Chico Alliance Church
Pastor David Welch
“Copy Cats” I Corinthians 11:1
Introduction
All of the principles discussed in Paul’s letter to the believers at Corinth could be summarized really in one pointed admonition. Following this one admonition would have solved every problem raised so far.
It would have eliminated the disunity and conflict.
It would have eliminated the incidences of sexual immorality.
It would have eliminated the selfishness so clearly exhibited among them.
It would have eliminated there childlike fleshly behavior.
This admonition sums up the whole argument so far. In fact, if we all simply followed this single admonition that we read in chapter 11 verse one, it would eliminate any problem in any church today.
“Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.”
I like to try to keep things to the irreducible minimum to keep things simple. Jesus summarized the nearly five thousand or so commands found in the Old Testament scriptures under just two key commands.
"Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" And He said to him, " 'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' "This is the great and foremost commandment. "The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' "On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets." Matthew 22:36-40
The irreducible minimum! What is God’s ultimate purpose for us? What goal rises above all others? What goal dictates every other aspect of our life? What objective determines every choice God makes concerning our life? What determines what God permits and what God prevents in our life? Many of the athletes who achieve the most in life are single-minded at an early age. Because they have a clear focus, they are able to make clear decisions based on that focus. They avoid the things that interfere with the main objective. They focus on the things that move them closer to the goal. They endure pain and suffering in order to reach the goal before them. Excellence does not come out of mediocrity. A fantastic finish rarely, if ever, develops out of a fuzzy focus. We must live with the end in mind. Only as we have a clear vision of the goal can we make intelligent choices in the present.
What is God’s absolute ultimate goal for us? Romans 8:28-30
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
For those whom He foreknew,
He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son,
so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;
and these whom He predestined, He also called;
and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.
God orchestrates everything in life to the one purpose of bring our lives into comformity with the life of His Son. God called us to be like Jesus. He takes this mission seriously.
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philip. 1:6
so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Cor. 1:7-9
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass. 1 Thes. 5:23-24
After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10
So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Philip 2:12-13
God destined us and called us to become like Jesus
Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly. 1 Cor. 15:49
As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake. Psalm 17:15
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. Eph 1:3-6
put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Eph 4:24
Be imitators of God, as beloved children and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. Ephes. 5:1-2
Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, Philip. 2:5
For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, 1 Peter 2:21
the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. 1 John 2:6
See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 1 John 3:1-3
Even our physical nature will be like that of Christ.
Our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself. Philip 3:20-21
God’s irreducible goal for our lives is to be like Jesus!
God designed us to be like His Son.
God sent His Son as the ultimate example to follow.
Jesus represented in the flesh what God intended us to be from the beginning.
Ever since the fall, man failed to adequately represent the image of God as intended.
Jesus came as the perfect representation of God’s image.
God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. Hebrews 1:1-3
Since Christ is no longer here in the flesh we still need tangible examples of God’s image.
We have the written testimony of His life on earth but we are called to become examples for each other. We need mentors. We need examples to look at. We need those who will show us how to live by exhortation AND example. The early disciples took this challenge of being a good example seriously.
Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ. 1 Cor. 11:1
The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philip. 4:9
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 own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews, 1 Thes. 2:14
We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father, knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you; for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 1 Thes 1:2-7
Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. Hebrews 13:7
Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me. 1 Cor. 4:16
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 own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews, 1 Thes 2:14
so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:12
Since Christlikeness is God’s ultimate goal for us, shouldn’t it then be the ultimate determining factor in how we live our life? Shouldn’t this ultimate goal become the driving force in everything? It might mean sacrifice. It might mean suffering. It might mean discomfort. It might even mean death. It seems that a good question to continually raise would be one that questions how my current life decision bring me closer to the goal of becoming like Jesus. More to the point, “What would Jesus do or say?”
God wants us to become a people who speak the words and work the works of Jesus.
We can’t answer what Jesus would do or say until we better understand what Jesus actually did and said.
What was his motivation?
What drove His decision making?
What determined His course in life?
How did he treat people?
How did He live life?
What character traits and attitudes were evident in His life?
If we are to be imitators of Him…
If becoming like Jesus is God’s ultimate will for our life…
If God’s work in our life always relates to becoming more like Jesus…
…then we better find out what He was all about.
For several weeks we have drawn out ten questions from the text that serve as a kind or filter through which every decision in our life should be sifted. Only those things which make it through all ten filters are worthy to pursue. After looking over the ten questions again, I realized that in reality they are all sub points to four basic irreducible questions.
We will continue to become more like Jesus as we…
…continually cultivate dynamic relationship with God.
…persistently pursue meaningful connection with people.
…resolutely restore good and resist the evil of the world the flesh and the devil.
…intentionally impact our world with the good news of the Gospel.
What about Jesus?
1. Cultivated dynamic relationship with God.
Jesus has continually lived in communion with the Father through eternity.
The continual passion of Jesus during His time on earth was to do the will of His Father.
At the end he begged to return to the glorious community he enjoyed in the heavenlies with the Father having accomplished every single thing God asked him to do. The ultimate agony on the cross came when for the first time that relationship suffered the weight of the world’s sin.
2. Pursued meaningful connection with people
Jesus declared his purpose in coming was not to be served but to serve.
Jesus revealed his coming was not to take but to give us life to the full.
3. Restored good and resisted evil
Jesus said that he came to destroy the works of the evil one.
Indeed Hebrews declared that He rendered powerless him who had the power of death that is the devil. He also claimed to be the way, the truth and the life. He was the preacher or righteousness. He was the teacher of good.
4. Impacted the world with the good news of salvation
I am the light of the world. I am the way.
I am the door. I am the way to the Father.
Since these issues were the continual passion of Jesus, then to be like Him we must pursue the same goals that drove Him. We must embrace the very things that lit His fire and brought Him ultimate fulfillment. Where do our list of ten questions and our summary list of five questions fit in?
1. Continually cultivate dynamic relationship with God.
Question: Does this improve or deepen my relationship with God?
Will it distract from full devotion to God?
Will it draw attention to (glorify) God?
Will it make God sad or will it please Him?
How our life choices impact our relationship with God must become as prominent as we consider how our actions will affect our relationship with a spouse or close friend. What do I have built into my life and schedule that purposely cultivates my relationship with God? Prayer, reading, study, time, sacrifice, trust, talking, sharing. The spiritual disciplines all relate to relationship building. They are not a means to heaven or acceptance. They are a means to deeper relationship. Jesus continually communicated with the Father and sought to please Him in EVERYTHING. If we would be like Him, so must we!
2. Persistently purse meaningful connection with people.
Question: Does this meaningfully impact those around me?
How will this positively (eternally) benefit me or my community?
How will this negatively affect those around me?
We must be proactive (that means get off our backside) when it comes to building community. We must intentionally reach out and serve people. Jesus spent his whole life serving those who would eventually kill Him.
We are called to follow Him. We are instructed to imitate Him. We are told to have the same attitude of selfless service as He did. We are told to pray for those who use us. We are told to meet the basic needs of our enemies. We are told to forgive. We are told to love one another as Christ loves us. That is what it means to demonstrate the character of Jesus.
3. Resolutely restore good and resist the evil of the world, flesh and the devil.
Questions: Does this make me more like Jesus?
Will this get control over my life?
Will this specifically violate God’s design for living?
Will it disqualify my heavenly reward?
Will it displease God?
Will associate me with Satan’s kingdom?
Will it reflect the righteousness of Christ?
Jesus resisted temptation to evil His whole life. He never sinned in word, thought or deed.
Jesus also reflected God’s perfect character. He demonstrated the absolute righteousness of God. He stood against evil.
If we are to reflect his nature and become like Him we must make progress on two fronts.
ONE: We must resist evil in at least three arenas.
? Continually deny and put to death the deeds of the flesh in our own life.
? Stand up to evil perpetuated by this devil-directed world system in which we live.
? Be alert to and resist all attempts of the enemy to ensnare us.
TWO: We must restore good in our own life and our community.
Jesus said to seek His kingdom and His righteousness first. We must be living examples of Jesus. We must demonstrate the character of Christ by our actions as well as our admonitions
4. Intentionally impact our world for Christ.
Question: Does this prevent or promote the progress of the Gospel?
Will this hinder the gospel message?
Will this help to win people to Christ?
Jesus declared the Kingdom of God everywhere He went. If we want to follow His example, we must cultivate His same passion for souls.
These four basic questions should revolutionize the way you think and live.
1. Does this improve or deepen my relationship with God?
2. Does this meaningfully impact those around me?
3. Does this make me more like Jesus?
4. Does this prevent or promote the progress of the Gospel?
Conclusion
I offer two specific admonitions for your consideration today and this week.
FIRST: Look to Jesus
This is the number one key to becoming like Christ. We become what we look at. We imitate what we see. We eventually adopt the behavior and thinking of those we hang around the most.
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. 2 Cor. 3:18
We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.
And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 1 John 3:1-3
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Col. 3:1-4
Therefore consider the members of your body as dead to immorality and put on the character of Jesus.
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore respond to His fatherly discipline designed to make us like Jesus.
Prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY." 1 Peter 1:13-16
Therefore conduct yourselves in fear (reverence) during you stay upon the earth.
SECOND: Live like Jesus
Learn and speak the words of Jesus
Learn and work the works of Jesus
His whole life revolved around…
? Continual cultivation of a dynamic relationship with His Father
? Persistent pursuit meaningful connection with people
? Resolute resistance of evil and restoration of good
? Intentional sharing of the Gospel wherever He went.
If this is not becoming our life focus, we must either change our behavior or change our name. This is not just a pointed statement from some gung ho preacher. This piercing admonition comes straight from headquarters.
By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, "I have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. 1 John 2:3-6
To be like Jesus is your life. To be like Jesus is your reason for being. To be like Jesus in every way is your destiny! Get back on track. Be honest enough to ask these four pointed questions each morning and night.
Look to Jesus
Live like Jesus
We need saints we can imitate. We need passion after which we can pattern our lives. Will you trust God to make you be that model and like Paul be able to say to others
“Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.”
Blessing
You servants of the Lord, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. 2 Tim. 2:1-4
May God enable you to love as he loved. “Lord, make it so!”
May God enable you to serve as He served. “Lord, make it so!”
May God enable you to forgive as He forgave. “Lord, make it so!”
May God enable you to show mercy as He showed mercy. “Lord, make it so!”
May God enable you to be kind as He was kind. “Lord, make it so!”
May God enable you to pray as He prayed. “Lord, make it so!”
May God enable you to feel as He felt. “Lord, make it so!”
By this we know that we are in You Jesus: the one who says he abides in You ought himself to walk in the same manner as You walked.
“Lord, make it so!”
THIS WEEK
Your life will be purpose driven whether it is conscious or unconscious.
This week run your life decisions, activities and thoughts through the filters that indicate an eternal purpose driven life.
1. Does this improve or deepen my relationship with God?
2. Does this meaningfully impact those around me?
3. Does this make me more like Jesus?
4. Does this prevent or promote the progress of the Gospel?
