EXAMPLE

Example

Christ was always setting an example in every work He performed. Even creation was an example set for the Jewish work week [Exodus 31:13, 17]. When He came to earth incarnated we see the high example of life tempted in all points yet without sin. How did He accomplish this feat?

          First of all we need to understand what Paul was attempting to teach us in Philippians 2. Christ voluntarily laid aside His exercise of His Deity to trust fully in His Father. He read the OT passages to learn of Himself. (Oh, that verse is speaking about Me.)He communicated constantly in prayer with the Father and found His true strength with ministry of the Holy Spirit.

          Every word He spoke came from the Father [John 12:50]. He continuously taught the fact that He was sent [John 13:16].

          The ministry of the Spirit touched every part of His life on earth as the sent One. He was [1] born of the Spirit [Matt. 1:20]. He [2] developed physically, mentally, spiritually in the power of the Spirit [Luke 2:52]. He [3] was anointed for His ministry by the Spirit of God [Luke 3:22]. He [4] was led by the Spirit of God [Luke 4:1]. He [5] came out of the wilderness and went back again into His ministry in the power of the Spirit [Luke 4:14]. He [6] wrought miracles in the power of the Spirit [Luke 4:18]. He [7] came to the mystery of His death and offered Himself to His Father without blemish through the eternal Spirit Heb. 9:14]. He [8] came to resurrection morning and by the power of the Spirit came back to human consciousness and being [1 Peter 3:18]. For [9] 40 days He instructed His disciples concerning the kingdom of God by the Holy Spirit [Acts 1:2-4].

          The question is asked, how can we live a life pleasing to our Father in heaven? Christ has answered as well as shown with His own life on earth-a complete dependence on the Father and His will [John 5:30]. He realized also that He was here for a purpose and that was a purpose determined by His Father.

          We need to rethink all things based on an example which should not be disregarded [John 13:15].

Gal. 4:4  4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" 

Rom. 8:12  12 So then , brethren , we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh -- for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.  And only those.