Date: August 26, 2007
Sermon Title: “Be Ye Followers”
Key Points
Scripture(s): 1 Corinthians 4:16
(Therefore I urge you, imitate me.)
As a leader and follower of Christ, people need to imitate you. You have to be a doer of the word.
Scripture(s): 1 Corinthians 10: 31 & 33
(Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.) vs. 31
(Just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.) vs. 33
Whatever I do should be to the glory of God. We need to walk out the word of God.
You cannot seek yourself or your own profit. Our heart should be to tell someone about the goodness of the Lord.
Scripture(s): 1 Corinthians 11:1
(Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ)
As leaders we should be able to say, “imitate me.” We need to be examples to others in our deeds, walk and our talk. People are watching how we live our life. You need only to imitate me as I imitate Christ. As Christian Leaders we must walk it out.
Scripture(s): Philippians 3:17
(Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.)
Pastor speaking personally to the congregation: “True Love Fellowship join in with me and follow my example. For example, How can I tell you to be on time and I am not on time.”
The power behind what you say is that action follows it.
The people you must note, are the people who walk in the things of Christ.
You have leaders (e.g., pastor and first lady) for an example. This will help you to follow the pattern of Jesus Christ.
Scripture(s): Philippians 4:9
(The things which you have learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.)
The things that you have learned, received and heard does not stop there. It also includes, what you saw in me. As husbands we have to be examples in the household. Your children will watch you and do what you do.
Directed toward the wife: If your husband gets up and leave. Don’t run behind him and cause him to do something he shouldn’t do. Why? When someone walks away it is because they are at a level of anger they feel might cause them to do something wrong or hurtful to you.
“If I walk out what I learn and preach, then I will have peace.”
Scripture(s): 1 Thessalonians 1: 5 & 6
(For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.) vs. 5
(As you become followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit). vs. 6
The gospel is for your sake that I act correctly (e.g., pastor). I want you to follow me as I follow Christ. Don’t follow me if I don’t act Christ like. For example, Why would you ask the people to pray daily and you don’t pray everyday?
We need to be an example to all.
Scripture(s): 2 Thessalonians 3: 7-9
For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you (vs. 7), nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you (vs.8), not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us (vs. 9).
We have to be able to have the same testimony and be an example. For example, if you build an empire then no one else can step in and/or fill in, if you’re not able to rule that empire anymore. You can use the word of God for your benefit, but rightfully so.
I have to be an example in order for you to follow me.
Scripture(s): 2 Timothy 1:13
(Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.)
If you have heard sound words, hold on to it!
Scripture(s): Hebrews 13:7
(Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.)
If your husband is over you, then he will lead you. You have to be able to follow in order to be proven. If I tell you to love, then I have to love.