Our Pattern, Helper, and Friend

 

In Thoughts and Action

 

How should the Christian walk?

 

“Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” 1 John 2:6. (See Colossians 2:6.)

 

What mind should be in us?

 

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:5.

 

Note – The mind of Christ was characterized by humility (verses 6-8); dependence upon God (John 5:19,30); a determination to do only the Father’s will (John 5:30; 6:38); thoughtfulness of others (Acts 10:38); and a willingness to sacrifice and suffer, and even to die, for the good of others (2 Corinthians 8:9; Romans 5:6-8; 1 Peter 2:24). 

 

In Childhood and Youth

 

As a child, what example did Christ set in the matter of obeying His parents?

 

“Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them.” Luke 2:51.

 

How are His childhood and youth described?

 

“And he grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Verse 52. 

 

Devotion and Ceremony

 

What example did He set concerning baptism?

 

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.”

Matthew 3: 13-15.

 

How did Christ teach the prayerful life?

 

“One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.” Luke 6:12.  “About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto the mountain to pray.” Luke 9:28.

[Mount of Transfiguration] 

 

 

Pattern of Love

 

To what kind of work did Jesus devote His life?

 

“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power; and how he went around doing good and healing all who under the power of the devil, because God was with him.” Acts 10:38.

 

For whom and why did Christ leave the riches of heaven?

 

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9. 

 

When reviled and mistreated, what did He do?

 

“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” 1 Peter 2:23. 

 

How did He pray for those who crucified Him?

 

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

Luke 23:34. (See Acts 3:17.)

 

What is the inspired testimony concerning Him?

 

“You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” Hebrews 1:9.

 

The Perfect Helper

 

Through Christ, what has been opened to the house of David?

 

“On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity.” Zechariah 13:1.  

 

Who has borne our sins, and is ready to help us?

 

“It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save.” Isaiah 63:1. 

 

For what purpose did Christ come to this world?

 

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” Luke 19:10.

 

Through what was Christ made a complete and perfect Savior?

 

“In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should be made the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.”

Hebrews 2:10.   

 

His Perfect Salvation

 

“Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Verse 18.

 

How complete a Savior is He?

 

“Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” Hebrews 7:25.  

 

From what is he able to keep us?

 

“To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to the only God our Savior to be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Before all ages, now and forever more! Amen.” Jude 24,25.

 

The Perfect Friend

 

What does Jesus, our Pattern, Helper, and Friend, call those who accept Him?  

 

“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” John 15:15.

 

What kind of friend is He?

 

“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24.  

 

What is the mark of a true friend?

 

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17. 

 

Like the Pattern

 

“Lord, teach me how to preach Thee, too,

In everything I say and do,

Till others learn to follow Thee

Because You loved and guided me.”

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