Imitation is tricky word. It can refer to a faithful reproduction or false forgery. In our call towards discipleship we taught to pattern our lives after our Lord – to imitate Jesus.
Observations:
The Character of Imitation
- Imitating Christ means giving away what has first been received
- Imitating Christ means first learning from Christ
The Categories of Imitation
- Acts that unify – Serving one another inside the church
- Acts that divide – Suffering for the faith by persecution from the world
Conclusions:
- A true disciple imitates Jesus because they have a relationship with Jesus
- A true disciple who imitates Jesus will look like Jesus
- A true disciple who looks like Jesus will glorify Jesus
Application:
- What has Jesus done for you?
- How are you being transformed in serving the church?
- How are you being transformed in suffering for the faith?
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
John 8:31
“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.”
Matthew 7:21-23
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Luke 6:39-40
“He also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.”
1 Corinthians 11:17-21
“In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval. So then, when you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, for when you are eating, some of you go ahead with your own private suppers. As a result, one person remains hungry and another gets drunk.”
Matthew 10:24-25
“The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!”
Philippians 1:29
“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.”
Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 5:38-42
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
John 12:26
“Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”
1 Peter 2:21-23
“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”