CHRIST IS OUR MODEL

I Peter 2:21

In Christian theology, Jesus Christ is regarded as the ultimate model for human behavior and spiritual life. His life, teachings, and sacrificial death provide a blueprint for believers to emulate. The New Testament presents Christ as the perfect example of love, humility, obedience, and holiness, urging Christians to follow in His footsteps.

The New Testament is replete with exhortations for believers to imitate Christ. In I Peter 2:21, it is written, "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in His footsteps." This verse underscores the call to emulate Christ.

The Apostle Paul frequently encourages believers to model their lives after Christ. In I Corinthians 11:1, Paul states, "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." Here, Paul sets forth the principle of imitation, positioning Christ as the ultimate standard.

Covering our bodies isn't for the pastor or the church or for you, it's for God. It's because there's a generation that's copying something they call “fashion,” but God's Word calls it “image.”

The call to model one's life after Christ is not merely theoretical but practical. Believers are encouraged to embody Christ's attributes in their daily lives. This involves a transformation of character and conduct, as described in Romans 12:2: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

It's worth suffering for Christ. There's an image. This generation needs to see people who make a difference. There's an image that has been distorted. Too much permissiveness has become the norm. That is not our model. Our model is Christ, and Christ did not strip himself naked; he was stripped naked, and that nakedness was a source of shame, not victory. Once you understand this, you will not dress in a way that exposes your nakedness, because it is a source of shame, not victory.

The best of the old school has been lost. It had its flaws, but the old school had ethics, morals, modesty, and holiness. We’re not talking about legalism. We’re talking about conforming to the pattern that is Christ. While the call to imitate Christ is daunting, believers are not left to their own devices. The Holy Spirit empowers Christians to grow in Christlikeness (Galatians 5:22-23).

Christ as our model is a central tenet of Christian discipleship. His life and teachings provide a perfect example for believers to follow, guiding them in their spiritual journey and daily conduct. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Christians are equipped to grow in Christlikeness, embodying His love, humility, obedience, and holiness  in their lives.