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"Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ."

Text: 1 Corinthians 11:1

IMITATION OF CHRIST

The word “imitation” does not have good connotations in today’s modern usage. But the original idea of the word was quite different. We are to understand its meaning in the light of its authorial intent.

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

1. “Imitate me”

a) The word “imitate” may be literally translated as “mimic”.

i) This would mean carefully studying the example of Paul.

ii) Then an assiduous following of his example.

b) Paul used other words that had a similar idea.

i) “Pattern” 1 Timothy 1:16

This word was used by Paul to describe himself as a pattern of how God could save sinners.

ii) “Carefully followed” 2 Timothy 3:10

The key idea of carefully following may be found in 2 Timothy 3:10

2. “Just as I also imitate Christ”

a) Paul did not hold himself out as an example or pattern because

i) Of who he was,

ii) Or what he had achieved,

iii) Or that he was the example of a believer.

b) Paul was conscious of his own personal struggles with sin.

This struggle was well-captured in Romans 6-7.

c) Paul was most careful about “imitating Christ”.

d) In the final analysis, we are actually following Christ Jesus Himself.

A NEEDED CALL

Paul issued a much-needed call to the Corinthians to imitate him even as he imitated Christ!

1. It reflected Paul’s consistency in following the Lord Jesus Christ.

a) Paul’s life and ministry had been adversely affected by false teachers and false brethren.

b) He did not mind being scrutinised by anyone with reference to his doctrines or life-style.

2. It gave Paul an opportunity to repair and restore broken relationships with the brethren in Corinth.

a) They could examine Paul’s doctrines and compare them with the teachings of Christ.

b) They could examine his lifestyle too.

c) A careful research would demonstrate that Paul had indeed faithfully followed his Master.

d) Paul’s example could bring much-needed encouragement and uplift to those struggling in faith