2. 7 Challenges Issued by Christ 1 Peter 2:11-25

3. Introductory Thoughts Can you imagine a life without a goal or challenge? Would you agree that the most miserable people in the world are those who have no goals, no incentives, and no particular aims in life?.

4. Introductory Thoughts A great man is not the one who has never made a mistake, but one who is bigger than any mistake he has ever made. Life is a challenge.

5. Introductory Thoughts Jesus urged that we count the cost. Luke 14:28 There are four good rules for accepting and meeting every challenge Christ has made: Understand what is to be done. Learn the best way to do it. Be willing to tackle it. Show determination to rise to it.

6. Live as He Lived The life of Jesus had meaning. His aim - Matthew 20:28 His mission - Luke 19:10 His prayers displayed an unselfish attitude. Jesus lived to do God’s will. John 4:34 – John 6:38 Paul faced and met this challenge. Galatians 2:20

7. Grow as He Grew Early in life, Christ grew. Luke 2:52 When we meet the challenge of being like Him we will grow as He did. 2 Peter 3:18 Christ is our yardstick for growth. Hebrews 13:8

8. Think as He Thought Normally, man does not think that way. Isaiah 55:8-9 God gave us a book designed to change our thinking – Hebrews 8:10. This is the only way of knowing how the Lord thinks – 1 Corinthians 2:11. The way we think is very important. Proverbs 23:7

9. Think as He Thought We can never live as Christ lived, until we first learn to think as He thought. Christ always did right, because He always thought right. What a challenge we have in these words – Philippians 4:8.

10. Obey as He Obeyed Christ learned it by suffering. Hebrews 5:8-9 Obedience is something that must be learned. His secret – Philippians 2:8

11. Obey as He Obeyed Obedience calls for humility. We enter the kingdom through obedience. Matthew 7:21-23 It is also through humility that we are permitted to enter. Matthew 18:1-3

12. Give as He Gave Christ gave His life for God’s cause. Ephesians 5:25 He gave himself a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28 Christ believed and taught that it is more blessed to give. Acts 20:35

13. Love as He Loved Jesus loved us when we were unlovable, and when we were so unloving. Romans 5:8 His challenge to us is stated in John 13:34-35. Matthew 22:37

14. Forgive as He Forgave Christ was a forgiving person. Luke 23:34 We are commanded to be forgiving. Ephesians 4:32 – Colossians 3:13 Matthew 6:14

15. Concluding Thoughts These are great challenges for us. Perhaps we should heed the warning of Mary. John 2:5 Accept the challenges today and begin life anew.