A Role Model for Jesus

(Titus 2:7-8 – A Role Model for Jesus)

If you are a Christian, then you are on show. 24/7 there will always be someone watching your every word, action, and behaviour.

Some may be watching for negative reasons. They are looking to find fault and to put you down because of your faith.

Others watch and notice that you are different. When your behaviour and speech reflect your faith in Christ, you will be a role model for Jesus. People notice when you are different from the world and some want to find out what it is you have that they don’t.

What is a role model for Jesus

Jesus gave us an example in His life to follow. One of the key reasons He came to earth was to model the life He wants His people to follow. He showed us how we are to live in His life. And He taught us what we need to know to live as He did and to be a role model for Jesus.

All of His teachings are spirit. He said that the flesh is of no avail.

63 It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh is of no avail; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. (John 6:63)

It is important to understand that the flesh of a person is not important. The entire purpose of the life and teachings of Jesus are to train us in the spirit. The flesh is of no avail.

The flesh gets in the way and when we have our minds set on the flesh, we get into trouble.

6 To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, indeed it cannot; 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:6-8)

A major part of the work Jesus did and taught us in the Gospel, is how to tame the flesh and live in the Spirit. When we live in the Spirit, then we are a role model for Jesus.

Being a role model for Jesus

The scripture today gives us an insight into what we are to do and be to become a role model for Jesus.

7 Show yourself in all respects a model of good deeds, and in your teaching show integrity, gravity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be censured, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say of us. (Titus 2:7-8)

Paul was instructing Titus in these words to be a role model for Jesus.

And it is not an easy thing to do. Christians will be persecuted and will come under fire for their faith. Even if you tried to hide your faith, the devil knows what you believe and will attack.

To be a role model for Jesus in the face of opposition is not easy. But as we see above, setting your mind on the flesh is worse.

If we are truly a role model for Jesus, then we will be living in the Spirit. We will exhibit those things Paul exhorted Titus to do.

And one of the things that we see is that there will be nothing our opponents can say against us.

Christians are not abusive or aggressive. They do not promote hate and wrath against their opponents. Christians are called to love and learn to love even their enemies. They want to see the best for everyone they encounter, even those who oppose and hate us.

Christians are people of integrity. They know there is something better coming. They do not fear the problems, crises, disasters, and opposition of this world.

Being a role model for Jesus as a testimony

When we emulate the life of Jesus in our lives, it becomes a testimony to what we have become. In Christ Jesus we have been changed. We are transformed from the evil in which we dwelt, to something new.

In the past we may have been easily angered, jealous, envious, proud, and arrogant. We may have been the worst of sinners, incapable of controlling our passions, lusts and desires.

But when we come to Christ, the change becomes apparent. In some people it is so dramatic as to be a complete reversal of their former lives.

When these things happen, we become a role model for Jesus. And this transformation becomes a powerful testimony to who we now are. People wonder and some will ask what caused such a change. It is then we give our testimony of salvation through and in Jesus Christ. And this testimony is powerful because no one can say it is fake or false. They can see it for themselves and know it to be real.

Some may even be won to Christ without a word being spoken, as scripture says.

1 Likewise you wives, be submissive to your husbands, so that some, though they do not obey the word, may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, 2 when they see your reverent and chaste behavior. 3 Let not yours be the outward adorning with braiding of hair, decoration of gold, and wearing of fine clothing, 4 but let it be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable jewel of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. (1 Peter 3:1-4)

As we see in these words, our lives become our testimony. Those who are close to us see the change and want to know why. And some will come to Christ on the basis of the change they see in us.

So, be a role model for Jesus in your life and in the way you live in this world. The world is becoming more and more evil, so those who choose to do right will stand out as beacons.

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