It’s a very bold statement indeed, however not out of pride nor boasting. But a challenge among the believers or saints in Corinth. The challenge became more relevant among us – in the so-called contemporary world.
We’ll discuss the verses that led apostle Paul to wrote such a bold challenge of his time. I felt we needed more of this challenge among the believers of today. And as we know, it is not about constructive criticism or a reminder of the much need statement.
Newborns in Christ are supposed to have changes taking place in them. They cannot do it by themselves but by letting the Spirit working in their heart. Every now and then we’re at the crossroads where the evil one is targeting us.
Changes, whether suddenly visible or a long-term process are developing inside us as we become a new creation in Christ. It is the inward and outward changes that will make us shine – Let your light shine!
Looking at Paul’s life journey and his transformation from Saul to Paul, there was a huge change in him. The divine intervention in his life was still shining today because he knows Jesus lives. He knows his savior – not claiming any kind of merit of his own.
His perseverance in suffering is an example of growing in the likeness of Christ. He was despised, rejected, condemned, imprisoned many times in his life. Yet he endures the sufferings. He knows he is nothing before God but his grace is sufficient for him.
Each one of us suffers – but in very different ways and degrees of emotional and physical pain. I am also suffering in my life. I tried my best not to murmur – yet I did complain and also grumbled before I could even realize I am doing it! If you’re an avid follower of my written works, you’ll know.
For the apostle Paul, he was persecuted throughout his journey – yet his way of spreading the gospel keeps growing, trusting more in his Savior. The gospel of Christ cannot be kept in chains. In that way, we also understand the thorn in our lives was getting us closer to our Savior each day.
All that he went through let him to growing more in his faith. He knows for whom he was suffering. The work he did was worth dying for his mortal being. Yet the new believers were self-divided – acting carelessly still ingrained in their old being although they are God’s new creation once they accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Follow my example – Imitate me:
Here are the words or verses leading to Paul urging the saints to follow his example. The saints as he addressed them and to whom he sent his letters.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks, or the church of God— even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1
He wants us to grow in the likeness of Christ- being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Cor. 3:18
Paul’s confidence in his faith – relationship with his creator and the One he served is an example set to follow. It was not his invention nor his discovery, but he reiterated that he considers his life of no value to him but was dedicated to the one who shed his blood for his deliverance.
Freedom – not to cause anyone to stumble:
We are free. We were set free by the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ on the cross. He paid the price for all and eternity!
Freedom is the eternal desire of mankind because we were bound by the evil one before our birth. This is reflected in almost all spheres of our life. We wanted to live free.
The freedom we got for our physical desire is limited. Once we get what we desire, there’s nothing more to it. Yet freedom from the evil one is rejoicing throughout our life.
Yet our freedom should not let others stumble in any way – there were people who imitate you or are following your example. We are to grow and mature in the body of Christ in the spirit. Ephesians 4:1-16
Finished the good fight:
In his letter to Timothy, his protege, Paul has stated he has finished the good fight.
Paul wrote, For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (Imitate me)
Many times he wrote that we’re runners in the race with a certain goal set for us – not aimlessly like fighting the air. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 1 Cor. 9:25
That is why we simply cannot give up on everything.
Checkpoints:
Can we say the same? Do we have that much confidence in living out our faith?
As a believer, Pastor, Church Leader Sunday School Teacher, do we dare to accept this challenge or appeal?
The Apostle Paul goes out to the world following the command of his Master – preach the gospel to the world, go everywhere. He went out – journeyed and wrote letters, not waiting for people to come to him – supporting himself with tent making as he lived by faith.
Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me. 1 Corinthians 4:15-16
In our own way, we were observed, which makes us become the ambassador of Christ wherever we are. Our role in proclaiming the gospel might differ. But we must remember that we’re all part of the mission. We must be disciplined!
Mentoring by example:
At home, our children are likely to imitate us without instructions, based on what they saw. If they did wrong we cannot rebuke them nor forsake them. We can correct them again by setting the right example.
In the same way, mentoring young faith and young Christians or believers takes a lot of setting a good example as a mentor. Use words if necessary, while mentoring and also while evangelizing.
Again, Imitate me! Follow my example, wrote the apostle Paul to the wise and intelligent yet spiritually blinded saints in his first letter to the Corinthians.
Conclusion:
In the end, we must try to grow as a believer in the likeness of Christ. Our sufferings, just as I wrote many times in this blog, might not see an end but we should cling to his grace. Let us re-examined ourselves with this challenge in our role as a believer.
It is my wish that I could endure all the pains, shame, and sufferings in his grace so that one day I may also say “I have finished the race” by the grace of God.
