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                           "SPIRITUAL GROWTH"

                        The Value Of Role Models

INTRODUCTION

1. In previous studies, I have stressed that spiritual growth
   requires...
   a. Choosing to obey the command of God to grow - 2Pe 3:18
   b. Believing that we are capable of growth, with God's help - Php 2:
      12-13; 4:13
   c. Behavioral and functional goals, in concert with congregational
      goals - 2Pe 1:5-8; Ro 12:3-5
   d. Developing habits to reach our goals - 1Pe 2:2; Php 4:6-7; He 10:
      24-25; Ro 12:6-8
   e. Maintaining positive attitudes about the value of our efforts
      - 1Co 15:58
   f. Perseverance to remain steadfast in our efforts - He 10:36-39

2. To aid us further in spiritual growth, we need to appreciate the
   value of role models...
   a. We are commanded to emulate others - cf. Php 3:17; 4:9
   b. Even as they sought to emulate Christ - cf. 1Co 11:1

[Why are we commanded to imitate others?  Perhaps it is because...]

I. WE ARE NATURAL IMITATORS

   A. CHILDREN IMITATE THEIR PARENTS...
      1. Especially in their early years, children seem to delight in
         imitating their parents
      2. They quickly pick up their parent's mannerisms:  the way they
         talk, walk, etc.
      3. It is as though there was some innate reason for them to
         imitate mom and dad

   B. TEENAGERS IMITATE THEIR PEERS AND POPULAR IDOLS...
      1. As children get older, they may not seek to imitate their
         parents, but they are still active imitators
      2. For better or worse (usually worse), they seek to emulate those
         in their peer group, or those whom they hold in high regard
         (athletes, musicians, etc.)
      3. Despite frequent claims to want to "be themselves", you can
         usually tell by their behavior who they have been watching or
         listening to

   C. CHRISTIANS IMITATE THOSE THEY HOLD IN HIGH REGARD...
      1. I have observed that many brethren often reflect the attitudes,
         dispositions, and conduct of those preachers or elders for
         whom they have much respect
      2. This can be good, but in some cases it is not...
         a. I have known some Christians (including preachers) whose
            behavior greatly disturbed me, wondering how they could
            justify their conduct
         b. But when I saw their peers, or those brethren whom they held
            in high regard acting in the same way, I began to understand

[So we seem to be natural born imitators.  Why should we be careful
about who we seek to imitate?  Consider...]

II. THE VALUE OF ROLE MODELS

   A. GOOD ROLE MODELS CAN HELP...
      1. By example, they show us what is possible
         a. E.g., how a "son of thunder" can become the "apostle of
            love" - Mk 3:17; Lk 9:54; 1Jn 4:7-8
         b. E.g., how "uneducated and untrained men" can boldly proclaim
            the gospel of Christ- Ac 4:13
      2. By example, they teach us how to reach the same goals
         a. E.g., to enjoy a wonderful relationship with God - Php 4:9
         b. E.g., to remain steadfast despite trials - 2Co 4:16-18

   B. BAD ROLE MODELS CAN HINDER...
      1. By example, they fail to show us what is possible
         a. Perhaps preventing us from learning of our potential
         b. Certainly not encouraging us to strive for excellence
      2. By example, we can pick up their bad habits and dispositions
         a. As indicated earlier, we are naturally imitators
         b. It is not long before our conduct is similar to our role
            models

[If we desire to grow spiritually, we need to have good role models.
Where are they?  We are blessed with many...]

III. ROLE MODELS WORTHY OF EMULATION

   A. WE HAVE DEITY...
      1. As Christ encouraged us to do, in showing kindness to our
         enemies - Mt 5:43-48
      2. As Paul instructed the Ephesians to walk in love - Ep 5:1-2
      3. What better example do we have, than that of God and Jesus
         Christ?
      4. Indeed, some of the very titles we wear imply such imitation:
         a. Children of God
         b. Disciples of Jesus Christ
      -- Do we seek to learn as much about God and Jesus as we do other
         role models?

   B. WE HAVE BIBLICAL CHARACTERS...
      1. To the degree they imitate Christ, as Paul wrote to the
         Corinthians - 1Co 11:1
      2. The New Testament is filled with good examples for Christians
         today...
         a. For married couples, there is the example of Aquila and
            Priscilla - Ro 16:3-5
         b. For those blessed with things of this life, there is the
            example of Philemon and Gaius - Phm 1-7; 3Jn 5-8
         c. For women, there is the example of Dorcas - Ac 9:36,39
         d. For young men there is the example of Timothy - Php 2:19-22
      3. This does not mean to preclude many fine Old Testament examples
         as well:  Joseph, Daniel, Barzillai the Gileadite (an old man
         who helped David in his affliction - 2Sa 17:27-29; 19:31-39)
         and many others
      -- Indeed, the Scriptures are filled with many examples worthy of
         our emulation!

   C. WE HAVE MANY FELLOW CHRISTIANS TODAY...
      1. As Paul encouraged his fellow Christians to imitate those who
         provided a similar pattern as did he - Php 3:17
         a. There are many preachers, teachers, and elders we can
            emulate
         b. There are many older women that younger women can emulate
            - cf. Tit 2:3-5
         c. There are many younger people worthy of emulation - cf. 1 Ti
            4:12
      2. Yet we should be careful, for not all who profess to be
         Christians behave as they should - cf. Php 3:18-19
      3. It is important, therefore, that we know the Scriptures well
         enough to know when someone is worthy of our emulation
      -- Yet there are many Christians who can teach and encourage us by
         their own example, if we will but let them!

CONCLUSION

1. If you seek to grow spiritually, take advantage of role models...
   a. Let them show you what is possible!
   b. Let them teach you how to obtain the goals you are striving for!
   c. Let them encourage you to persevere, knowing that others have
      traveled the same path before you!

2. Since we are natural born imitators, let us make the choice to
   imitate the good - 3Jn 11
   a. Only then do we have the hope of  being "of God"
   b. The only alternative is to imitate the evil, which prevents us
      from ever "seeing God"

We conclude this lesson with the following words of Scripture:

   "And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to
   the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become
   sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit
   the promises." - He 6:11-12

Are we imitating those who through faith and patience inherit the
promises?
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