Walking like Jesus walked

[stovebolts]

Good morning Danus
I see your Calvinistic radar is screaming "it's works based! danger danger!" It's all good brother :wink

Just for you, I'll hand type the introduction to this study by Dann Spader, Walking as Jesus walked, making disciples the way Jesus did.
Page 14:
... but is it enough to think like Jesus? The New Century Version (NCV) translates Phillippians 2:5 a little differently. There, Paul commands his readers to "think and act like Christ Jesus." In other words, Paul's command is not just that we learn to think like Jesus but also that we learn to behave like Jesus. What a challenge!

Great as it is, this challenge is at the very heart of this study. We want to look not just at the heart of Jesus, but also the habits, commitments, and behaviors. We want to probe deep and ask the difficult why and how questions about Jesus' actions: How did he nurture His relationship with the Father? Why did He pray? How did He learn obedience? Why was the Holy Spirit so critical in His walk?

In this study, we seek to answer these questions by taking a close look at Christ's life. We will spend the majority of our time, though not all of it, in the Gospels, since the Gospel writers in particular sought to portray for the rest of us how Jesus lived His life. But the challenge to thik and act like Jesus in not only found in the Gospels. In 1 John 2:6 we find the challenge of Philippians 2:5 stated in a different way. This is the verse from which the title of our study is taken.

I'll skip some paragraphs...
bottom of page 15
What it does mean
How then, in the 21st century, are we to obey his command? What does it look like to walk as Jesus walked?

The word translated "walk" in this passage is the Greek word peripateo. It is used in the New Testament to men, "following, making progress, regulating one's life, or conducting oneself" after the pattern of another person. To walk like Jesus, then means that we are to emulate the pattern of living Jesus modeled for us.

Danus,
If this interests you, then I would invite you to learn and grow with the rest of us.

Thanks!

 

[stovebolts]

Just so every body knows, the workbook I have is about 180 pages. We are on page 17 so hold on! We've just begun!

We're going to look at the message of Jesus.
Write down what they tell us about Jesus. (I found if you actually write them down, you get a clearer view of the over all picture. Also, it will help you to complete the questions at the end.
1. Matthew 4:17
2. Matthew 6:19
3. Matthew 6:31-33
4. Matthew 9:12-13
5. Matthew 10:37-39
6. Mark 10:45
7. Luke 5:12

How did those closest to Jesus respond?
1. Matthew 7:28-29
2. Matthew 13:54-56

For deeper reflection:
Identify some of the key themes in Jesus' teaching. What seems to come up again and again?

What is missing from Jesus' teaching that you expected to find there? that is, what doesn't He talk about?

How would you summarize the message of Jesus?

 

[reba]

Mat 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
He knows who He is. The King of the Kingdom

Mat 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
His Kingdom is not of this world. Not what we humans tend to call a kingdom

Mat 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Mat 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Dont have a clue how to answer the question except to continue the thought with this quote :
Rom_14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Mat 9:12 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
Mat 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
He knows to who His ministry, mercy, grace is directed


Mat 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
Mat 10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
Mat 10:39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
Seems He is demanding the same obedience, etc from us as He has to the Father

Mar 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
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Luk 5:12 And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
Again He knows who He is.. He takes on His "Godship"... accepting the worship full knowing it will be considered blasphemy


Mat 7:28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
Mat 7:29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Folks here see the godly authority in Him. They are seeing past His outside shell to His heart.

Mat 13:54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works?
Mat 13:55 Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
Mat 13:56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?
Here where He is known in a more personal manor He is scorned.

For deeper reflection:

I cant answer these are the same kind of questions that caused me to flunk literature in high school


OK guys if i can show my lack of understanding and lack of education publicly along with my heart so can you. Join in, state your thoughts. Lets us learn and understand our differences together...

 

[stovebolts]

reba,
There isn't any wrong answer. It's about open honest discussion without being afraid and I appreciate what you've written. This is how we grow and you've been a blessing. None of us have arrived and we can all grow and this study has helped me to see things I've never seen before either. Thanks for doing this with me.
Well, I have to get on with a honey do list and I may not be back until Monday and then I'll write down what I had. It is very similar to what you wrote.
the next section is called: The Method's of Jesus and it's in the same format as what we just did.

Thanks and enjoy your weekend!

 

[Danus]

Very interested. I would be honored to take part in this study. If it's OK, I'll add my thoughts here on the verses and questions.

Write down what they tell us about Jesus.
1. Matthew 4:17 - 17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

2. Matthew 6:19 - 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.

3. Matthew 6:31-33 - 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

4. Matthew 9:12-13 - 12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

5. Matthew 10:37-39 - 37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.

6. Mark 10:45 - 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

7. Luke 5:12 - 12 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”

Repentance is more than just a change of mind or feeling sorry about ones sins. It is an understanding that one is a sinner by nature, and to repent is to make a radical and deliberate turn to God in response to the call of God to do so, resulting in moral, ethical changes of action within the individual. While there is much we can say about each of these verses; What these verse say to me about Jesus is that He is in fact God in the flesh.

How did those closest to Jesus respond?
1. Matthew 7:28-29 -28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
2. Matthew 13:54-56 - 54 Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. 55 “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? 56 Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?”

The question as to how those "closest" to Jesus responded?; is a bit ambiguous beyond the fact that the scriptures tells us in amazement. If we think of Christ as God in the flesh we could stand in amazement that God is here in the flesh. That's pretty amazing. If we think of Jesus as just a man who is teaching (a good teacher) well, that's still pretty amazing. Not as amazing as god in the flesh, but still amazing also.

Identify some of the key themes in Jesus' teaching. What seems to come up again and again?
Faith is a key theme. Do not place faith in yourself in an attempt to live for yourself. Instead live by faith in Christ to serve others in selflessness by your faith in Christ.

What is missing from Jesus' teaching that you expected to find there? that is, what doesn't He talk about?
Based on just the verses presented there is a ton of other scripture missing or not being accounted for in this question, so It's hard to answer the question directly not knowing what the intent is. Are we asking the question based only on the verses given?

How would you summarize the message of Jesus?
Same as above; Do not place faith in yourself in an attempt to live for yourself. Instead live by faith in Christ to serve others in selflessness by your faith in Christ.

 

[Danus]

reba,
There isn't any wrong answer. It's about open honest discussion without being afraid and I appreciate what you've written. This is how we grow and you've been a blessing. None of us have arrived and we can all grow and this study has helped me to see things I've never seen before either. Thanks for doing this with me.
Well, I have to get on with a honey do list and I may not be back until Monday and then I'll write down what I had. It is very similar to what you wrote.
the next section is called: The Method's of Jesus and it's in the same format as what we just did.

Thanks and enjoy your weekend!

Thanks. StoveBolts I appreciate the openness. You always remind me of a good friend of mine. I'll check back as well.

 

[westtexas]

I'm way to busy this weekend to respond but I look forward to this study. Thanks for getting it started Stovebolts. I'll check back Monday as well.
Thanks again and God bless.

 

[stovebolts]

Danus
Ha! If I were your high school teacher I'd sit you in the corner for not following instructions lol!

Now then. We are putting a focus on what Jesus message is which means when we look at these vverses, we want to hear the message. This study is not theological in nature, but rather it is practical. The Goal is to learn from Jesus in a practical manner. Its about becoming a deciple and doing what Jesus did. Its really that simple.

So, we started out thinking about when we were a child and who we looked up to and why. Children can see the simplest things at times can't they?

I know it sounds silly, but the instructons are to write your thoughts on each verse with a focus on Jesus message and then try and answer the questions within that framework. Its difficult.... I know. But it stretches what some of us may have thought w already knew.

Again, there ar no wrong answers, just our thoughts. I'll ssee if I can hammer mine out from my phone sitting in this deer blind. And I hope one doesn't walk by without me noticing lol

 

[stovebolts]

Oops, I'm a bad leader. I just looked and I said
Were going to look at the message of Jesus. Write down what they tell us about Jesus.

Oops, my bad. I messed that up...

 

[reba]

Mat_6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and hunt.

 

[stovebolts]

OK here is what I cAME up with.
1. Message of repentance.
2. Earthly ttreasures dont last
3. Seek after God and your needs all be proded for.
4. He came to show mercy ytoward sinners that they wuld be healed.
5. Put God first and you will find life.
6. He came yo serve others.
7. Willingness to help those in need.

How did those closest respond.
In amazement.


Key theme
Helping others to live a better life.

What's missing
No mention of punishment or hell.

Summary
a call to repentance by serving others and a willingness to help while assuring that God is good and will provide and knowing there is a better world to come.

 

[stovebolts]

Mat_6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and hunt.

Hey, that was in Jesus mesage lol
So...waiting for him to provide now lol

Wait... that's not really a need is it lol

 

[Danus]

OK here is what I cAME up with.
1. Message of repentance.
2. Earthly ttreasures dont last
3. Seek after God and your needs all be proded for.
4. He came to show mercy ytoward sinners that they wuld be healed.
5. Put God first and you will find life.
6. He came yo serve others.
7. Willingness to help those in need.

How did those closest respond.
In amazement.


Key theme
Helping others to live a better life.

What's missing
No mention of punishment or hell.

Summary
a call to repentance by serving others and a willingness to help while assuring that God is good and will provide and knowing there is a better world to come.

I like your answers StoveBolts.

I don't do very well with these types of studies, to be quite honest. I often find lifting a few verses from scripture and piece studying them together to be somewhat unproductive in reaching a full conclusion, or, to put it another way, I approach the practice of "scripturalizing" a message with caution, with a feeling that all the cards are not on the table.

By "scripturalizing" a message, I mean that I've seen some studies intent on a particular message using pieces of scripture to support the intended message, which is fine as long as the intended message is in fact in the context of the scripture being used. For example, while we may find the message about Hell missing from the verses we've seen thus far, we can also know that Christ spoke about Hell at great length. So I would not have reached that conclusion even with just those verses, but that's me.

But, my digression is neither here nor there in regards to this study. I still can't totally place my finger on the study's over all theological intent is, other than pointing out the emulation of Christ, which I already agree with anyway. The question though might be what might motivate a heart to emulate Christ? Do we receive something for emulating Christ? or do we first receive something and because of that emulate Christ? For me it's been the latter, but what's true for me is not so for others. Still, we could add a third notion that is also very fair; could it also be both? Could a person (heart) receive something first causing that heart to emulate Christ and also receive something in emulating Christ? I have come to understand, and appreciate, this third notion more and more in my own walk with Christ.

 

[jasoncran]

Mat 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
Mat 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you

ok, since I must rely on the lord for some things. as you all know that I was moved to another department. honeslty I didn't like it. and sometimes I still don't like the new place I am in but I have learned to see the good in all situations. it has forced me to look at what I do have not what I wanted and lost. I cant change what was done. nor would I want to give up my raise I got and that fact I get paid to exercise.on some days I have worked three hours, took time off and got the rest in vacation time, I couldn't do that when I was in fleet maintance as easily. I did pray that god would provide and he did. so I will live with that.

 

[stovebolts]

Danus
I understand. The workbook is not theological in nature. Its a study on the life of Jesus.
Jesus ministry was a mministry of repentance and of decipleship. This workbook teaches us how to be like Jesus in that sense because it examines how Jesus did things that we can do.

Again, we are lss than 20 pages... there is lots more.

As a side. I sat behind Dan for 6 hours a few weeks ago at a conference in ky. on decipleship. He is an amazing teacher and yes, I picked up a hint of Calvinistic baptist views.

I hope that ecases your concern and its a much better study when you take it at face value.

So how about it? Want to list them off for us one by one? I'd love to hear what u have to sany.

 

[ezrider]

There is a thought I would like to share concerning the question of that which Jesus did not do, which I believe to be relevant as to how we should approach our walk in the kingdom today. Jesus did not go around claiming the evils of Rome, instead he said to love your enemies. Jesus did not go about proclaiming the oppression of Roman empire, he said to submit yourself, for when asked if they should pay taxes, he asked whose image was on the coin. The teaching of Jesus was forever on how to walk in the kingdom of God. But in order to contrast this to make my point, I think of Barabbas, and admittedly maybe more so as he was portrayed in the movie the Greatest Story Ever Told, but I believe the point to be salient either way. Barabbas was one who stood up and fought the Romans, and decried the oppression they faced at the hands of their enemies. Barabbas was zealous of the Lord for his defense of Israel, but in his zealousness, he refused the kingdom message. In fact he was chosen over the kingdom message. There are many Christians today who are zealous of the Lord and the defense of their faith in the face of the world, but if made know whom they had chosen, Barabbas or Jesus? They would find they find they too have chosen Barabbas. Because when they speak, they speak of the things of this world; And like Barabbas, they too await a future king who shall come and lead them.

 

[Angel]

If you could see your world around you like Jesus sees the world, what would it change about you?

That is a good question... I have to think a little bit...
I have the gift of mercy and compassion... but sometimes I don't have those qualities when people hurt my feelings. But If I could see into their hearts, and know them like Jesus knows them, I would not hold them responsible and look at them with genuine love. I also remind myself that evil is enticed by the enemy- so it is not the person I am warring with, it is satan.

When you were younger, did you have somebody you looked up to? Somebody you admired?
Who was that person and why did you want to be like them?

When I was a young teenager, there was a man named Pastor Jim at my church that I looked up to. He and his wife were incredibly sweet, and I always enjoyed talking to them. I remember him teaching me a lot about what Mormon's believe. It was interesting. They both were soft spoken, and I'm kinda loud, so I tried to follow their example in that manner.

 

[Danus]

Danus
I understand. The workbook is not theological in nature. Its a study on the life of Jesus.
Jesus ministry was a mministry of repentance and of decipleship. This workbook teaches us how to be like Jesus in that sense because it examines how Jesus did things that we can do.

Again, we are lss than 20 pages... there is lots more.

As a side. I sat behind Dan for 6 hours a few weeks ago at a conference in ky. on decipleship. He is an amazing teacher and yes, I picked up a hint of Calvinistic baptist views.

I hope that ecases your concern and its a much better study when you take it at face value.

So how about it? Want to list them off for us one by one? I'd love to hear what u have to sany.

LOL, fair enough. I feel much better.

1. Repentance.
2. Do not live for yourself
3. Trust in God
4. Seek sinners with grace, mercy and compassion
5. Love God above all else
6. Serve selflessly
7. I like your answer for # 7, "Willingness to help those in need" .but oddly when I read Luke 5:12 I can't help but to identify with the man who has leprosy and think about his faith. The message I get from that scripture is a message of faith in Christ more than what Christ is projecting.

Nothing is missing from these scriptures alone in terms of the message of Jesus. I could say "condemnation" but I would have difficulty sticking with that. Rather, I'd say "self". What is missing from these scriptures in terms of Christ message is any emphasis on Christ self from Christ. Instead we see the message of the selfless servant.

 

[ezrider]

I was searching for the stone of stumbling phrase, and then and then I read this. I thought it a perfect witness to this study with respect how Jesus walked, and how to we should walk.

1 Peter 2:1-25
Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious:and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

 

[Deborah13]

There are so many good answers here, I don't see much that I can add.

Matthew 9:12-13 - 12 On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Sacrifices were something that they did under the Moses Law, but here I think He's saying, in place of that doing, He wants us to give what can only come from a repent (changed) heart, that truly serves Him as Lord. To give mercy as we have received mercy from Him.

Luke 5:12 - 12 While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”
Like Danus, it was the leper who stood out to me, or rather his response when he saw Jesus. He recognized Him as the Lord. He treated Him with the honor to give to a King, a Lord. But at the same time he dared to approach Jesus and ask Jesus to give him mercy. What was it about Jesus that this man saw, that he thought he could do that? I'm not sure, maybe I'll learn what that was in this study.