Even If i Walk Alone

Instructing and encouraging you to live your life as a disciple of Jesus

I John

Emulating His Death

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We spend much of our lives trying to emulate the life of Christ, but perhaps we should be more concerned with emulating his death. God’s Word commands us to walk just as Jesus walked so long as we are on this earth. (1 John 2:6; Ephesians 5:1-2) That is how we should spend every day of our lives. But our life is but a mist, a blip on the timeline of history, and over before we know it.

What will we leave behind for the generations to come? J. C. Ryle wrote, “Christ’s vicarious death (not his life or miracles or teaching but his death) was to bring forth fruit to the praise of God and to provide redemption for a lost world.” Thus, He accomplished more in His death than He ever did in His days on earth.

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Hate or Regret?

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When it comes to sin and evil, are they something you hate or regret? The difference is not wordplay or subtlety. It’s one thing to feel bad about disobeying God and quite another to be repulsed at the thought of ever doing so. Our sin is the reason Jesus had to suffer and die in our place as an atoning sacrifice. (Isaiah 53:5-6; 1 Peter 3:18) To come to a place of repentance requires more from us than just regretting Jesus had to go through that.

He doesn’t need you to feel bad for Him. What Jesus desires is that you recognize your need for His sacrifice. (Mark 1:15; Luke 5:32) The Lord cannot tolerate sin (Habakkuk 1:13; Psalm 5:4-5) and as we are called to look and act like Him (Ephesians 5:1-2; 1 John 2:6), we too must hate every sin and every form of wickedness. (Romans 12:9; Psalm 97:10)

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A Slave of Jesus

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There’s no such thing as a free person. Each of us is a slave of Jesus Christ or a slave to sin. (Romans 6:16-18; John 8:34-36) We can talk about freedom and independence all we want, but they are both a myth. We are all slaves to something or someone. That doesn’t have to be a bad thing. I am more than happy and grateful to declare myself a slave of Jesus Christ, bound to do whatever He tells me to do. (Galatians 1:10)

He died for me, so I will live for Him. (2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Romans 14:8) He bought me at the price of His blood and very life. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Peter 1:18-19) I no longer live outside of Christ. (Galatians 2:19-20; Colossians 3:3) I am His and He is mine, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. (John 10:14; Song of Songs 6:3)

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Come to Christ to Die

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While it seems most people reject Christ, those same people would also jump at the chance to get everything He offers. They want the benefits without the sacrifice. Who wouldn’t want that deal? The deal Jesus offers is better by far, but on the surface, it doesn’t look like it is. As with many things in life, looks can be deceiving.

The people of this world want peace, happiness, and wealth without surrendering their selfish desires. Jesus promises rest, joy, and an eternity in paradise, but He does require that you first surrender everything to Him. (Luke 14:33; Matthew 16:24) So, don’t come to Christ for what He will do for you. Come to Christ to die. (Galatians 2:19-20; Luke 9:23)

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Your Habits

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When you die, if those you care most about inherited only your habits, how well off would they be? Would they be on the road to drawing closer to Jesus or drifting off the narrow path? (Matthew 7:13-14; Hebrews 13:7) We all leave something behind at death. The good news is we can decide how great or small that spiritual inheritance will be. Of course, that’s also the bad news.

We’re not acting in love towards those we leave behind if we aren’t pursuing and developing good spiritual habits as if it’s our full-time job. Our responsibility is not just to become Christ-like ourselves, but to instruct and encourage others to do the same. (Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:2) This is about more than your legacy; it’s your spiritual calling in Christ. (Ephesians 2:10; Philippians 3:14)

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