The Divine Example
The sermon emphasizes the importance of following Christ's example in our daily lives as a path to holiness and love.
Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of walking in the footsteps of Jesus, as stated in 1 John 2:6, highlighting that following His example makes our journey easier and more aligned with God's will. Edward B. Pusey urges believers to demonstrate their faith through actions of love and righteousness, mirroring the works of Christ instead of seeking personal glory or engaging in ungodly behaviors. George Hodges underscores that true holiness comes from knowing Christ and emulating His divine example, encouraging Christians to seek guidance from Jesus in every situation to lead a life of purity and righteousness.
Text
He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.
I JOHN 2:6
SINCE our way is troublesome and obscure, He commands us to mark His footsteps, tread where His feet have stood, and not only invites us forward by the argument of His example, but He hath trodden down much of the difficulty, and made the way easier and fit for our feet.
JEREMY TAYLOR
DO deeds of love for Him, to Him, following His steps. Believest thou in Christ? Do the works of Christ, that thy faith may live. Thou who sayest thou abidest in Christ, oughtest so to walk as He walked. If thou seekest thine own glory, enviest the prosperous, speakest ill of the absent, renderest evil to him who injureth thee, this did not Christ.
EDWARD B. PUSEY
To know Christ is the way to grow in holiness. Christianity is not a religion of rules. It is the religion of the divine example. Try to follow the blessed steps of the most holy life. Take His advice. Ask yourself, in the moment of perplexity or temptation, what would He do if He were here? Nothing else will so surely lead us into the way of holy living,
GEORGE HODGES
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding the call to walk as Christ walked - The significance of Christ's example - The implications of abiding in Him
- II points: - The challenges of following Christ's footsteps - How Christ has prepared the way for us - Overcoming obstacles through His guidance
- III points: - The importance of love in our actions - Living out our faith through good deeds - Reflecting on our motivations and behaviors
- IV points: - The relationship between knowledge of Christ and holiness - Christianity as a way of life, not just rules - Seeking Christ's guidance in daily decisions
Key Quotes
“He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“Christianity is not a religion of rules. It is the religion of the divine example.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“Ask yourself, in the moment of perplexity or temptation, what would He do if He were here?” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- Reflect on your actions and motivations to ensure they align with Christ's teachings.
- Seek to embody love in your interactions with others, following Christ's example.
- In moments of doubt or temptation, pause and consider what Christ would do in your situation.