Growth “As I follow Christ”

[netchaplain]

Paul’s intention here (1Cor 11:1) is not related to that of becoming a Christian, but rather to that of what a Christian does—“Walk as He walked” (1John 2:6). It could not be related to being born again because one must be born again to “follow Christ.” This has to do with the issue of believer’s being “workers together with Him” (Christ; 2Cor 6:1)—is the prime objective of glorifying our Father (Mat 5:16) through the life of Christ.

As Jesus came not to “glorify” Himself but to glorify the Father (the Father glorifies the Son), so Paul’s desire was not for “vain glory” (self-glory; Gal 5:26) but to also glorify God, therefore following Paul in his work, which is to follow Christ in His work. It must be learned that the believer’s part is only to “bear fruit” (John 15:8), and not produce it, which is an impossibility considering it being solely a work of God; for it is the Vine which produces, and the branch displays (“bears”) it.

There is instruction in knowing the Father uses our lives to manifest the work (fruit) He produces in us, hence it is not our lives being manifested (“not I but Christ”; Gal 2:20) but rather being used for His manifestation, for “Christ is our life” (Col 3:4). Not that God is replacing the believer’s life with Christ’s, but that our lives are conjoined with the Lord Jesus’ life; and it’s not the life containing the “old man” which is conjoined but the “new man,” which “is created in righteousness and true holiness,” and “after the image of Him that created him” (Eph 4:24; Col 3:10). This means the person-hood and character (minus the old nature, plus the new nature) of who we are is with what God desires fellowship.

Therefore, knowing that it is God who produces, and the believer who manifests, we can understandably work more effectually in knowing our part!

 

[WalterandDebbie]

Paul’s intention here (1Cor 11:1) is not related to that of becoming a Christian, but rather to that of what a Christian does—“Walk as He walked” (1John 2:6). It could not be related to being born again because one must be born again to “follow Christ.” This has to do with the issue of believer’s being “workers together with Him” (Christ; 2Cor 6:1)—is the prime objective of glorifying our Father (Mat 5:16) through the life of Christ.

As Jesus came not to “glorify” Himself but to glorify the Father (the Father glorifies the Son), so Paul’s desire was not for “vain glory” (self-glory; Gal 5:26) but to also glorify God, therefore following Paul in his work, which is to follow Christ in His work. It must be learned that the believer’s part is only to “bear fruit” (John 15:8), and not produce it, which is an impossibility considering it being solely a work of God; for it is the Vine which produces, and the branch displays (“bears”) it.

There is instruction in knowing the Father uses our lives to manifest the work (fruit) He produces in us, hence it is not our lives being manifested (“not I but Christ”; Gal 2:20) but rather being used for His manifestation, for “Christ is our life” (Col 3:4). Not that God is replacing the believer’s life with Christ’s, but that our lives are conjoined with the Lord Jesus’ life; and it’s not the life containing the “old man” which is conjoined but the “new man,” which “is created in righteousness and true holiness,” and “after the image of Him that created him” (Eph 4:24; Col 3:10). This means the person-hood and character (minus the old nature, plus the new nature) of who we are is with what God desires fellowship.

Therefore, knowing that it is God who produces, and the believer who manifests, we can understandably work more effectually in knowing our part!

Above is some great scriptures to follow, as a person should follow our Saviour's steps. I Pet. 2:21.

 

[netchaplain]

Above is some great scriptures to follow, as a person should follow our Saviour's steps. I Pet. 2:21.

Hi W & D - Thanks for the additional encouraging comment. To me, I like comprehending the idea of "following" as being brought along, more than going along, and this comforts me more because it involves Him holding onto us (Jude 1:24) rather than the inverse!!

God's blessings to your Family!

 

[netchaplain]

Myself, I like comprehending the idea of "following" as being brought along, more than going along, and this comforts me more because it involves Him holding onto us (Jude 1:24) rather than the inverse!!

 

[Eugene]

Hi Brother @Chaplain, I'll just add a couple thoughts here. The bottom line of 1 Cor 11:1 to me is following Jesus as Paul followed Him. We were not brought forth to die for the world as Christ did; we weren't qualified, but I can give my life for the gospel's sake (1 Cor 9:23).

Now the product? God tells us that He fulfills the righteousness of the law IN US (Not by us), who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. It is God's glory because He work's in us to will, and to do of His good pleasure (Php 2:13), we are His workmanship unto good works (Eph 2:10), and it is Him that gives the increase to us (1 Cor 3:7), the recipients of His grace so we might bear fruit.

The reward? We'll know when we see Jesus as He tells us in Rev 22:12 that My reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. What will that be according to? Rom 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. It is that gospel revealed to Paul by our risen Savior (Gal 1:12), and hidden from others. Col 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints. Rom 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. In this context 1 Cor 11:1 Paul seemingly gives much needed advice.

 

[netchaplain]

Hi Eugene - Thanks for your input, which shows the discernment that our walking as He walked cannot involve atonement for sin but rather enduring for Him.