BE AN EXAMPLE

 

 

16 Therefore I urge you to imitate me.

 

1.       Paul begins our message with quite the statement.  Imitate me or follow my example as I follow Christ.  Paul would make this statement twice in this book.  He says if you are looking for a role model, a mentor or example look at me.  Christ was his example. 

2.      He wanted them to follow his example.  A role model is a person whose behavior in a particular role is imitated by others.  A role model has a passion and ability to Inspire. Role models show passion for their work and have the capacity to infect others with their passion.  Clear Set of Values. Role models live their values in the world.  Commitment to Community in our case the church.  Selflessness and Acceptance of Others.  We are called to love others.  Ability to Overcome Obstacles.  A never give up attitude.

3.      Paul was being a mentor.  An experienced and trusted adviser.  He was being guide, confidant

confidante, counselor, consultant, spiritual therapist, or leader. 

4.      Paul gives us a picture of what to imitate in vs 12 of this chapter.  We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it.  He also tells them in vs 10-11, they honor Christ, and they are willing to suffer on His behalf. 

5.      Paul wanted them to follow Jesus’ example and these qualities that Christ they are as follows

 

a.      Jesus showed grace and forgiveness.

b.      Empathy is a characteristic of Jesus.

c.      Wisdom was an attribute of Jesus.

d.      Obedience was a characteristic of Jesus.

e.      Jesus was a good listener.

f.       Truth is an attribute of Jesus.

g.      Humility was a character trait of Jesus.

h.      Unconditional love.

 

6.      Jesus’ greatest example we can get is that He was willing to do the will of His Father and we must do the same.  It is called obedience. He is our master not we His. 

 

17 For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.

 

1.      Paul then reminds them that is why Timothy was sent.  Paul had this view of Timothy.  He looked at Him as a spiritual son.  He loves Timothy and Timothy was faithful in the Lord.  From this we can draw three applications to ourselves.  We are to view each other as family, we are to love, and we are to be faithful.  We do these three things, and we are imitating Jesus and Paul.

2.      Paul then closes this verse with three thoughts that we close with today.  As Timothy reminds the Corinthians and us, that our ways of life are on display. 

3.      Secondly our lives must be based in Jesus Christ.  He is our master, lord, savior, and God.  God is looking for obedience and faithfulness

4.      Lastly Paul life agrees with what He teaches everywhere and in every church.  Paul was very mindful and no matter where He was his was consistent.   James reminds us that if we have faith, it must be shown through action. 

5.      Hypocrisy creates the following problems.  A double life, live in fear of discovery, leads others astray, brings criticism and ultimately judgment from God.