Modeling Christ Week 1
- Jul 10, 2024
- 5 min read
INTRODUCTION :
Over the past 12 weeks we have been on a journey and covered
4 weeks on Discipleship where we studied the reality of the calling
4 Weeks on Eternal Perspective in which we contrasted a biblical perspective vs a worldly perspective
4 Weeks on Servant Leadership and took a look at our attitudes when it comes to serving others
Over the next four Sundays, we will focus on Christ’s exhortation for His disciples to “imitate” or “model” how He lived as He accomplished the work the Father had for Him to do on earth.
In this context, a model is more than something simply to stare at, but is to be an example to emulate and see duplicated in those people who are to be called His disciples.
We all model something, and our modeling is always duplicated in some form. The question is: What (or who) are you modeling?
Who here has seen Star Wars? Remember… The Padawan becomes the Jedi!
So let’s take another look at a passage we studied several weeks ago when we were discussing the attributes of a disciple.
Luke 6:39-45
He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye. “For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Lots of good stuff here. Let's focus on verse 40 for a minute.
A disciple is not above or better than the teacher
A FULLY trained disciple will be like the teacher
It is a choice to be a student and a choice to be a teacher
As Believers it would probably be wise to follow other believers (be careful of false teachers ie. Pharisees, joining the crowds, or popular new “interpretations”)
This is a relationship and involves mutual commitment between the student and teacher
The disciple receives training and becomes like the teacher
We will always have more to learn until we are face to face with Jesus- all of life is training, learning, growing and testing
We must remain humble, this includes honest self evaluation and making sure we are on the right track before encouraging others to follow – pride blocks proper growth/training/teaching.
Everyone is always a teacher and everyone is always a student. Who you are following matters and what you are modeling matters. In these verses, Jesus speaks of a blind man and a person with a speck in his eye. What does that have to do with the tree and fruit, a person’s heart and mouth, and personal modeling in spiritual leadership?
A blind man cannot lead a blind man.
A person with a log in their eye cannot see to help a person with a speck in their eye.
A bad tree cannot bear good fruit.
What the mouth speaks, generally lines up with what’s in the heart. Just like a tree is known by its fruit, your heart is known by what comes out of your mouth.
Personal modeling is a part of spiritual leadership. What I am modeling is what is seen
Let's trace a few key synonyms in scripture to discover more about modeling.
Imitate: The Bible encourages believers to imitate what is good and to follow the example of Christ and godly leaders. Verses like Ephesians 5:1, 1 Corinthians 11:1 and Heb 13:7 emphasize imitating God, Christ, as well as those who walk according to godly patterns.
Ephesians 5:1 - Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.
1 Corinthians 11:1 - Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
Heb 13:7 - Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God.
Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
Image and Likeness: The concept of being made in the image and likeness of God is foundational to understanding our identity and purpose. Scriptures such as Genesis 1:27 and Ephesians 4:24 speak of God creating man in His own image and likeness, reflecting a spiritual personality and moral likeness.
Genesis 1:27 - So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Ephesians 4:24 - and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Words like imitate, image, and likeness run throughout the Bible, pointing us to modeling our lives after the character and actions of God and Jesus Christ. They serve
as a guide for Christian living, emphasizing the transformation and sanctification of
believers.
CONCLUSION:
The big idea here is integrity. Following through. What we do, what we say, how we live should all be consistent, humble, and honest.
Because you cannot pass on what you do not possess, self-reflection, self-evaluation, self-awareness (all with the filter of humility) are critical skill sets. As we grow in knowledge and understanding, we aim to also grow in love and humility, taking care that we are fixing our own issues before fixing others: (put on your oxygen mask first) - or we become the blind (log in our eye) leading the blind.
For the one who desires to follow Him and continue growing spiritually, you are called to lead others to Him, to train up other disciples by teaching the Word and by modeling a life that is authentic and Jesus focused
Thoughts/Questions to Consider:
What stands out to you from this passage?
Think through your life and people who have modeled character to you. What did you pick up from them that you are modeling today?
What is one character trait that is most important to you to have modeled or model yourself?
Today’s Scriptures:
Luke 6:39-45
Ephesians 5:1
1 Corinthians 11:1
Heb 13:7
Genesis 1:27
Ephesians 4:24