22.l. “I urge you, then, be imitators of me”

 

 

1 Corinthians 11:1  Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

 Philippians 3:17     Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

 2 Thessalonians 3:9   but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.

 Hebrews 6:12    so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

 1 Corinthians 4:16    I urge you, then, be imitators of me.

Paul knew he followed Jesus, so he did not hesitate to tell the Corinthian Christians to imitate his walk with the Lord. He knew the Corinthian Christians needed examples, and he was willing to be such an example. Paul simply told Timothy what to do: Be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity..  How few today are willing to say what Paul said! Instead, because of compromise and ungodliness, we are quick to say, “Don’t look at me, look at Jesus.” While it is true we must all ultimately look to Jesus, every one of us should be an example of those who look to Jesus.  How many times do we actually want people to follow our example?  We might be quick to say “follow me when I am following Christ but, don’t follow my example when I am not.”  We choose to follow Jesus Christ.  We choose to think, do, and act so that He will be honored and glorified.  Yet, the question we all should ask is “Am I?”  If we commit to being an example of what it means to live so that Jesus Christ is honored and glorified, it is highly possible that people would see the light of Jesus Christ in our example.