| Introduction Some times, as I come to a passage to prepare a sermon, I think, "How am I going to preach this passage? It doesn't seem to have much here." More often than not, the Spirit proves me wrong and I end up thinking, "How am I going to fit all of this in one sermon," which quickly leads to the realization that I will not be able to fit all of it in one sermon. This is one of those passages. There are three major subjects that make this passage worthy of our careful consideration. The first one is the subject of imitation. Paul, as their father in Christ, wants the Corinthian Christians to imitate him as he imitates Christ (14-17). The second subject is the sovereign and providential will of God. Paul knows that all his plans a subject to God's sovereign will (19). The third subject is the kingdom of God. Paul wants to make sure that the Corinthian Christians have a clear understand of what the kingdom of God is (20). Today we will consider the subject of imitation, particularly the thought that we are to strive not to be original in our relationship with God and with each other. You have heard the saying, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." Well, I want to us to see today that imitation is the sincerest form of following God and bringing glory to his name. I. If wasn't clear before, I hope this passage shows that Paul as a pastor and a brother in Christ loves the Corinthian Christians, 14-15. A. He just had some hard words for them, but he did all of that because he loves them, 14. B. Paul loves them as his own children, 14b-15. II. As a father and out of love for them, he wants them to imitate him, 16-17. A. In the first half of the 15th century, the German friar Thomas à Kempis wrote a devotional book that would become the most widely read devotional book apart from the Bible. B. By commanding them to imitate him, Paul is not being arrogant. C. By commanding us to follow him, Paul is tapping into a natural tendency. D. Paul, as their father in the faith, wants them to imitate him as he follows Christ. E. In what ways does Paul want us to imitate him? F. Ultimately, Paul wants to be imitated and only imitated when that imitation led to Christ. Eph. 5:1-2 – Therefore be imitators of Christ as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Conclusion & Application As we think of Paul's command to imitate him as he follows Christ, we should realize that we too must be in the same position. We must be following Christ in such way that others, by imitating us are following Christ. · So, let me ask you this: if a person imitates you, will he be more like Christ as a result of that imitation? · Parents, as your kids in a lot of ways become you, are they becoming more like Christ by being like you? · Can people follow you to Christ?  | |||
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Friday, October 12, 2012
Striving not to Be Original (1 Cor. 4:14-17)
