(1Cor. 11:1)

As Christians, whether ministers or the flock, we must realize that imitation of such people who had successfully carried on the faith we are now practising is evitable. The apostle Paul repeatedly urged his congregation to imitate him (Acts. 20:35; 1Cor. 4:16; 7:7; Phil 3:17; 4:9; 2Thess. 3:7; 2Tim. 1:13). This is because, he did not just preach and live, but imitated Christ in his preaching/teaching and living (vs 1).

The lessons for us from this are obvious. Ministers must not preach/teach and live, but must be imitators of Christ in heir ministry and life-style (1Tim. 6:3-4; Matt. 11:29-30; Phil. 2:5-8; Col 3:13; Heb. 3:1-2). Those who have no Christlike examples for their flocks to follow are wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matt. 7:15); false teachers (2Cor. 11:13; 2Pet. 2:1) and deceivers (2Jn. 7: ; Tit. 1:10-11).

On the other hand, the flock must imitate those ministers who have or strive to have the qualities of Christ in them (1Cor. 4:16; Phil. 3:17; Heb. 13:7). All members of the flock that have no penchant for imitating good steps never grow.

In this sub-section, the apostle also commended the Corinthians for remembering him in all things and keeping the ordinances (a handing down; doctrines, traditions) that he delivered to them (vs 2). This is one of the means of maintaining a healthy and acceptable congregation. In such a place as we are, if we want to grow and find favour with the Lord, we must remember and remind one another what the Lord’s servants have delivered to us at the Sunday Light, Bible discourse/teaching, Charismatic Hours, Weekly Bible Study and at the counseling sessions and proceed to do these things (cp. Josh. 1:13; Mal. 4:4; Lk. 24:6; Jn. 15:20; 26:4; Acts. 20:35; 2Thess. 2;5; Jude 17).