1 Corinthians 11:1-2 Be you followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.… 1. We find in the Word of God that the imitation of Christ is frequently laid down as the leading principle of the gospel (Matthew 16:24; John 12:26; John 13:13; 1 Peter 2:21; Ephesians 5:1.; 1 Thessalonians 1:16). In these passages we are taught the importance of the principle of example. The Word of God has many ways of teaching. But especially it teaches by example. Example embodies precept, places it before us in pictorial form, which we can easily see and understand. And not only so, but example recommends precept; because where it is a good example, it evidently carries with it the proof of sincerity on the part of the person who sets it. 2. But it may be asked why, if Christ is the real standard and example, does St. Paul set himself before us? I think the reason is simply this, that while Christ is undoubtedly the example, St. Paul regarded himself as an illustration of that example. Note some of the leading features of our Lord's character in which this principle of imitation is to be carried out. I. In HIS SPIRIT OF SELF-RENUNCIATION (Philippians 2:6; cf. 5.) How closely St. Paul copied our Lord in this! He "counted all things but loss that he might win Christ," and glorify Him. And that same spirit lies at the foundation of all true religion. "If any man will be My disciple, let him deny himself." II. HIS SPIRIT OF OBEDIENCE. "My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work." It was — 1. A willing obedience; one in which He delighted. 2. A constant, ceaseless obedience. 3. An obedience victorious, because it was through and after conflict. And so with St. Paul. "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" seems to have been the question which pervaded his whole career. Now, we love and value the privileges of the gospel; but do not let us lose sight of its responsibilities. III. HIS SPIRIT OF ZEAL (John 2.). St. Paul followed Him in this. Men in the present day seem afraid of zeal. But it is good to be zealous in a good cause. Lukewarmness in religion is especially hateful in the sight of God. IV. HIS SPIRIT OF MEEKNESS AND GENTLENESS — "I beseech you," says St. Paul, "by the meekness and gentleness of Christ." He never quenched the smoking flax. And so St. Paul, with all his fire and energy, observed the evident spirit of tenderness and sympathy with which he watched over the infant Church. There are rough and rugged characters which are full of energy in Christ's cause, but which need to look at His example in this respect. V. HIS SPIRIT OF LOVE as shown in giving Himself for us; as shown towards the impenitent, and to the multitude scattered as sheep having no shepherd. All this was imitated by St. Paul. VI. THE SPIRIT OF BLESSED ANTICIPATION AS REGARDS THE FUTURE (Hebrews 12:3). In the same way St. Paul tells us that his one desire was to finish his course with joy. We should endeavour in our seasons of trial to remember that the time is short, and that if we be faithful there is laid up for us "an exceeding weight of glory, a crown of righteousness." Conclusion: The subject may be used — 1. By way of self-examination. It is exceedingly difficult to bring home to the sinner's conscience, by the mere statement of truth, the guilt which attaches to him. But let the sinner place his own life by the side of Christ's life. 2. As a principle of guidance. There are perplexing questions which continually arise in the Christian life. Whenever you can find Christ's example as a guide to you in your conduct, you may be perfectly certain that yon are safe in the course you adopt. 3. As an encouragement for Christians. It is according to the will of God that we should be conformed to the image of His Son. In attempting, therefore, to reach this conformity, you are attempting that which is the revealed will of God concerning you, and, therefore, which you may reasonably expect. He will give you grace, at least in some measure, to attain. In the future we shall be like Him, for "we shall see Him as He is." And the more we see Him now, the more we live with Him now, the more like Him we shall become. (E. Bayley, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. |
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