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Following Christ's Example
(From Forerunner Commentary)

Matthew 3:13-17  (Go to this verse :: Verse pop-up) Though He had never sinned, Jesus went through the rite of baptism "to fulfill all righteousness." He did everything a truly righteous man should do, so we could learn from Him. As our perfect example in all things (see I John 2:6; I Peter 2:21), He came to John to be baptized to show us the steps we must take to reach the same destination He did—the Kingdom of God. Staff Basic Doctrines: Water Baptism

John 1:10  (Go to this verse :: Verse pop-up) The people of His day saw Him, but did they believe Him? Did they see God in the flesh walking with them, teaching them, giving them the eternal truths of life, and showing them how to live by both word and example? Were they just so overwhelmed and in awe, knowing that this was God, that they said, "Yes, I see Him. I believe Him. I will follow Him"? No, the Bible's testimony is that they did not know Him, even though they saw Him. John W. Ritenbaugh Do You See God? (Part One)

John 5:19-20  (Go to this verse :: Verse pop-up) The apostle Paul confirms this principle in I Corinthians 4:16, where he strongly states, "Therefore I urge you, imitate me." In I Corinthians 11:1, he repeats, "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." Finally, in Philippians 3:17, he writes, "Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern." In addition to Paul, Peter teaches us in I Peter 2:21 that Jesus set "us an example, that [we] should follow His steps." Imitation and conformity are facts of life. However, these scriptures make clear that who and what we imitate is critical because much that we might strive to imitate within humanity is a sheer attention-seeking and statement-making vanity—and in some cases, downright degrading to both God and humanity. Do athletes, entertainers, politicians or whatever deserve our homage? It is one thing to admire or respect qualities in another, but admiration and respect begin to slip toward worship when imitation enters into the mix. John W. Ritenbaugh Why Worship God?

1 Corinthians 1:10  (Go to this verse :: Verse pop-up) This section reveals that speaking the same thing is a choice. We have to choose for the sake of unity. It is not an option for those who consider themselves to be converted; it is commanded. There is no option. We have to choose to follow Christ. John W. Ritenbaugh Unity (Part 2): God's Pattern of Leadership

Philippians 3:17  (Go to this verse :: Verse pop-up) Paul also writes in I Corinthians 11:1, "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." These verses clearly invite the brethren to observe the apostle's conduct, judge if it conforms to the life Christ lived and taught, and choose to live that way as well. John W. Ritenbaugh Judgment, Tolerance and Correction

James 1:25-27  (Go to this verse :: Verse pop-up) In essence, James describes a person who sees the truth from God's Word and responds by using it. He sees himself as an instrument of God to be used, even spent, in service to Him and His people. He holds the feelings and well being of others to be as important as his own. Unlike the myopic person, he sees beyond his comfort zone, following the example of Jesus Christ.   Rod Keesee Christian Myopia

 

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