June 22, 2017 FOLLOW ME
Philippians 3:17: “Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.”
1 Corinthians 11:1: “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.”
Many would consider one to be proud or boastful if they said to “follow me,” or “do as I do,” especially when referring to how they were living the Christian life. So often, in the church, it is in vogue to take the ‘humble’ position of saying that “I often fail when it comes to following the Lord,” or “I too often act out of my flesh,’ or “that I certainly do not have it all together when it comes to my spiritual life.” There are elements of truth in such statements, but they also reveal a misunderstanding of the radical transformation that the gospel produces when it is fully embraced. The truth is, that it is God’s plans and His desire that our life resemble the life that Christ demonstrated while on earth. The scriptures make it clear that Jesus is our example of how we are to live in this present life. Colossians 3:13, 1 Peter 2:20-22, 1 John 2:6. Whenever our life is not in keeping with the truths of the gospel, it is because we have allowed the ‘flesh’ to rule instead of living according to the Spirit. Most likely, every believer has at some point known the frustration of trying in their own strength to live the ‘Christian life.’ The truth is, that living the Christian life as God designed, can be lived only by walking according to the Spirit within us and by the power of the gospel being experienced. When we become captivated by, or encompassed by the gospel of God and His kingdom, we will find ourselves being transformed and we will find ourselves walking in His ways, not by our own strength and will power, but by knowing out true identity in Him-this is the good news of the gospel! In reality, to say “follow me as I follow Christ” comes from a humbled heart as it is saying to follow me only because I am not following my ‘self’ life in the flesh, but because I am following Christ. One of the greatest needs in the church today is for believers to discover, or rediscover, the awesome, all-powerful, life changing, power of the gospel-the word of God. God is not about ‘refurbishing’ us, or making us better, but about totally transforming us to the extent that we become like Him! This may sound like a stretch for us, but the power of the gospel is not limited, but is able to transform us into His likeness. So, quit trying to be what you think God wants you to be, and start discovering who God says you already are in Him! The greatest and the most fulfilling life is realized when we become imitators of Christ out of the new nature that He has given us.
1 John 2:5-6: “but whoever keeps His word, in Him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.”
Blessings,
Buddy
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