1 Corinthians 11:1
Be followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
*Strong's Ex. Conc. No. 3402
Followers: imitator, emulator
From the Greek word 'mimétés' (pronounced mim-ay-tace'): the root of the English word mimic. Properly, the positive imitation that arises by admiring the pattern set by someone worthy of emulation. Mimétés is always used positively in the NT (seven times) – of followers of Christ emulating a God-approved example. The supreme model is God Himself (see Eph 5:1).
Ephesians 5:2 "Therefore, be followers of God, as dear children."
This word 'followers' is used only seven times in the New Testament. Though some translations use the word 'imitators' instead of 'followers', the meaning is the same.
1. 1 Corinthians 4:16 - followers of Paul (his example)
2. 1 Corinthians 11:1 - followers of Paul even as he follows Christ
3. Ephesians 5:1 - followers of God
4. 1 Thessalonians 1:6 - followers of Paul, Silvanus and Timothy, and the Lord, with joy in the Holy Spirit
5. 1 Thessalonians 2:14 - followers of the churches of God in Christ Jesus who also suffer at the hands of their own nation
6. Hebrews 6:12 - followers of the faithful
7. 1 Peter 3:13 - followers of what is good
FOLLOW THE PATTERN
Philippians 3:17
Join one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you.
Philippians 4:9
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
2 Timothy 1:13
Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
FOLLOW THE SHEPHERD
John 10:3, 4
3. The gatekeeper opens the gate for Him, and the sheep listen for His voice. He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out.
4. When He has brought out all His own, He goes on ahead of them, and His sheep follow Him because they know His voice.
FOLLOW THE SPIRIT's LEADING
Romans 8:3, 4
3. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh,
4. so that the righteous standard of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Galatians 5:25
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
We lead by example, whether we lead others in the way of death and destruction (Matthew 10:25) or in the Way of the Lord . The better way is God's Way. If we're going to be God's faithful leaders, then we need to be God's faithful followers.
A servant is not greater than his master. (Matthew 10:24; John 13:16; John 15:20). A faithful leader is a faithful servant. We follow Christ wherever He leads us, even to death. He is bringing us out of this world into His world, into our heavenly home.
FOLLOWING JESUS CHRIST, OUR PATTERN
Knowing that Christ suffered at the hands of his own countrymen, why are we expecting not to suffer at the hands of our own countrymen, our own nation, our own cities and towns? Jesus Christ told His disciples (and us) to take up our crosses and follow Him.
Matthew 16:24
Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
1 Peter 2:21-23
21. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
22. “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”;
23. When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.
Don't be surprised when the men and women you have called friends turn their backs on you when you profess Christ as your Lord and Savior; when your ways are not their ways. Don't be alarmed by family suddenly criticizing the change in you. Stand firm in your newfound faith in Christ. You are not alone.
But continue to follow Christ faithfully. Read your Bible. Study your Bible. Highlight areas that make an impact on you. Underline verses that reach you. Date these things in your Bible, if you can. Use the flyleaf and the back blank pages. You should see my study Bibles.
Keep a journal or notebook with your Bible. There may be times when you need more space to write your thoughts and the insights you have gained in your studies. This will help you remember what you are learning.
"A faithful follower I would be," is what the hymnist wrote way back in 1862, when he penned the words to "He Leadeth Me."
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