Imitation

Devotion: Philippians 3:17

The Apostle Paul makes the bold invitation to the Philippians to imitate him. The invitation to imitate him as he imitates Christ is a frequent idea in Paul's letter (1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1, Ephesians 5:1, 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 2:12, 2 Thessalonians 3:7; 3:9, as well as the non-Pauline Hebrews 6:12; 13:7 and 3 John 11).

"Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us." -Philippians 3:17 (ESV)

The Apostle's call to the Philippians is not an invitation to mimic or play-act a life of faith. Rather, the Apostle is putting his own life (at the time, in prison for the Gospel of Jesus Christ) up as an example of faithful obedience. The invitation, then, is not to 'fake it,' but rather to express your faith in this particular way (namely, enduring suffering for the sake of the Gospel). The imitation of the Apostle must be proceeded by the call and confession of faith in Christ Jesus.
Even further, the Apostle lifts up any who continue in this unbroken chain of faithful obedience as those who should be watched, observed and imitated. The Apostle is not concerned with his own fame or glory, but rather with the faith of the Philippians being rightly expressed in their lives. The same is true of the Church today as we seek to disciple believers as they grow and mature in their faith in Christ
Are you looking to the example of other believers and are you being an example to others? The Apostle's invitation is not merely mimic him, but also to serve as an example to others.

News for You:

• Holy Week services are as follows:
• Maundy Thursday (4/13): A service of confession and communion at CPC 7 p.m.
• Good Friday (4/14): Community worship service at Cornerstone at 7 p.m.
• Resurrection Sunday (4/16): A service of celebration at CPC 10 a.m
• Our next Small Group session is coming soon. We will be engaging 6-week study, convening at the end of April, on Hearing God's Word from the Gospel Project. Please plan to join a group!