1 Corinthians 4:16 “Therefore I urge you to imitate me. For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.”
To discover what the “therefore” is there for, read Chapter 4:1-13. Corinth was Greece’s most splendid commercial city. This was a perfect location to get rich, live comfortably, eat well, see the games and enjoy the scenery. At first, Christianity was not only tolerated there, but it was also welcomed and admired, as long as it did not get too radical. Following in the ways of Paul though was definitely “radical.”
Principle: Prepare for the future by doing what the leader does.
There is a children’s game where the head of the line does things a certain way and everyone in line does it the same way. If you don’t, you’re “out.” Following Paul meant being judged by people, being humble, condemned to die in the arena, being made a spectacle, considered a fool, weak, dishonored, hungry and thirsty. He was in rags, brutally treated and homeless. He had been cursed, persecuted, slandered, and considered scum and refuse. And he took all this without rushing to his self-defense. His intention was not to ask the Christians to seek this kind of abuse. But when it came, and it did and will, not to be surprised, not to resent it and not to waste time struggling against it.
This was written to prosperous, easy money Christians in Corinth who were enjoying the “good life.” The “good life” is not a good teacher. It does not prepare us for tough times. There are some good things about failure, pressure, poverty, ridicule, and shame, even torture. Such tribulations create endurance, humility, and spiritual and emotional muscle. The abuse may not end in this lifetime. Endurance may not be recognized or admired by anybody except Jesus who went through all of that and more. Paul’s response was to bless, bear up, and to pray for his abusers. Many people do not admire that kind of response to persecution. Paul says to them and to us … “imitate me.”
Are you “in” or “out? If you are “in” get in line. Follow the leader. Start doing what he did.
Discussion:
1. What steps could you take in your personal and business life to become “one worth following,” as Paul was?
2. When have you chosen to blend in and enjoy the good life, instead of standing up for Jesus?
