"For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your countrymen, even as we did from the Jews...'"
Key words defined:
- imitator (mimetes) - one who follows, to copy someone's behavior; 'mime'
- endure sufferings (pascho) - means to undergo an experience, usually difficult, normally with the implication of physical or psychological suffering.
- became (ginomai) - to come into existence.
How is God at work in my life?
I see this as a command to imitate Christ. Paul said they 'became' imitators. Obviously it wasn't a choice but a reflection of the power of the gospel at work within them, so much so they are willing to suffer for the gospel.
Peter 4:1-2
Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
NKJV
Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
NKJV
Phil 2:5-8
Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal's death on a cross.
Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal's death on a cross.
Being an imitator....
- Biblical suffering is the path to maturity and it is how our character develops.
- Suffering is often misunderstood.
- Imitation is a humble action. Children, as an example, are always eager to do it.
- "Suffering is not an issue of pain, rather an issue of GROWTH." (How People Grow, Cloud & Townsend)
In a nutshell:
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children."
-Ephesians 5:1
