“…you should 1IMITATE me, just as I imitate Christ.” (1 Corin. 11:1) 1mimētēs: a follower. The NIV says “Follow MY EXAMPLE as I follow the example of Christ.” Paul knew he followed Jesus AMY, so he did not hesitate to tell the Corinthian Christians to IMITATE HIS WALK WITH THE LORD. He knew the Corinthian Christians needed examples, and he was willing to be such an example. How few today are willing to say what Paul said! Instead, because of compromise and ungodliness, we are quick to say, “Don’t look at me, look at Jesus.” While it is true we must all ultimately look to Jesus, every one of us should BE AN EXAMPLE for those who look to Jesus. Paul knew he was an example, and a good example at that. He also knew that it was not “Paul” who was a worthy example, but “Paul the follower of Jesus” who was the example.
“I praise you for remembering me in everything and for keeping the 2traditions just as I passed them onto you.” (1 Corin. 11:2) KEEPING THE TRADITIONS is a scary phrase to many Christians AMY. It brings the idea that Christians are to be bound by ANCIENT, OUTDATED TRADITIONS in their conduct and worship. But the traditions Paul delivered to the Corinthian Christians were simply the TEACHINGS AND PRACTICES of the apostles, Paul was not talking about ceremonies and rituals, but about BASIC TEACHING AND DOCTRINE RECEIVED FROM JESUS. The Greek term used here is 2paradoseis: a strong sense of something which is “handed down,” or “passed along.”
SO, LET’S BE GOOD FOLLOWERS OF JESUS CHRIST.
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham