It's Time Like Never Before To Copy What We Study
"If we are to be like God, we must imitate Him." - Robertson's Word Pictures
"Pious persons should imitate the God Whom they worship, as far as He revealed Himself as imitable by them. They must conform themselves to His example, and have His image renewed upon them." - Matthew Henry
"We readily grow somewhat like that which we love." - Biblical Illustrator
"A minister should always so live as that he can, without pride or ostentation, point to his own example; and entreat his people to imitate him. He should have such a confidence in his own integrity; he should lead such a blameless life; and he should be assured that his people have so much evidence of his integrity, that he can point them to his own example, and entreat them to live like himself. And to do this, he should live a life of piety, and should furnish such evidence of a pure conversation, that his people may have reason to regard him as a holy man."
- Barnes' Notes
"Ministers should so live that their people may take pattern from them, and live after their copy. They should guide them by their lives as well as their lips, go before them in the way to heaven, and not content themselves with pointing it out."
"As ministers are to set a pattern, others must take it. They should follow them as far as they are satisfied that they follow Christ in faith and practice."
"The truth of Christ is one and invariable. What one apostle taught every one taught. What one apostle taught at one time and in one place, he taught at all times and in all places."
- the above three quotes from Matthew Henry's Commentary
The Apostle Paul has a message for us today. He is calling all believers across the land to do three things. Let's examine three Scriptures to find out what they are.
1. Be Followers Of God
Ephesians 5:1 says - "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children."
What does it mean to be a "follower of God"? It means to imitate or mimic Him in all your actions, words, spirit, and inclinations. It includes resembling Him in all aspects of your walk - in love, pardon, holiness, mercy, and goodness.
In the previous verses found in the Book of Ephesians, Paul addressed the issues of forgiveness, love, and goodness. What he was exhorting the believers to do was this - forgive others even as God forgave you and unselfishly give to others as God has provided so generously for your needs.
2. Be Examples For Others To Follow
1 Corinthians 4:16 adds - "Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me."
Paul called on all of his spiritual children to imitate him in their speech, manners, and habits. As he followed Christ, he exhorted them to follow him...come up as close as possible to his example...tread in his steps as he demonstrated what it was like to be a faithful steward of the mysteries of Christ...and mimic him in his lowliness and self-denial.
3. Keep Your Preaching & Practice The Same
1 Corinthians 4:17 says - "For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church."
Paul was presently engaged in Asia. Hence, he sent Timothy - who was fully aware of his views and feelings - onward to Corinth to straighten out the problems caused by some dissenters. Timothy was a spiritual son of Paul's. He was acquainted with his spiritual father's life, conduct, and teachings.
Everywhere that Paul went, he taught the same doctrine, prescribed the same set of rules, proposed the same ordinances and methods for the church's management, and delivered the same faith. The trumpet that he sounded always gave a certain sound. It did not matter where he was or in what time frame - he always taught the same in all the churches and lived after the same manner - following after God's Truth.
In our day and time, it is almost as though the world is crying out for the sons and daughters of God to copy what they are studying. It is as if the cry of mankind is this - "Show us a better way."
But how can this ever happen unless God's children catch hold of the word that Paul delivered in these Scriptures and become what he admonished here?
How many true "followers of God" do we have today who can boldly declare as Paul did - "...be ye followers of me"? Just like God - they are forgivers and givers. They are not having a problem forgiving and forgetting past offenses or battling bitterness or resentment toward others. They are compassionate and caring. Their hearts are not hardened when they hear of the needs of others. They readily share of their resources - generously and abundantly.
How many true "followers of God" do we have today who maintain the same message and practice the same behavior in all circles and at all times? Sad but true - we are very short on such "examples" to the Body of Christ and to the world. We have many people who cannot pray for others because their hearts are bound by a spirit of unforgiveness or greed. They see no miracles in their lives because they are of a wrong spirit.
Then we have Preachers or Christian witnesses who are like chameleons - they change their behavior and message to fit the situation in which they find themselves. Their trumpet does not have a certain sound as Paul's did. They "play many melodies" to appease their audiences. Their behavior takes on many colors, and their words differ with each group.
"If we are to be like God, we must imitate Him."
"A minister should always so live as that he can, without pride or ostentation, point to his own example..."
"What one apostle taught every one taught. What one apostle taught at one time and in one place, he taught at all times and in all places."
One last question - Are you copying(Living before all) everything that you study in the Word of God?
May God Bless His Word.
Connie
WALKING IN TRUTH MINISTRY
P. O. Box 383016
Duncanville, TX. 75138-3016
Copyright 2006 by Connie Giordano
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