Theological Commentary: Click Here
Discipleship Focus: Imitation
- Imitation: This is the second over-arching step of the discipleship process. First we gain information, then we imitate our spiritual mentor. Imitation leads to innovation of spirituality in our own life.
When we
look at 2 John and 3 John, we can hear a clear emphasis on work and visible
signs of faith. We are to love. How do we love? We show our love by walking in the commandments
of God. In other words, we imitate Jesus
and His teachings. We show our love in
imitation of godliness.
This is
truly the message of John 3 as well. Do
you hear the contrast between Diotrephes and Demetrius? Diotrephes is all about himself. He is putting his ways first. He isn’t interested in imitating anyone else;
Diotrephes is interested in making himself the center of attention. He is not welcoming other people who are
trying to imitate Christ.
On the
other hand, we hear about Demetrius. He
has received a good testimony. He is
imitating the brothers. Truth shines
through him because he is willing to imitate the faith of those who came before
him.
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