GOD: JESUS - Our example

SCRIPTURES
1 Peter 2:21-24 | For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.

Philippians 2:5-8 | Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

DISCUSSION

1. Jesus is our example and we should follow in His steps. What does that mean?
2. Read through the characteristics of Christ that are covered in 1st Peter and Philippians 2. Think about or discuss how you’re doing following Jesus’ example in each area?
   • He never sinned
   • He never deceived (lied to or tricked) anyone
   • He didn’t fight back or seek revenge when insulted (made fun of) or hurt
   • He trusted God to handle things when He was mistreated, rather than taking the matter into His own hands
   • He was not selfish; He put others first
   • He didn’t try to impress others or win the favor of man
   • He was not prideful; He was humble
   • He looked out for the needs of others, not just His own
   • He didn’t consider equality with God (power, rank, authority, position) the most important thing. He sacrificed those things for the sake of others.
3. What is your favorite story about Jesus’ life here on Earth? What does that story teach your about His character? What example from that part of Jesus’ life can you  follow?