Sermon:

Christ as the Ideal Model for Youth (Heb. 12:1-3)

The following are several ways that Christ can be held up as a role model for todays youth.
1. Jesus taught and lived the golden rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do to you." He initiated
friendships without waiting for someone to show kindness to Him. Jesus knew what it took to initiate good to
others instead of waiting for others to serve Him.
Illustration:Often I have heard people say, "How good God is! We prayed that it would not rain for our church
picnic, and look at the lovely weather!" Yes, God is good when He sends good weather. But God was also good
when He allowed my sister, Betsie, to starve to death before my eyes in a German concentration camp. I
remember one occasion when I was very discouraged there. Everything around us was dark, and there was
darkness in my heart. I remember telling Betsie that I thought God had forgotten us. "No, Corrie," said Betsie, "He
has not forgotten us. Remember His Word: For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His steadfast
love toward those who fear Him." Corrie concludes, "There is an ocean of Gods love available--there is plenty for
everyone. May God grant you never to doubt that victorious love--whatever the circumstances."
Corrie Ten Boom.

2. Jesus did not allow Himself to become distracted with temptations. He filled His mind with the word of God using
it as a sword to fight the enticements of the world and the flesh and the devil. (I John 2:15,16) Love not the world,
nor the things in the world, for all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the boastful
pride of life is not of the Father but is of the world."
Illustration:Addressing a national seminar of Southern Baptist leaders, George Gallup said, "We find there is very
little difference in ethical behavior between churchgoers and those who are not active religiously...The levels of
lying, cheating, and stealing are remarkable similar in both groups. Eight out of ten Americans consider themselves
Christians, Gallup said, yet only about half of them could identify the person who gave the Sermon on the Mount,
and fewer still could recall five of the Ten Commandments. Only two in ten said they would be willing to suffer for
their faith.
Erwin Lutzer, Pastor to Pastor, p. 76

3. Jesus continually refreshed His soul with worship and communion with His heavenly Father through prayer. The
Lord Jesus did not allow His soul to become dry from neglect of His spiritual disciplines. Early in the morning, while
it was still dark, Jesus got up and went out to a lonely place and there He prayed. (Mark 1:35)
4. Jesus did not allow the religious authorities to discourage Him from gaining His strength, guidance and blessings
from His heavenly Father. He did not grow dependent on human sources of inspiration. Jesus said,
You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your heart. For that which is highly
esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God." (Luke 15:16)
5. Jesus focused on spiritual goals of advancing the growth of the kingdom of God in qualitative (Increasing love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control) as well as qualitative means
(Bringing more people to saving faith).
6. Jesus constantly gave glory to the Lord in His speech, conduct, love, relationships, and purity. His perspectives
were directed completely by things above instead of on things of temporal concerns. "Whatever you do in word or
deed do all for the glory of God." (I Cor. 10:31) Can we say that about our relationships , activities and personal
lives?
7. Jesus forgave others. The Lord Jesus taught and lived the truth in His model prayer, "Forgive us as we forgive

those who trespass against us." He did not take offense personally but allowed the fiery darts of the wicked to
bounce off like water off of a ducks back. Learn how to be bigger than problems. "Do not be overcome by evil but
overcome evil with good." (rom. 12:21) Overcome with the power of Christs who overcame the world. Jesus said,
"In the world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer I have overcome the world." (JOhn 16:33)
8. Jesus practiced holy boldness in addressing His accusers. Through great self-confidence the Lord Jesus told the
Pharisees, "If you tell me by authority John was baptized, I will tell you where my authority comes from - heaven
or from men!" The Pharisees had to back down because they were afraid of what the crowds would do to them if
they assigned John the Baptist to mere mortal authority. Christ used His head in times of intense public scrutiny.
9. Jesus showed obedience as far as it was spiritually possible to His parents. His love for His parents created a
pattern of honoring ones parents.
10. Jesus did not allow Himself to become distracted with good projects choosing instead to pursue the best of
Gods will. He did not settle for second best pathways. Jesus said, "I have glorified you Father while on the earth as
I have accomplished the work you have given me to do." (John 17:4)Let us do all that we need to in order to
accomplish what God has called us to do!