Christ, Our Example – Sermon by Rev. Jean-Paul Agidi

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Gospel Persuasion: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21  Scripture (NIV) ¹¹ Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade othe Christ Our Example

We present to you a sermon on the theme Christ, Our Example by |Rev. Jean-Paul Agidi
District Minister EPCG, Mempeasem District, Accra-Ghana

 

THEME: CHRIST, OUR EXAMPLE
GENESIS 9:8-17
1 PETER 3 18-22
MARK 1:9-15

A person is said to be an example if he or he possesses the desired qualities that represent the standard which all are expected to achieve. Our theme of today’s deliberation is Jesus our Example. We shall be guided by the following points
1. Christ is our example because God has revealed to us that Christ is His son whom he loves and in whom he is pleased.
2. Jesus is our example because he is the new covenant sign between God and us and through his death and resurrection we have salvation

Beloved in the Lord, the only way to please God is to follow the example of Christ. In Mark 9: 7 God said “This is my son, listen to him” then in today’s third Scripture reading, God again said in Mark 9:11 that “You are my beloved son, with you I am well pleased.” The simple question that come to mind is that, am I pleasing God through my life style and does my life style reflect the image and example of Christ? How then do I know and follow the example of Christ in order to please God? We must read the Scripture consistently; study the teachings of Christ and his relationship with people and God. Until we have dedicated our time to know him and to follow him in faith we will not be able please God. There are many people who pretend to be following Christ as their example but in reality they are not. No wonder Jesus said in Mattew 7:21-23 that “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”

We can only know the will of the father and be saved by following the perfect example of Christ. Christ demonstrated his love and proclaimed this love to all. We must also love just as he did, pursue justice, protect and care for the poor and vulnerable. We must preach the good news for the repentance and salvation of those behind the walls of salvation. This is the summery of Jesus’s example.

If we all follow Christ’s example we will not only please God but we shall have a world free from jealousy, hatred, ethnocentrism, xenophobia, civil wars, unfaithfulness and betrayal in relationships, corruption and conspiracy among others. The world is used to seeing and hearing many Christian preach in the name of Christ, in the 21 century we must not only preach the Gospel but we must demonstrate the life and teachings of Christ so that our impact will be felt in our communities. The world needs to see us living like Christ at our work places, homes and societies so that people can indeed see Christ in us. Our hypocritical life styles and dealings with our neighbors and colleagues sometimes lead people to question our identity and integrity as Christians. If we indeed follow the example of Christ then we must be above reproach as Titus 2:6-8 says, “Likewise, urge the younger men (and women) to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be shame, having nothing evil to say about us.”

The second point is that just as the rainbow in Noah’s time in the first scripture reading, GENESIS 9:8-17 was used by God as a sign of his covenant between Himself and the people at the time, Jesus have become the new covenant which supersedes all other covenant. Paul tells us in the second scripture reading 1 Peter 3:18-22 that Jesus’ suffering was once and for all so that anyone who believes and is baptized in this covenant is saved. If we are indeed saved through Jesus whose blood is the sign of the new Covenant then beloved in the Lord we must follow his examples because it is through only him that we receive our salvation and continually please God.

In sum, to please God we must listen and follow the example of Christ by studying his teachings and abiding it in practice and in faith. We must follow the example of Jesus Christ because He is the new covenant and in him we have our salvation. May the Lord strengthen us to be faithful disciples and doers of his word Amen.

JESUS has POWER Over Demons
Rev. Jean-Paul Agidi
District Minister EPCG, Mempeasem.(East Legon)

 

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