imitate – Ministry of Grace Church

Tag: imitate

2 Thessalonians 3:9 – Christ-like Selflessness

Posted on September 7, 2016 by Will

not because we do not have authority, but that we might give ourselves as an example for you to imitate us.

Truth to Learn

Our love for others is shown in what we sacrifice for them.

Behind the Words

“Authority” is translated from the Greek noun exousia, which is derived from the verb exesti, meaning “it is permissible.” Thus, exousia refers to “permission, authority, or the power to do something.”

The wordx translated “we might give” is a form of didōmi, meaning “to give something of one’s one accord,” that is “to freely give a gift.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating the possibility or probability of giving. So, literally, Paul is saying “that we might freely give ourselves as an example …”

“Example” is from the Greek word tupos, from which we get our English word “type.” It refers to an object that is struck with a blow to produce a specific mark or impression. In common usage it refers to an example that is to be followed or imitated.

The word “imitate” is from the verb mimeomai, which we saw back in verse seven, meaning “to imitate” or “to follow as an example.”

Meaning Explained

As we learned in yesterday’s verse, like every other faithful preacher of God’s word the Apostle Paul had the right to receive compensation from those to whom he ministered. However, he didn’t receive anything from the people in Thessalonica because he didn’t want to be a burden to them. Here he tells us that he also wanted to be an example of what it means to sacrifice for the good of others.

He taught the Galatians:

But the one who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. (Galatians 6:6)

And to the Corinthians, he said:

Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat the food of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should get their living from the gospel. (1 Corinthians 9:13-14)

Nonetheless, Paul had another lesson to teach the Thessalonians (and us). If we are to become more like Christ, we need to be willing to sacrifice ourselves for the sake of others. Paul did not take any type of compensation from the Thessalonians, not because he didn’t deserve it, but because he was showing his own Christ-likeness by sacrificing himself for their sakes. And, he was not behaving this way just to please God; he was giving them (and us) an example that we can observe and mimic. Here’s what he said to the Philippians:

… but in humility of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3b, 4)

Application

The Christian walk is all about love. Not just the love we have for God, but also the love we have (and show) for others. Are you willing to sacrifice for God? Are you willing to sacrifice for the sake of other Christians? That’s what Paul did.

In God's service, for His glory,

2 Thessalonians 3:7 – Walk, or Just Talk?

Posted on September 5, 2016 by Will

For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, for we were not disorderly among you;

Truth to Learn

The most effective proclaimer of the Gospel truth is someone who lives the kind of life he preaches about.

Behind the Words

The word translated “know” is eidō, which means “to see with perception.” As in English, this verb can refer to visibly seeing something and perceiving what it is, or it can mean “to see with the mind,” that is, “to know.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense, indicating past completed action with an ongoing effect, where the emphasis is on the effect.

“You ought” is from the Greek word dei, meaning “it is necessary.” It is a bold statement by Paul, for he is not saying “you could …” or even “you should.” He is saying “you need to follow our example.”

“Imitate” is translated from mimeomai, from which we get our English word “mimic.” It means “to imitate” or “to follow as an example.”

The words “we were not disorderly” are from the word ou and the verb atakteō. Ou expresses absolute negation (the Greek word mē expressed conditional negation). Atakteō is from the same root as ataktos, which we saw in yesterday’s verse, meaning “to be disorderly.” It is used in a military sense, indicating soldiers who have broken ranks and are not following an orderly course of action.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse, Paul instructed the Christians in Thessalonica to withdraw themselves from those who are disorderly, those who are not demonstrating obedience to God. You may also recall that the main purpose of this letter was to correct teaching regarding the Day of the Lord. There had been people who falsely taught that this time of God’s vengeance had already begun.

Based on this verse and the following seven or eight verses, Paul appears to be teaching how to identify the difference between those who teach true doctrine and those who teach false doctrine. His first teaching in this regard is that Paul and his companions were not disorderly. And we will find out in the coming verses that they worked hard for what they had.

There are many preachers today who tell you what you want to hear. They claim that God wants you to be wealthy or that God wants you to be completely healed. They are very charismatic, presenting themselves as someone who can lead you out of your misery into an earthly life of peace and prosperity, and usually asking you to send them money “for their ministry.” Paul, on the other hand, was humble, apparently not very tall or charismatic, and supported his own ministry by working as a tent maker. Which of these two types of preachers do you want to follow as an example of Christian teaching and Christian living? Paul was bold enough to tell people, “Do as I do, not just as I say.”

Application

Who is your favorite preacher or Bible teacher? Is he someone who lives an exemplary life of a submitted servant? Does he just talk the talk, or does he also walk the walk?

In God's service, for His glory,