“And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit…“
and of the Lord,
After leadership first wins credibility with their people, then they can shift that credibility to Christ. Great Christian leaders do not point people ultimately to themselves.
“Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, ‘Behold the Lamb of God!’ The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus” (John 1:35-37).
Note the result of following godly Christian leaders and the Lord — “so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe (v.7).”
Principle:
God will extend our ministry way beyond ourselves when we follow the Lord.
Application:
When Christians follow the Lord, they do what they could not otherwise do. God will extend our ministry way beyond ourselves when we follow the Lord.
“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma” (Ephesians 5:1-2).
