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What kind of example are you?


In 1 Cor 11:1 Paul makes a rather audacious statement: "Imitate me as I imitate Christ."   This admonition also appears several more times in his writings. (1 Thess 1:6; Phil 3:17; 4:9; 2 Thess 3:9)

At first glance it seems hard to believe that Paul actually meant what he said.  Was he really claiming he was a good example of a follower of Christ?  Yes! A careful reading of 1 Thess  2 shows he definitely meant every word.  He lists various character qualities he possessed: boldness to speak the Gospel, persevering amid opposition, not as man pleasers but pleasing God, without flattery or greed, not seeking glory, gentle, affectionate, hard-working, devout, blameless, encouraging, and thankful- to name a few. The Thessalonians were well aware of the truth of these claims.

The thing is, Paul did actually demonstrate these qualities as he walked in the power of the Holy Spirit.  He never claimed they came from himself alone, but as Christ lived through him by the Spirit. He said,

      "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh." (Ga 5:16, NASB95)

He also lived a daily pattern of allowing Christ to live His life in and through him.

      “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me" (Ga 2:20, NASB95)

Paul is not bragging or trying to draw attention to himself.  He is actually drawing attention to the life of Christ empowering him.  He also knows that his disciples need a good example of how to live the Christian life.  His influence was far more than words alone.  He lived it!

Imitation is inevitable.  Jesus understood this. In the Sermon on the Mount he warned the religious leaders that they were "blind guides" .  He also points out the responsibility of those who disciple others to serve as good examples.

          And He also spoke a parable to them: “A blind man cannot guide a blind man, can he? Will they not both fall into a pit? A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher." (Lk 6:39–40, NASB95)

Any of us who accept the challenge of discipleship Jesus gives in the Great Commission (Mt 28:18-20) must feel some fear and trepidation.  "Can I be a good example?"  "I know I'm not perfect."  "How do I deal with my sin and struggles?"

Michael Schrage in the Harvard Business Review says, "Like It or Not, You Are Always Leading by Example" (From <https://hbr.org/2016/10/like-it-or-not-you-are-always-leading-by-example>)

My friend John Karraker used to jokingly say, "We're always an example, sometimes a bad one!"

No one wants to deliberately be a bad example.  But it happens sometimes.  Even when we fail, our contrite repentance can serve as a good example.  No one is perfect, and no one expects perfection from us.  Our honest, authentic example of what it actually means to walk with the Lord can be best thing a younger disciple needs.  Whenever we become aware of an attitude or action displeasing to the Lord:

  1. Confess your sin quickly (1 Jn 1:9; Ps 32:5; Prov 28:13)
    1. Confession includes repentance
    2. Confession means "agree with God" concerning your sin and concerning your forgiveness through the cross of Christ.
  2. Appropriate the filling of the Spirit by faith (Eph 5:18)
    1. The filling is not a one-time occurrence but an ongoing process.
    2. The filling is by faith, not feelings.
    3. We are commanded to be filled.
  3. Continue to walk in the power of the Spirit
    1. A continual walk brings victory over sin (Gal 5:16)
    2. Christian growth is a continual process of becoming more like Christ.

    And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son (Ro 8:28–29, NASB95)

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