Example & Imitation

Example and imitation are not just the best means ofteaching and learning: they are commanded in Scripture.

“Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care,serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as Godwants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it overthose entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2-3).

“Therefore I urge you to imitate me. For this reason I amsending to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. Hewill remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what Iteach everywhere in every church” (1 Corinthians 4:16-17).

“Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or thechurch of God—even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am notseeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow myexample, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:32-11:1).

“Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young,but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith andin purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving eachother, just as in Christ God forgave you. Be imitators of God, therefore, asdearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gavehimself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians4:32-5:2).

Who are we to imitate? Timothy, Paul, Jesus Christ, and God.What are we to imitate? Speech, life, love, faith, purity, forgiveness,pleasing everyone. Why? So that many will be saved.

We cannot get graduate degrees in these subjects. Thedegrees are not offered. We get these by the Holy Spirit as we imitate Jesusand those who imitate Him.

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