Post by John on Mar 11, 2020 16:14:02 GMT -5
The verses I want us to look at are interesting, because of the responsibility it places on the shoulders of the one saying it. The entire Bible is the Word of God, but the person writing this is taking on the responsibility of leading the people in the right direction that will lead to eternal life.
BE ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1-2
The Apostle Paul is telling the people that he is following Jesus Christ, so they should follow him as he does so. How do we follow the Apostle Paul? At the time when he wrote this epistle, he was travelling around visiting the churches he had helped establish. The people knew him personally, and if there was a controversy, they could ask him about it. Paul would address things that were taking place in the churches of his day. We are able to follow Paul by obeying the things he taught us. Faithful obedience to the epistles of Paul is obedience to Christ himself. We are told to remember Paul in all things, "and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you." There is no need to spiritualize them. Just keep the ordinances exactly as Paul gave them to us, because when we read Paul's words, written in the Holy Bible, we are following Jesus Christ who gave him the various ordinances.
How many people would feel comfortable in saying that you can follow them as they follow Jesus, because they know the right way? Imagine the pressure that would place on a person to get everything just right. Of course, there were no concerns with Paul because he was taught directly by Jesus. I would never feel comfortable putting myself out there like that, but I am comfortable following Paul as he follows Jesus, as I know that Paul made it home, and if we keep the ordinances as he delivered them to us, it will lead us home.