Discipleship 14 – a living example

The aim of this devotional study is to consider your life as a living example of godliness to others.

Scripture

Note: Today we consider two Scripture of Paul citing himself as an example worthy to be followed.

1 Corinthians 10:31-11:2

31  So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32  Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, 33  just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. 1  Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. 2  Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you.

Philippians 4:4-9

4  Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.  5  Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6  do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  8  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9  What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me–practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Observations and Reflections

Note: the context of 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:2 is about food in general – that everything is edible for a Christian, but to not cause an offense based on another’s conscience.  Regarding Philippians 4, remember that Paul writes to a persecuted church, and that he writes from within prison.

1. Consider Paul’s appeal to the Corinthians in text above.
   1. Paul cites himself as example worthy to be followed. Reading 10:31-32, what example should they follow of him?
   2. When you read “imitate me” – what do you understand? (11:1)
   3. Why is Paul so confident to appeal to others to follow his life example? (11:1)
2. Regarding the Philippian text: notice how Paul gives instruction about joyfully and living free of anxiety (even while in prison!) and then he says “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me–practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (4:9)
   1. Make a list of the habits from Philippians 4:4-8 that were visible in Paul’s life.

Application

1. Can you think of one person whom you can boldly say “I want to follow that person – he is imperfect, but I know he imitates Christ!”? Why do you wish to follow his example?
2. Paul tells the church to imitate his way of life “in everything” (11:2), because he imitates Christ. Do you consciously follow the lifestyle of Christ?  How?
3. Consider the habits that Paul practiced and referenced in Philippians 4:4-8. Which of these habits do you maintain?  And which should you cultivate in your own life?
4. Consider your own life as a living example of Christ’s life.
   1. Which aspect of your life would you be glad that your children should imitate, knowing it is good and godly and leads to life?
   2. Which aspect of your life would you not want your children to imitate because it is not good, not godly, and does not lead to life?

Prayer

Thank God for both Biblical and living examples Pray the prayer of Paul from Colossians 1:10 for yourself today: “that [I] may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”