered, Action-Oriented Approach

As you read the Bible, ask yourself, “How is God using this passage to help me become more like Jesus and live like Jesus did?”

Scripture: Mark 1:9-45. What Did Jesus Do?

• Glorified God (baptism, overcoming temptation, praying), Loved Others (healing, casting out demons), Made Disciples (preached, taught, called his disciples).
• What can we do to follow his example in these areas?

Application: Living Like Jesus

• Know Christ, imitate his example, follow his teachings.

Final Scripture Reading: Philippians 3:7-14

Faith At Home Challenge:

This week, read Luke 7-9, which tells us about several interactions Jesus had with different kinds of people. 

As you read, reflect on these questions:

1. What was important to Jesus?
2. Who did he spend time with?
3. How did he treat people?
4. What were his top priorities?
5. What made him upset? 
6. What brought him joy?
7. How is he calling us to imitate him?