Notes of Faith July 25, 2025
Be an Example
Therefore I urge you, imitate me.
1 Corinthians 4:16
History is filled with examples of examples—relationships in which one person influenced another by their example. Steve Jobs was an example for Mark Zuckerberg; Warren Buffett was an example for Bill Gates. Socrates was an example for Plato, and Plato was an example for Aristotle. Mahatma Gandhi was an example for Nelson Mandela, and the list is almost endless.
Recommended Reading:
Philippians 4:8-9
Everyone is an example to someone whether for good or for ill. One of the most striking things the apostle Paul wrote was his encouragement for others to imitate his example. This was not a prideful or egotistical exhortation by Paul as he clarified in 1 Corinthians 11:1: “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” His ultimate purpose was for believers to be like Jesus Christ, not like Paul. And because the four Gospel accounts of Christ were not available to be read, the only way to be like Christ was to be like others who were imitating Him.
Consider this: When others witness our words and actions, if they imitate us, will they be imitating Christ or just imitating us?
A good example is the best sermon.
Unknown
Philippians 4:8-9
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is dignified, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything is worthy of praise, consider these things. 9The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
It is fun and brings great joy to be around godly people that we want to imitate. Children are a perfect example of imitators. They listen to our words, watch our actions and imitate us. My prayer is that they only imitate the good…but that is not always true…is it? It breaks my heart to fail in word or deed and have a young one imitate my unrighteous word or deed. Being in the Word of God and around others that are seeking to be like Christ, brings encouragement and opportunity to practice godly imitation. Be a good witness for Christ’s sake! You can take that last sentence however you need to take it…
Pastor Dale