Follow Our Example

I am currently reading in Philippians, and I am reading that Paul is challenging the Philippians to pursue Christ likeness by following his own example of how to live the Christian life.

Philippians 3:17

Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.

Today, we have the bible that instructs us on how to live out the Christian life. If you think about it the early Christians did not have the bible to guide them. Paul knew this and he challenged the early Philippian Christians to follow his example on how to live the Christian life. This did not mean that Paul was perfect, but he focused his life on being like Christ, and so should the early Philippian Christians. It is obvious Paul’s Christian character was a testimony on how he obeyed and served the Lord Jesus Christ.

This should also be a challenge to us. What would a new Christian learn, by imitating our Christian walk? This is why it is so important to watch how we act in front of new Christians. We would not want to be responsible in causing them to stumble in their faith.

1 Corinthians 8: 9

Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

Paul goes on in verse 1 Corinthians 8:12 warns us that if our actions cause a new Christian to stumble in their faith that we sin against Christ. This is a serious responsibility that we Christians have to help new Christians in Christ to grow in their faith.