I have been in the “education game” for many decades and I realize that it is important that I be both a "guide from the side and a sage on the stage." Both of these styles are to stimulate students to study, reflect, and discover.
I also have discovered it is true that sometimes truth is better “caught than taught.” However, both are foundational in forming a mature Christian. The New Testament is the inspired and inerrant word of God. (2 Tim. 3:6) It is to be read, preached, and obeyed. (2 Tim. 1:13, 2:15, 4:2) Paul reminds us; “Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching.” (I Tim. 4:13)
It must not escape our notice that the New Testament exhorts us to also be Followers. The word often used is the Greek word mimetai - translated in English with the words Mimic or Imitate.
- “I exhort you therefore be imitators of me.” I Corinthians 4:16
- “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” I Corinthians 11:1
- “Therefore be imitators of God as beloved children...” Ephesians 5:1
- “For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews..." 1 Thessalonians 2:14
- “For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in undisciplined manner among you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship, we kept working night and day so that we might not be a burden to any of you; not because we do not have the right to do this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you that you might follow our example." 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9
- “...that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:12
- “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7
- “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil but what is good.” 3 John :11
I guess that leaves me with only two questions:
- Are you following Christ?
- Who is following you?
Serving Him with you, until He comes for us,
Fred Chay
