Topical Encyclopedia The concept of being an imitator is a significant theme in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to emulate the character and actions of God, Christ, and faithful leaders within the church. The Greek word often translated as "imitator" is "mimētēs," which implies following or mimicking the example set by another.Imitating God and Christ The call to imitate God is explicitly stated in Ephesians 5:1-2: "Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God." Here, the apostle Paul exhorts believers to reflect God's character, particularly His love, as demonstrated through the sacrificial life and death of Jesus Christ. This imitation involves a lifestyle of love, selflessness, and holiness. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul further instructs, "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." This verse highlights the apostolic example as a tangible model for believers, emphasizing that the ultimate standard is Christ Himself. The life of Christ, characterized by humility, obedience, and service, serves as the perfect template for Christian conduct. Imitating Faithful Leaders The New Testament also encourages believers to imitate the faith and perseverance of spiritual leaders. Hebrews 13:7 states, "Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith." This passage underscores the importance of observing the lives of those who have faithfully taught and lived out the gospel, drawing inspiration from their steadfastness and commitment to Christ. Similarly, in 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7, Paul commends the Thessalonian believers: "And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, when you welcomed the message with the joy of the Holy Spirit, in spite of your great suffering. As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia." The Thessalonians' imitation of Paul and the Lord amidst persecution serves as a powerful testimony to the transformative power of the gospel. Imitating Good and Avoiding Evil The apostle John provides a succinct exhortation in 3 John 1:11: "Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God." This verse draws a clear distinction between good and evil, urging believers to align themselves with what is righteous and godly. The imitation of good is a reflection of one's relationship with God and a visible manifestation of His work in the believer's life. Practical Implications The call to be imitators is not merely an abstract concept but has practical implications for daily living. It involves a conscious effort to align one's thoughts, words, and actions with the teachings and example of Christ. This imitation is empowered by the Holy Spirit, who enables believers to grow in Christlikeness and bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). In summary, the biblical exhortation to be imitators encompasses a holistic approach to Christian discipleship, where believers are called to reflect the character of God, follow the example of Christ, and learn from the faith of spiritual leaders. This imitation is a dynamic and ongoing process, integral to the believer's spiritual growth and witness in the world. Greek 3402. mimetes -- an imitator ... The supreme model is God Himself (see Eph 5:1). Word Origin from mimeomai Definition an imitator NASB Word Usage imitators (6). follower. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3402.htm - 7k Library God's Imitators Christ's People --Imitators of Him Hooker -- the Activity of Faith; Or, Abraham's Imitators Virgins, by the Laying Aside of all Carnal Affection, are ... Third Sunday in Lent Index to Preachers and Sermons 1 Thessalonians i. 3-Jan The Same Continued. Praise of the Ephesians. On Laughter. Thesaurus Imitators (8 Occurrences)...Imitators (8 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 4:16 I beg you therefore, be imitators of me. ... 1 Corinthians 11:1 Be imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ. ... /i/imitators.htm - 8k Follower (8 Occurrences) Imitate (13 Occurrences) Imitator (1 Occurrence) Urge (34 Occurrences) Join (70 Occurrences) Welcomed (30 Occurrences) Imla (2 Occurrences) Inherited (23 Occurrences) Inherit (98 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about attitude? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is New Israel? | GotQuestions.org Is mimetic theory biblical? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Imitators (8 Occurrences)1 Corinthians 4:16 1 Corinthians 11:1 Ephesians 5:1 Philippians 3:17 1 Thessalonians 1:6 1 Thessalonians 2:14 Hebrews 6:12 1 Peter 3:13 Subtopics Related Terms |
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