Imitating Christ: Our Call to Mission and Discipleship
Summary
Imitation is a powerful force in our lives, shaping us from childhood through adulthood. We naturally imitate those we admire, whether it’s a parent, a mentor, or someone whose life inspires us. The Apostle Paul boldly invites us to imitate him as he imitates Christ, not because he is perfect, but because he is passionately pursuing Jesus. This call is not about striving to do more or adding burdens, but about learning to live the life of Jesus—individually and together as a church family.
Paul’s life gives us three distinct roles to consider: apostle (or missionary), evangelist, and disciple. Each of these roles is rooted in the life of Jesus himself. As apostles, we are sent people—missionaries not just overseas, but right where we live, work, and play. Our neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools are our mission fields. Like Paul, we are called and commissioned to bring the hope of Jesus to those around us, learning to understand and love the culture we’re in, just as a missionary would in a foreign land.
As evangelists, we are bearers of good news. Evangelism isn’t reserved for a select few; it’s the natural overflow of loving Jesus. We share what we love, and the greatest news we have is that Jesus has defeated sin, death, and the evil one. Our calling is to look for opportunities to share this hope, whether through words, acts of kindness, or simply inviting others into our community. The power of invitation is profound—sometimes the simplest act of including someone can open the door to transformation.
At the core, we are called to be disciples—followers who are being shaped into the likeness of Jesus. Discipleship is not about earning God’s favor, but about training, discipline, and devotion. It’s about cultivating desire to become like Jesus, developing habits that align us with his life, setting our direction on him, and living with sacrificial devotion. The goal is not just to escape judgment, but to experience the peace, joy, and courage of Christ in every circumstance. Jesus invites us to take on his yoke, to learn from him, and to live from a place of rest and trust in God’s love.
Key Takeaways
- Imitation as Spiritual Formation
Imitation is not about being a cheap copy, but about being shaped by the life of Christ. Paul’s invitation to “imitate me as I imitate Christ” is a call to let our lives be transformed by the example of Jesus, not through striving, but through surrender and intentional following. True imitation leads to authenticity, not artificiality, as we become more like the One we follow. [03:50]
- Every Believer is Sent
The call to be an apostle or missionary is not reserved for a select few. Every follower of Jesus is sent into their unique context—home, work, neighborhood—to embody and share the hope of Christ. Seeing ourselves as “sent ones” reframes our daily lives as opportunities for mission, inviting us to learn the language and culture of those around us so we can love them well. [08:04]
- Evangelism Flows from Love, Not Obligation
Evangelism is not a duty to be performed, but a natural expression of what excites us. When Jesus is our greatest treasure, sharing him becomes as natural as sharing about a loved one or a joyful experience. The gospel is the announcement of Christ’s victory over sin, death, and evil—a message of hope that we are privileged to share in both word and deed. [17:52]
- Discipleship Requires Desire, Discipline, Direction, and Devotion
Becoming like Jesus is not accidental; it requires intentionality. Desire fuels our pursuit, discipline shapes our habits, direction keeps us from drifting, and devotion calls us to sacrificial love. This is not about earning God’s love, but about training with Jesus as our teacher, learning to live with his peace, joy, and courage in every circumstance. [24:54]
- Living from Rest, Not Striving
The life Jesus offers is one of rest, not relentless effort. Taking on his yoke means learning to see and live as he does—free from fear, anxiety, and the need to prove ourselves. As we imitate Christ, we discover a life marked by deep peace, resilient joy, and courageous love, even in the midst of storms. [31:54]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:59] - The Power of Imitation
[02:10] - Imitation: Good and Bad
[03:50] - Paul’s Call: Imitate Me as I Imitate Christ
[06:37] - Paul’s Story: From Persecutor to Apostle
[08:04] - Sent Ones: Apostles and Missionaries
[09:07] - Paul’s Defense of His Ministry
[10:35] - Rights, Sacrifice, and the Gospel
[12:37] - Generosity and the Example of Rick Warren
[14:34] - Living as Missionaries in Our Context
[15:39] - Paul the Evangelist: Sharing the Good News
[17:07] - Becoming All Things to All People
[19:19] - The Gospel: Christ’s Victory
[20:54] - The Power of Invitation
[23:42] - Paul the Disciple: Running to Win the Prize
[24:54] - Four Marks of Discipleship
[26:35] - The Peace and Courage of Jesus
[27:45] - Training vs. Trying: Spiritual Discipline
[29:13] - The Need for Direction and Vision
[31:23] - Devotion and Sacrifice
[31:54] - Praying for Christ’s Worldview
[32:47] - Closing Blessing and Prayer
[38:25] - Benediction and Sending
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Art of Imitation
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### Bible Reading
- 1 Corinthians 9:1-27
(Key verses: 1 Corinthians 9:19-27, especially 1 Corinthians 11:1 – “Imitate me as I imitate Christ”)
- Matthew 11:28-30
(“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest…”)
- 1 Peter 3:15
(“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have…”)
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### Observation Questions
1. In 1 Corinthians 9, what rights does Paul say he has as an apostle, and why does he choose not to use them? ([10:35])
2. According to the sermon, what are the three main roles Paul models for us as followers of Jesus? ([06:37])
3. How does Paul describe his approach to sharing the gospel with different groups of people? ([17:07])
4. What does Jesus promise to those who take on his yoke in Matthew 11:28-30?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul invite others to imitate him, even though he admits he isn’t perfect? What does this say about spiritual leadership and authenticity? ([03:50])
2. The sermon says every believer is “sent” into their context as a missionary. How does this change the way someone might view their daily life and relationships? ([14:34])
3. The message says evangelism should flow from love, not obligation. What might be the difference in how someone shares their faith if it’s motivated by love versus duty? ([17:52])
4. The sermon lists desire, discipline, direction, and devotion as marks of discipleship. Why are all four needed to become more like Jesus? ([24:54])
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### Application Questions
1. Paul says, “Imitate me as I imitate Christ.” Who is someone in your life you naturally imitate, and how has that shaped you? Is there an area where you want to be more intentional about imitating Jesus? ([03:50])
2. The sermon challenges us to see ourselves as “sent ones” in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools. What is one specific way you can approach your daily routine as a missionary this week? ([14:34])
3. Think about the last time you shared something you were excited about (a vacation, a new restaurant, etc.). How can you let your love for Jesus overflow in natural conversations with others? ([17:52])
4. The power of invitation was highlighted as a simple way to share hope. Who is someone you could invite into your community or to a church event this month? What’s holding you back? ([20:54])
5. The sermon described discipleship as training, not just trying. What is one spiritual habit or discipline you want to develop or strengthen? What’s a small step you can take this week? ([27:45])
6. Jesus offers rest, not striving. Is there an area of your life where you feel you’re striving or trying to prove yourself? What would it look like to surrender that area and live from a place of rest in God’s love? ([31:54])
7. The message talked about having direction and vision to avoid drifting spiritually. What is one goal or area of growth you want to pursue in your walk with Jesus this season? ([29:54])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you imitate Christ in your daily life, to see yourself as sent, to share the hope you have, and to live from a place of rest and trust in His love.
Devotional
Day 1: Imitate Christ in All Things
The call to imitate Christ is not about being a perfect copy, but about earnestly seeking to model our lives after Jesus, just as Paul did. Imitation in the Christian life is not a matter of faking or pretending, but of genuinely learning from and following the example of Jesus in our thoughts, actions, and relationships. Paul’s bold statement, “Imitate me as I imitate Christ,” invites us to look to those who are following Jesus closely and to let their example inspire us to deeper faithfulness. This is not a message of striving to do more, but of learning to live the life of Jesus—individually and together as a church—by embracing the art of imitation in a way that is authentic and transformative. [03:50]
1 Corinthians 11:1 (ESV)
Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
Reflection: Who in your life models Christlikeness in a way that inspires you, and what is one specific Christlike trait you can intentionally imitate this week?
Day 2: Living as Sent Missionaries
Every follower of Jesus is called and commissioned to be sent into their community, workplace, and neighborhood as a missionary, sharing the hope of Christ with those around them. This identity is not reserved for those who travel overseas, but is a daily reality for all believers who recognize that they are sent by God to bring light and love wherever they go. Just as Jesus was sent by the Father and the disciples were sent into the world, so too are we sent to make disciples and share the good news. Embracing this calling means seeing ourselves as missionaries right where we are, learning the “language” and culture of our context, and looking for opportunities to be good neighbors and witnesses for Christ. [08:04]
John 20:21 (ESV)
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”
Reflection: Where has God uniquely placed you to be a missionary this week, and what is one intentional step you can take to share Christ’s hope in that place?
Day 3: Sharing the Good News with All People
Evangelism is not just for a select few, but is the joyful privilege and calling of every believer to share the good news of Jesus with others. Paul’s example of becoming “all things to all people” challenges us to meet people where they are, adapting our approach so that we might reach as many as possible with the message of Christ. Sharing Jesus can be simple—telling others how He has defeated sin, death, and the evil one, and inviting them into the community of faith. The power of invitation, whether to a church service or a simple gathering, can open doors for others to experience the love and hope found in Christ. [17:07]
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (ESV)
For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.
Reflection: Who is one person in your life who needs to hear the good news of Jesus, and how can you creatively and lovingly share or invite them into Christian community this week?
Day 4: Discipleship Requires Desire, Discipline, Direction, and Devotion
Becoming like Jesus is the true prize of the Christian life, and this journey requires a heart that desires Him, the discipline to train in godliness, clear direction and vision, and a devotion that is willing to sacrifice for what matters most. Just as athletes train with purpose, so too are we called to run our race with intentionality, replacing old habits with new ones, and keeping our eyes fixed on the goal of Christlikeness. This is not about earning God’s favor, but about putting in the effort to grow, knowing that Jesus Himself is our trainer and example. Devotion means giving up lesser things for the sake of knowing and becoming like Christ, and it is in this pursuit that we find true peace, joy, and courage. [24:54]
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (ESV)
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to grow in discipline or devotion to become more like Jesus, and what practical step can you take to pursue that growth this week?
Day 5: Living in the Rest and Courage of Christ
Jesus lived with a peace and fearlessness that came from His deep connection with the Father, and He invites us to share in that same rest and courage. Even in the midst of storms, anxiety, or uncertainty, we are called to trust in Jesus’ presence and authority, knowing that He has overcome the world. The psalmist’s declaration, “Whom shall I fear?” reminds us that with God on our side, we can face any challenge with confidence. As we seek to imitate Christ, let us pray for His worldview, His peace, and His courage to fill our hearts, so that we may live boldly and restfully in Him each day. [32:47]
Psalm 27:1 (ESV)
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Reflection: What is one fear or anxiety you are facing right now, and how can you invite Jesus’ peace and courage into that situation today?
Quotes
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