Imitation
Do I
welcome the Word of God as it is in truth:
God’s Word?
Why
does it work effectively in those who believe? _______________________________________________________________________________
How
does it work effectively in those who believe?________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________
Jesus said, “If you abide in My word,
you are My disciples indeed. And you
shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32) In this place of truth, one can choose to
release their own will and receive God’s will.
Coming to the truth helps us come to our senses and escape the snare of
the devil—it helps us to get free of evil’s captivity. (2 Tim.2:25b-26)
The Thessalonians became imitators of
the devout Judeans who had suffered for the sake of the gospel, because of
their faith. Who do you imitate?
__________________________________________________
In our modern culture, we are
conditioned to imitate pop stars, the wealthy and the famous, and occasionally,
the noble. But what is the reason for
the imitation? Often I believe, it is
for the sake of worldly gain, security, safety, popularity. But as a follower of Christ, we are called to
imitate heroes of an upside down kingdom: those who are giving rather than
getting, dependent rather than independent, serving rather than being served.
Our cause for rejoicing is not our
status in our culture. It is rather, our
status as “beloved of God”, our experience of transformation, our hope in the
glory and unity of Jesus with God the Father and His inclusion of us into this
family. We glory as well, in the good spiritual growth that is taking place in those who are within our sphere of influence.
If you choose to imitate the heroes of
the upside-down kingdom, what might you face?
What did they face?
- persecution
because they speak the truth: ridicule, mocking, slander, attack
- opposition
by those who aim to please “self” rather than God
- conflict
- efforts to prevent the furthering of gospel truth.
Justice and judgment comes upon those
who practice these things, but it does not, or at least should not, come from
us. Our job is not to oppose and judge
those who are deceived and opposing the gospel.
Our job is to imitate what is good, and by our good conduct to
demonstrate and extend the goodness of God.
Look
at who you are imitating and you will get a good idea of where you are headed.
Read and Pray: James 3:13-18, Hebrews 6:10-12
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