Text:       1 Corinthian 11:1, Philippians 2:5

By:           Eyanrin, Sunday (Evang.)

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Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ – 1 Corinthians 11:1.

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus – Philippians 2:5 (NKJV)

In this section of scripture,  Apostle Paul was telling the people to imitate him.

The word Imitate: what does it really signifies? Now you may think that to be an imitation is to be a fake, as we often see imitations  of  products  in our  markets,  and  that  are  not  very good quality.

But that is not the meaning of what Paul was saying here. If we look at the Greek word that is translated as “imitate” we get a further insight into what this imitation thing is all about. The Right Imitation.

The Greek word translated as “imitate” is “mimeomai” and it is the same word from which we get the word “mimic”.

It is also translated in some places as “follower” or to follow, in the sense of following in the footsteps of someone. In the sense of being a follower it is not that we walk behind but rather that what someone does (specifically Jesus Christ) we do also. We take the lead of Jesus to live as He lived.

And this is basically the sense of what Paul was teaching the church in Corinth. He was teaching them to watch his life and to do as he did. And Paul himself did what Christ did as we see in this scripture. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)

INTRODUCTION

The highest calling of every believer is to imitate Christ. The Christian life is not just about believing in Jesus but becoming like Him in character, attitude, and actions. Imitating Christ means walking in love, humility, holiness, and obedience to God, just as Jesus did.

As  disciples  of  Christ,  we  are  called  to

reflect His nature in our daily lives. The more we align our thoughts, words, and actions with Jesus, the more we fulfill our divine purpose and become effective witnesses of His Kingdom. At this point, let us consider some of the basic characteristics of our Lord Jesus Christ to reflect His nature in our daily lives.

1. IMITATING CHRIST       IN       LOVE

Love is the   defining characteristic of Jesus’ life and ministry.

1. Christ’s Love       is      Selfless – Jesus demonstrated love by sacrificing Himself for others (John 15:13).
2. We are Commanded to Walk in Love – Believers are to love as Christ loved (Ephesians 5:1-2).
3. Love is    the    Greatest    Virtue – Without   love,   all    spiritual gifts are meaningless (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
4. Love Covers a Multitude of Sins – True love forgives and restores (1 Peter 4:8).
5. Biblical Example: The Good Samaritan – Jesus taught that true love transcends boundaries (Luke 10:25-37).

2. IMITATING CHRIST   IN   HUMILITY

Jesus humbled Himself,  though  He  is God.

1. Christ’s Humility was Evident in His Incarnation – He took on human form to serve mankind (Philippians 2:5-8).
2. A Humble Heart Attracts God’s Grace – God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).
3. Humility is the Path to Greatness – Jesus taught that the greatest must be the servant of all (Mark 10:43-45).
4. True Humility is Found in Dependence on God – Jesus constantly sought the Father’s will (John 5:30).
5. Biblical Example: Jesus Washing the Disciples’ Feet. He taught servant hood by His example (John 13:12-15).

3. IMITATING CHRIST IN HOLINESS

Holiness is a key attribute of Christ that we must reflect.

1. Christ was without Sin – Though, tempted, He remained sinless (Hebrews 4:15).
2. God Calls Us to be Holy – We must pursue holiness in all areas of   life      (1 Peter 1:15-16).
3. Holiness is a Requirement for Seeing God – Without holiness, no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).
4. A Holy Life   Reflects God’s Nature – We   are   called to be set apart from the world (Romans 12:2).
5. Biblical Example: Daniel’s Purity in Babylon – Daniel refused to defile himself (Daniel 1:8).

4. IMITATING CHRIST IN OBEDIENCE

Jesus lived a life of complete obedience to the    Father.

• Obedience was the Mark  of  Jesus’ Ministry – He only did what He saw the Father do (John 5:19).
• Obedience to God Leads to Divine Exaltation – Because Jesus obeyed, God highly exalted Him (Philippians 2:9-11).
• We Show Our Love for God Through Obedience –  Jesus  said, “If  you  love  me, keep my commandments”(John 14:15).
• Disobedience Hinders God’s Blessings -Rebellion separates us from God’s best (1 Samuel 15:22-23).
• Biblical Example: Abraham’s Obedience – He obeyed God’s call without hesitation (Genesis 12:1-4).

5. IMITATING CHRIST IN FAITH AND TRUST IN GOD

Jesus completely relied on the Father  in everything.

1. Jesus Lived by Faith in the Father  – He trusted God even in difficult times (Matthew 26:39).
2. Faith is  the  Key  to  Pleasing  God – Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).
3. We Must Walk by Faith, Not by Sight – Believers are  called  to  live  by  faith  (2 Corinthians 5:7).
4. Faith Brings Victory Over Challenges – Jesus encouraged faith in His disciples (Mark 11:22-24).
5. Biblical Example: Jesus Calming the Storm He demonstrated faith in God’s power – (Mark 4:37-39).

CONCLUSION

To imitate Christ is to live as He lived—walking in love, humility, holiness, obedience, and faith. As we strive to be more like Jesus, we become true ambassadors of His Kingdom, bringing light to the world and glorifying God in all we do.

The  Holy  Spirit  helps  us  in  this journey, transforming us into Christ’s image day by day. Let us yield to Him and commit to living as true disciples in Jesus Name.

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