Imitators of Christ
I recently studied 1 Thessalonians 1, and I was amazed at Paul’s description of this church. This church had a reputation – an amazing reputation!
We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father, knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you; for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything. For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10
There is a lot to learn from this church! One word that stuck out to me in this chapter was “imitators.” Paul says the Thessalonians imitated himself and Christ. As believers, it’s important to have godly examples in our lives that we can learn from, and it’s even more important to be looking to and following Christ’s example!
There are three things I want to focus on: Imitating Biblical examples, imitating godly examples in our lives, and imitating Christ.
1: Imitating Biblical examples. There are hundreds of examples in Scripture of believers that we can look to for examples of how to honor God in the way we live. Even the Thessalonians have good examples we can learn from – they lived out their faith and love, and they were steadfast in their hope in Christ. They imitated Christ and the apostles. They received the gospel readily and turned from idols to God. They sounded forth the Word, were examples to the believers around them, and eagerly awaited Christ’s return. This church wasn’t perfect (Paul addresses their issues in future chapters), but even so we can still learn from their example.
The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9
Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1
Paul exhorts us to imitate him as he imitates Christ. No person in Scripture, except for Christ, was perfect. While we shouldn’t imitate their shortcomings, we should imitate them in the ways they imitated Christ.
2: Imitating godly examples in our lives. Just as we can imitate godly examples in the Bible, there are those around us today that we can imitate as well. Just like the Biblical examples, no person in our lives today, except for Christ, is perfect. We are to imitate them only in the areas they are imitating Christ. It’s encouraging to know other believers and see how they are honoring Christ and learn from their example. One way this can be accomplished is through mentoring. I had the privilege of being mentored by a lady in my church about a year ago, and it was wonderful to get to know her and learn from her example and what she’s learned in her life.
Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17
He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:20
Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. Hebrews 13:7
3: Imitating Christ. The best example we can ever follow is Jesus’ example. He is the Son of God, He lived a perfect life, and best of all, we have the Holy Spirit in our hearts to teach us how to live like Christ lived.
For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, 1 Peter 2:21
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. Ephesians 5:1-2
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. John 13:34
And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. Luke 9:23
What an amazing gift we have to be able to imitate Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit! My prayer is that every day I may learn to imitate Christ more and more!
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
With love,
Kelsey
