Building Strong Hearts, Cultivating Deep Life!

Building Strong Hearts, Cultivating Deep Life! PAUL.... A Man Worth Imitating! 1 Corinthians 11:1; 4:16

1 Corinthians 11:1…. “Be imitators of me, as I also am of Christ.” [HCSB] 1 Corinthians 4:16…. “Therefore I urge you, be imitators of me.” [HCSB]

1 Thessalonians 1:6…. “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message with the joy from the Holy Spirit.” [HCSB]

2 Thessalonians 3:7…. “For you yourselves know how you must imitate us: we were not irresponsible among you.” [HCSB]

INTRODUCTION “asked” SAUL “little” PAUL

PAUL.... A Benjamite. A Pharisee trained under the famous Gamaliel, circumcised on the eight day. A Roman citizen. Extremely zealous follower of Judaism. Hebrew of Hebrews.

We want to particularly mention many of the good examples of the apostle Paul that we ought to imitate.

MAIN POINTS 1. He Took Good Care Of His Own Soul

A) Paul was earnest in seeking his own salvation. Philippians 1:21…. “For me, living is Christ and dying is gain.” [HCSB]

B) Paul was careful to run as not in vain but resolving to win the prize of salvation.

1 Corinthians 9:27…. “Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” [HCSB]

2. He Respected God And Lived To Please Him

A)Paul was strong in faith 2 Corinthians 5:6-8…. “Therefore, though we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord ….

“…. – for we walk by faith, not by sight – yet we are confident and satisfied to be out of the body and at home with the Lord.” [HCSB]

B)Paul had deep love for Christ 2 Corinthians 5:14…. “For Christ’s love compels us, since we have reached this conclusion: If One died for all, then all died.” [HCSB]

Romans 8:35-37…. “Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or anguish or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: ….

…. Because of You we are being put to death all day long; we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered. No, in all these things we are more than victorious through Him who loved us.” [HCSB]

C)Paul was not ashamed of the gospel Romans 1:16…. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek.” [HCSB]

D)Paul had heaven-mindedness

Colossians 3:1-2…. “So if you have been raised with the Messiah, seek what is above, where the Messiah is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on what is above and not what is on the earth.” [HCSB]

2 Corinthians 4:18…. “So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen; for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” [HCSB]

E)Paul abound in prayer and praise Romans 1:8-10…. “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you because the news of your faith is being reported in all the world. ….

…. For God, whom I serve with my spirit in [telling] the good news about His Son, is my witness that I constantly mention you, always asking in my prayers that if it is somehow in God’s will, I may now at last succeed in coming to you.” [HCSB]

F)Paul was contented Philippians 4:11-13…. “I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. …

… In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret [of being content] – whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.” [HCSB]

G)Paul was cautious in his words

2 Corinthians 12:6…. “For if I want to boast, I will not be a fool, because I will be telling the truth. But I will spare you, so that no one can credit me with something beyond what he sees in me or hears from me.” [HCSB]

3. He Respected Men And Lived To Show It

A)His meekness and love for his enemies

1 Corinthians 4:12-13…. “… we labor, working with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we entreat. We are, even now, like the world’s garbage, like the filth of all things.” [HCSB]

B)He delighted in peace Philippians 2:1-2…. “If then there is encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection ….

…. and mercy, fulfill my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the same feelings, focusing on one goal.” [HCSB]

C)He was tender and compassionate towards those in affliction 2 Corinthians 11:29…. “Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?” [HCSB]

D)He rejoiced at other’s prosperity and joy Romans 12:15…. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, ...” [HCSB]

E)He delighted in the fellowship of God’s people Philippians 1:8…. “For my God is my witness, how I deeply miss all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.” [HCSB]

Romans 1:11-12…. “For I want very much to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, that is, to be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.” [HCSB]

F)He was truly courteous in his behavior towards others

CONCLUSION 1. He Took Good Care Of His Own Soul 2. He Respected God & Lived To Please Him 3. He Respected Men & Lived To Show It

Building Strong Hearts, Cultivating Deep Life!