* What does the Bible say about imitating Christ?

What does the Bible say about imitating Christ, specifically regarding his humility, his love for others (including enemies), his obedience to God, and his focus on serving others rather than seeking personal gain or recognition? Furthermore, are there specific biblical figures or passages that provide practical examples or guidance on how to actively imitate Christ in these areas in our daily lives?

Answer

The Bible strongly encourages believers to imitate Christ in various aspects of life, reflecting His character, actions, and teachings. This imitation is presented as a central goal and a defining characteristic of Christian discipleship.

Key Passages and Themes:

• Following His Example: 1 Peter 2:21 states, "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps." This verse emphasizes that Christ’s life, especially His suffering and response to it, serves as a model for believers to emulate. We are to walk in the same manner as He walked.

• Putting on Christ: Romans 13:14 urges, "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires." "Putting on Christ" signifies a transformation where believers actively embody Christ’s virtues and character. This involves a deliberate choice to live according to His principles rather than succumbing to selfish desires. Galatians 3:27 also echoes this idea, stating, "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ."

• Having the Mind of Christ: Philippians 2:5-8 instructs, "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." This passage highlights humility, selflessness, and obedience as key attributes of Christ that believers should cultivate. Having the "mind of Christ" means adopting His perspective and priorities.

• Walking as He Walked: 1 John 2:6 declares, "Whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked." This verse underscores the practical implications of claiming to be a follower of Christ. It calls for a lifestyle that mirrors His actions and conduct.

• Love as He Loved: John 13:34-35 commands, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." Christ’s sacrificial love serves as the standard for believers’ relationships with one another. Emulating His love is a primary way to demonstrate discipleship. John 15:12 reinforces this: "This is my command: Love each other as I have loved you."

• Forgiveness: Ephesians 4:32 states, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Christ’s forgiveness is a key aspect of imitation.

• Imitating God: Ephesians 5:1-2 states, "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Since Christ perfectly reflects God, imitating Christ is also a way of imitating God.

• Bearing Fruit: John 15:8 "This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." Fruit-bearing is the result of abiding in Christ and imitating His life and teachings. This fruit includes characteristics like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Specific Areas of Imitation:

The Bible presents various specific areas in which believers are called to imitate Christ:

• Humility and Service: Christ humbled Himself and served others (Philippians 2:5-8; Matthew 20:28). Believers are called to adopt a similar attitude of humility and to serve others selflessly.
• Love and Compassion: Christ demonstrated love and compassion towards all people, including the marginalized and outcasts (Matthew 9:36; Mark 1:41). Believers are called to show the same love and compassion.
• Forgiveness: Christ forgave those who wronged Him (Luke 23:34). Believers are called to forgive others as they have been forgiven.
• Obedience to God’s Will: Christ was perfectly obedient to God’s will (John 5:30; Hebrews 5:8). Believers are called to seek and obey God’s will in their own lives.
• Prayer: Christ frequently withdrew to pray (Luke 5:16; Mark 1:35). Believers are encouraged to cultivate a strong prayer life.
• Preaching and Teaching: Christ devoted much of his time to teaching and preaching the Gospel (Matthew 4:23; Mark 1:38). While not all are called to be preachers or teachers, all believers are called to share their faith in appropriate ways.
• Suffering: Christ endured suffering for the sake of others (1 Peter 2:21; Hebrews 12:2). Believers are told to expect suffering and persecution and to respond with faith and endurance.
• Resisting Temptation: Christ was tempted but did not sin (Hebrews 4:15). Believers are called to resist temptation through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Role of the Holy Spirit:

The Bible makes it clear that imitating Christ is not possible through human effort alone. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to grow in Christlikeness. Galatians 5:16-17 states, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do." The Spirit enables believers to overcome their sinful nature and to live in accordance with God’s will. He also produces the fruit of the Spirit, which are characteristics that reflect Christ’s nature.

Purpose:

The ultimate purpose of imitating Christ is to glorify God (Matthew 5:16). When believers reflect Christ’s character and actions, they point others to Him and demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel. It is also for our own sanctification and growth in holiness.

Pray This Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Your Word teaches us so much about living a life pleasing to You, and especially about following in the footsteps of Your Son, Jesus Christ. We come before You humbled by the sheer perfection of His life, and acknowledging our own shortcomings.

We read in Scripture that we are called to imitate Christ. [Here, insert specific verses about imitating Christ, such as: Ephesians 5:1-2, "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." 1 Corinthians 11:1, "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." 1 Peter 2:21, "For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps."] These verses remind us of the profound responsibility and blessing of striving to emulate His character.

Lord, we confess that it is not easy. We often stumble, driven by our own selfish desires and prone to error. We ask for Your guidance, Your strength, and Your Holy Spirit to empower us to truly live as Christ lived.

Help us to emulate His love, showing compassion to the outcast and the marginalized. Help us to embrace His humility, putting the needs of others before our own. Help us to follow His example of forgiveness, extending grace even to those who have wronged us. And above all, help us to imitate His unwavering obedience to Your will, even when it is difficult.

Grant us the wisdom to discern Your will in our lives and the courage to act upon it. Make us vessels of Your love and instruments of Your peace, reflecting the light of Christ in a world that so desperately needs it.

We pray all this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.