Topical Encyclopedia The concept of being an "imitator" in the Bible is primarily associated with the call for believers to emulate the character and actions of God and Christ. This theme is particularly evident in the New Testament, where followers of Christ are encouraged to model their lives after His example and the teachings of the apostles.Biblical References: 1. Ephesians 5:1-2 : "Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God." This passage highlights the call for believers to imitate God by living a life characterized by love, mirroring the sacrificial love demonstrated by Christ. 2. 1 Corinthians 11:1 : "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." Here, the Apostle Paul urges the Corinthian church to imitate him insofar as he imitates Christ. This underscores the importance of Christ as the ultimate model for Christian conduct. 3. Philippians 3:17 : "Join one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you." Paul encourages the Philippians to observe and imitate those who live according to the apostolic teachings, reinforcing the idea of a community striving together to reflect Christ's character. 4. 1 Thessalonians 1:6 : "And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, when you welcomed the message with the joy of the Holy Spirit, in spite of your great suffering." The Thessalonians are commended for imitating the apostles and the Lord, even amidst persecution, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel. 5. Hebrews 6:12 : "Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." This verse encourages believers to imitate the faith and perseverance of those who have gone before them, emphasizing the importance of steadfastness in the Christian walk. Theological Significance: The call to be an imitator is deeply rooted in the Christian understanding of sanctification, the process by which believers are conformed to the image of Christ. This imitation is not merely external but involves a transformation of the heart and mind, enabled by the Holy Spirit. It reflects a life of obedience, humility, and love, aligning one's actions and attitudes with the teachings of Scripture. Imitation in the biblical sense is not about mere mimicry but involves a sincere and intentional effort to embody the virtues and character of Christ. It is a dynamic process that requires ongoing spiritual growth and maturity. The community of believers plays a crucial role in this process, as individuals are encouraged to learn from and support one another in their journey of faith. Practical Application: For Christians today, being an imitator involves daily decisions to reflect Christ's love, mercy, and righteousness in all areas of life. It calls for a commitment to spiritual disciplines such as prayer, study of the Scriptures, and fellowship with other believers. By seeking to imitate Christ, believers bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel and fulfill their calling to be "light in the world" (Matthew 5:14). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.). One who makes an imitation. Greek 3402. mimetes -- an imitator ... an imitator. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: mimetes Phonetic Spelling: (mim-ay-tace') Short Definition: an imitator Definition: an imitator ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3402.htm - 7k 4831. summimetes -- a fellow imitator Library The True Gnostic is an Imitator of God, Especially in Beneficence. Plato an Imitator of Moses in Framing Laws. The Malignity of the Devil as an Imitator in all Things; Two Kinds ... That a Man Should not be a Curious Searcher of the Sacrament, but ... The Blessings that Will Flow from Faith. The Stromata, or Miscellanies By Death I Shall Attain True Life. Whom Sinners Imitate. Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of ... The So-Called Letter to Diognetus Thesaurus Imitator (1 Occurrence)... (n.). One who makes an imitation. Multi-Version Concordance Imitator (1 Occurrence). 1 Corinthians 11:1 Be imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ. ... /i/imitator.htm - 6k Imitators (8 Occurrences) Imitation (3 Occurrences) Turn (963 Occurrences) Resources Who are the four horsemen of the apocalypse? | GotQuestions.orgImitator: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Imitator (1 Occurrence)1 Corinthians 11:1 Subtopics Related Terms |
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