I. Introduction
Eliza Hewitt (1851-1920, Lyricist) See lesson 28 for more information
regarding her. I John 1:1-7, I Peter 2:21.
II. Verse 1- Trying to walk in the steps of the Savior,
Trying to follow our Savior and King.
Rom. 6:1-11, Rom. 8:1-5, 2 Cor. 5:6-10, Gal. 5:16-17, 6:14-16,
Eph. 2:10, 4:1-3, 5:1-21, Col. 1:9-23, 2:5-7, 4:5-6, I John 2:6.
We have read many passages about walking in the steps of Jesus.
To list what is expected of us in following in his steps, would
take more time than we have. I would like to say, in general,
that our responsibility in this matter first lies in determining
that we will follow him, no matter the cost. Then we must find
what is involved in following him, by reading his word, praying,
having fellowship with others. Finally, we must study and practice
the things we read, and then teach others. This is the same pattern
that Jesus followed in his service to God. The word trying doesn't
always mean succeeding. There will be many times that we will
fail to follow his example as closely as we should. This does
not mean that we give up. It just means that we try harder. God
expects us to be constantly working to follow Jesus, not giving
up when we encounter failures or problems.
Shaping our lives by his blessed example, Happy, how happy,
the songs that we bring.
Acts 26:15-18, James 5:10-11, Psalms 144:15, 146:5-6, John 13:12-17,
I Peter 4:14, Col. 3:16. Following in the footsteps of Jesus is
a privilege afforded to Christians only. We should be happy that
we have this great opportunity. The result of happiness is peace,
rest, love and singing! People who are truly happy will express
their joy through song. As we have said before, God does not care
whether you can sing with a great voice. he commands that we sing.
Singing can help us to follow him by telling us what we should
be and what we should do. It is a direct outgrowth of our love
for him and our happiness in following him. When we sing songs
to God we bring him an offering of ourselves. What kind of offering
are we bringing him if we do not sing, or if we do not sing with
the understanding and the spirit?
III. Verse 2- Pressing more closely to Him who is leading,
When we are tempted to turn from the way.
Phil. 3:14-16, I Cor. 10:12-13, Heb. 2:13-18, 4:14-16. "When
times get tough, the tough get going", is a phrase our society
likes to repeat. I contend however that for the Christian when
times get tough, the tough turn closer to Christ. When times are
rough, there is only one true solace-Jesus Christ. He understands,
sympathizes and provides a way that is truth. There is no other
who can do this like He can!
Trusting the arm that is strong to defend us, Happy, how happy,
our praises each day.
Rom. 4:13-22, Psalms 20:1-3, 59:1-4, 47:5-7, Acts 16:25-33. God
has given many promises and has never broken even one. We can
depend on him for our defense against evil. What greater praise
can we offer up than in praising he who has provided such a great
set of footsteps for us to follow?
IV. Verse 3- Walking in footsteps of gentle forbearance,
Footsteps of faithfulness, mercy and love.
Rom. 2:1-11, 3:25-26, I Cor. 1:19, Gal.6:1, I Tim. 1:15-16, Jude
21, Rom. 8:38-39, II Cor 8:7-9, Eph. 6:24, II Tim. 1:13. Jesus
is the ultimate example of Forbearance, faithfulness, mercy and
love. He demonstrated all these by giving his life for each of
us. What do we need to do, to in some small way repay him for
this? Follow him and do as he did!
Looking to him for the grace freely promised, Happy, how
happy our journey above!
Acts 20:32, Rom. 3:24-26, 4:15-16, 5:2, I Cor. 3:10, James 5:11,
Phil, 2:16. How many times have you found that even though you
are tired at the end of a long journey, as you approach home you
feel better. you are happy that you made it home and that you
are home. For the Christian the long journey to heaven will result
in such happiness that we in, our feeble ways cannot comprehend!
V. Verse 4-Trying to walk in the steps of the Savior,
Upward, still upward we'll follow our Guide.
Psalms 25:9, 31:3, 48:14, 73:24. As a blind person must put their
faith and confidence in some one or something else to guide them,
so must we do in regard to God and Jesus. If we allow Jesus to
be our guide he will lead us upward toward the high calling of
God, (Phil 3:14) a home in heaven.
When we shall see him, "The King in his beauty,"
Happy, how happy, our place at His side!
Isaiah 33:16-17, Matt. 25:31-46. What a glorious thought!
If we follow in the footsteps of Jesus we will be able to be at
his side for all eternity. Doesn't it help to lighten the loads
that we bear in this life when we realize where we will be and
who we will be with in the next!
VI. Chorus-How beautiful to walk in the steps of the
Savior, Stepping in the light, Stepping in the light; how beautiful
to walk in the steps of the Savior, Led in paths of Light!
Isaiah 42:15-16, Matt. 4:13-16, II Cor. 4:1-14, I Pet. 2:9-10.