The Jesus Habits (Part III)
Scripture
John 13:15
15 For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did.
I Peter 2:21
21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps.Wingmen, this week we will look at the last 11 of the 31 Jesus Habits. Following Jesus’ habits will lead to a healthier, happier, and certainly a holier life. It is important to remember that the power to emulate these habits comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit within you empowers you to live like Jesus. In review, we have considered the habits of: Seclusion, Prayer, Worship, Building Relationships, Touch, Confrontation, Challenging the Status Quo, Listening, Love, Thankfulness, Faith, Motivation, Handling Criticism Effectively, Family Priority, Obedience, Honoring the Government, Asking Questions, Having Fun, Truth and Rest. Now we will study the remaining 11 Jesus Habits:I. The Habit of Acting Like a ManIsaiah 53:22 For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot,And like a root out of parched ground;He has no stately form or majestyThat we should look upon Him,Nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him.Luke 2:5252 And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.The Jesus habit of acting like a man is choosing as a man, to be physically strong, emotionally caring, mentally expanding, and spiritually growing. Jesus was the consummate man of steel and velvet, of toughness and tenderness. He was a man’s man but not a macho man who looked down on those not as strong. He was strong enough to carry His own cross to Calvary, yet gentle enough to allow children to sit on His lap. A Christian man strikes the balance between being strong and gentle, courageous and sensitive, laughing and crying. If you want to see what a real man looks like, look at Jesus.II. The Habit of Esteeming WomenJohn 8:10-1110 Straightening up, Jesus said to her, “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” 11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.”The Jesus habit of esteeming women is choosing to treat all women, at all times, with the utmost dignity and respect they deserve. Jesus elevated womanhood to its highest level. He valued women the same as He did men. He respected and valued women as equal with men. He protected and defended women. Treat every woman like a lady and as your intellectual equal. Appreciate women and put away from your life anything that demeans women such as pornography. See every woman (not your wife) as a sister, daughter, or mother.III. The Habit of GivingActs 20:3535 In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”The Jesus habit of giving is choosing as a way of life to offer yourself, your time, money, and resources on behalf of others in the name of Jesus. Jesus was a giver, not a taker. It was all about others. You never ever see a selfish Jesus. His life was characterized by sacrificing His time, energy, comfort, convenience, and His life for the purpose of giving to others so they could see God at work. Our self-centeredness must be daily nailed to the cross.IV. The Habit of KindnessThe Jesus habit of kindness is choosing to be sensitive, understanding, gentle, and compassionate to everyone you meet.Mark 6:3434 When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things.Jesus was kind, sensitive, understanding, and compassionate. He was truthful but never hateful, rude, or untactful. He was, however, very firm in dealing with the legalistic Pharisees. Jesus’ habit of kindness was often directed toward those who couldn’t do anything for Him. That’s grace—doing something for someone who doesn’t deserve it. Kindness in the life of a Christian must have no age, sex, socio-economic, political, or religious boundaries. This kind of kindness motivates you to help those in need.V. The Habit of FitnessLuke 2:5252 And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.The Jesus habit of fitness is choosing to take care of your body through a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise. Jesus was physically fit. He worked in a carpenter’s shop. He walked everywhere He went. It is estimated that Jesus walked a total of 21,525 miles according to Arthur Blessitt, who has carried the cross around the world. Find your ideal weight and start now a journey toward it. Exercise at least four times a week. Eat healthily. Take care of God’s body so that through it you can glorify God.VI. The Habit of Keeping Your WordMatthew 5:3737 But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil.The Jesus habit of keeping your word is choosing consistently to do what you say, following through with what you promise. Jesus always did what He said He would do. He still keeps His Word! He had utmost integrity and credibility. Be a person of your word. Do what you say. Apologize if you haven’t kept your word. Let your “Yes” be yes and your “No” be no. Seek to have the reputation that if you say it, it is as good as already done.VII. The Habit of FellowshippingJohn 12:1-312 Jesus, therefore, six days before the Passover, came to Bethany where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they made Him a supper there, and Martha was serving; but Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him. 3 Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.The Jesus habit of fellowshipping is choosing to spend time with other Christians on a regular basis for the purpose of enjoyment. Jesus enjoyed being with people. He loved to spend time in people’s homes. In the Body of Christ we have a supernatural connection. We have a common Father, we are brothers and sisters. We need each other. It is vital that we take the time to talk to each other, listen to each other, have fun together, do things together, and build memories together.VIII. The Habit of Using ScriptureMatthew 22:2929 But Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not understandingthe Scriptures nor the power of God.The Jesus habit of using Scripture is choosing consistently to study and apply God’s Word to everyday life situations, whether temptations, trials or triumphs. Jesus knew the Scriptures so well that when someone was misquoting or misusing a verse, He immediately knew it. Jesus used Scripture to engage Satan in spiritual warfare. Jesus first lived the Scripture, and when He shared a Scripture, there was great power and credibility. Christians must give their lives to reading, studying, seeking to understand, and applying Scripture. You never reach the place where you have learned all you need to about God’s Word. Have as your continual goal reading the Bible through!IX. The Habit of PurposeLuke 19:1010 For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.The Jesus habit of purpose is choosing to have your reason for living as serving God and making a difference for Him in the world. Jesus ordered His life through His purpose. Find your purpose and focus on strengthening that purpose. When you know Jesus, the purpose of your life must be to glorify God and make disciples. Your purpose is to point everyone you meet in a God-ward direction.X. The Habit of FastingMatthew 4:22 And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry.The Jesus habit of fasting is choosing to go without food for a specific time in order to seek God and His will with more passion and intensity. Jesus knew firsthand the power of fasting. When He fasted, supernatural things happened. Jesus assumed that Christians would fast. Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights. Fasting helped Him face Satan’s temptations. Fasting must always be accompanied by prayer and by purpose—a specific reason for fasting. It is a time when you focus on seeking an answer from God. Fasting will change your life.XI. The Habit of Using Money God’s WayMatthew 6:2121 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.Luke 6:3838 Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.The Jesus habit of using money God’s way is using your money to support the kingdom of God, meeting your needs and those of your family, and saving for the future. Jesus showed us that when you put God first, every need will be met. He demonstrated that you can never out-give God. He also warned us about the dangers of putting money ahead of God and family. God wants His people to be generous. The starting point for obedient giving is the tithe (Matthew 23:23). Money used in a godly way can have eternally significant impact.