Week of January 21, 2024

Journey of Imitation

For Pastor Mark personally, this is the most surprising of Paul’s discipleship themes. Paul invites his readers to imitate Jesus and himself, and secondarily leaders like Timothy. Imitation in America seems to be a bit of a paradox. On the one hand, we’re taught to “just be yourself” and don’t imitate anyone else. On the other hand, we imitate celebrities, social media influencers, and fashion trends frequently.  This week we’ll explore who and what the growing disciple imitates.

January 22 Philippians 1:12-18

Here Paul speaks of the surprising advancement of the Gospel during his lengthy stay in prison. Lynn Cohick comments: “From Paul’s statement that the whole Praetorian guard (NIV “palace guard”) is now aware of the gospel, we can safely assume that Paul has in mind the numerical increase of those who have heard the gospel. But since he also speaks of many believers emboldened to speak, we can also understand this progress to indicate that within the church itself, there is growth as many believers take steps of faith, trusting God as they tell his story of redemption. Advancement of the gospel for Paul, then, is both the increased number of people hearing that message and the increased number of believers sharing it.”  (Lynn H. Cohick, Philippians, 44)  At least a share of those believers have been inspired by Paul’s courage to bear witness to Jesus even in prison; and perhaps even more importantly, they are greatly encouraged by God’s faithfulness in working through Paul, imprisoned or not. Who has inspired you by their courage in following Jesus?  Is there a particular hero from church history who has spurred you on to bear witness to Jesus? In whom or what have you found great motivation to share the Gospel message?

January 23 Philippians 2:3-8

Paul turns now from his own example to that of Jesus, from missional motivation to a character of humility. How did Jesus demonstrate divine/human humility? How can you get to know Jesus well enough so that you can imitate him? What does it mean to you to imitate Jesus, especially with regard to humility? In a journey of imitating Jesus, how can you avoid just giving up because his standard of holiness is so far beyond us?

January 24 Philippians 3:4-9

Paul points to his own example of “Gospel humility” in comparison to the Judaizers. Because of the surpassing worth of Jesus, he is more than willing to leave behind his status as a faithful Jew and blameless follower of the Law. His spiritual confidence is no longer found in his ethnic status, education, or spiritual attainments. His confidence is in Jesus alone. What might it have meant for Paul’s readers to follow his example, regarding their past achievements and identity as “rubbish” (v. 8)?  What does it mean for you? Following Paul’s lead, how do you now define your identity … your confidence?

January 25 Philippians 3:17-21

Pastor Mark supposes that if Jesus appeared to him on the road to Minneapolis, perhaps he would have such boldness. But he can’t imagine saying as Paul did, “Imitate me.”  Nevertheless, others are watching us. They are looking to see if our “walk matches our talk.” To varying degrees depending on their openness (and the working of the Holy Spirit!) our lives will have influence. Others will imitate us, realizing it or not. From what you have already learned in Philippians, in what ways did Paul desire that his readers would imitate him? How would you like others to imitate you? How can you increase your level of influence in the life of someone who is far from Jesus or who you desire to more closely follow Jesus?

January 26 Philippians 4:8-9

Here the Apostle lifts up a series of virtues from the Greco-Roman world and (without directly saying it) indicates that this was the kind of life that he was teaching and living. Ben Witherington comments, “Paul then doesn’t limit himself to Christian models of excellence but indicates that one should affirm and embrace whatever is true and honorable wherever one finds it, as long as it is consistent with one’s faith in, knowledge of, and pattern of judgments and behavior seen in Christ … As Fee puts it, Paul is saying “read this list through the lens of what you have learned from me and seen in me.” Paul then once more offers his own life as a litmus test or a screening room … for his disciples.”  (Ben Witherington III, Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, 256–257).  Which of the qualities listed in v.8 are especially attractive to you? Who in your life has provided an influential example of this and other virtues? Who (if anyone) are you seeking to imitate?