Imitating Christ

As humans, we tend to follow the patterns of others (Isaiah 9:16; cf. Matthew 15:14; Luke 6:39). The Corinthian brethren followed this tendency, but they shifted their focus away from Christ and onto individual personalities. Rather than emulating the Christ-like qualities of these personalities, they let their allegiances lead to various divisions and contentions in the church (1 Corinthians 1:10-13).

The apostle Paul recognized their error, so he sent Timothy to remind them of his teachings and the importance of walking in obedience to the Lord (1 Corinthians 4:16-17).

Like the inspired apostle Paul, we are to imitate Christ (1 John 2:6; cf. 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 1 Peter 2:21).

Those mentors who walk in step with Christ can provide a model for us to emulate, but our ultimate example is Jesus Himself (1 John 2:6).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets