Having The Image/Character of JESUS

To have the character of Jesus for this lesson means to successfully replicate
another persons distinctive qualities, features and strengths in ones life
How is this to happen?
Through a deliberate conscious imitation of the distinctive qualities, features
and strengths of Jesus.
This act of conscious imitation is required of every Christian: ought to walk as
Jesus walked (1 John 2:6).
The proof of a life successfully imitating Jesus is evident when a Christian can
stand up and say: Imitate me as I imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).
So how do we go about imitating Jesus?
Apparently, imitating someone considered greater/better than oneself is a
discipline not only limited to Christians. In an article from wikiHow titled How to
imitate a person you admire, some interesting pointers are shared, very similar
to the imitation principles found in Scripture:

Study the person you admire. You will only imitate someone
successfully if you become their student. Start observing their approaches
objectively, identify the things they do, say and think that make such an
impact on you (and on the world).
Be shameless in your imitation of people you admire. They've got
the qualities you aspire to and believe in. Choose from the traits you most
admire - start putting these elements into actual practice now.
Keep practicing until it works for you. Concentrate hard on the
characteristic that you wish to emulate and put it into practice regularly
until it is near enough perfect.

So where do we start in our imitation of Jesus?

1. Imitate how Jesus LOVED (John 13:34) as Jesus loved us, so must we love
others
2. Imitate how Jesus SUFFERED (1 Peter 2:21) Jesus gave us an example as
to how to face and go through suffering successfully
3. Imitate how Jesus SACRIFICED for the good of others (1 John 3:16) Jesus
was other-centered and was willing to sacrifice himself for the good of
others; so must we
In closing, just a reminder: this discipline of imitation goes hand in hand with
what God is presently doing in you transforming you into the image of His Son
(2 Corinthians 3:18). God transforms us as we live out consciously the new image
being formed by imitating Jesus.

Discussion Questions Having The Image/Character Of Christ

1. Were you aware that you were required (must, 1 John 2:6) to walk as
Jesus walked, i.e. imitate the character of Christ? Why would this require
conscious imitation?
2. Other than Christ voluntary sacrifice on the cross, what other examples of
Christ loving others do you know? Share an example from Christ and
identify how you could emulate it.
3. Christs suffering is said to be an example left for us to follow (1 Peter
2:21). Identify an action or attitude expressed by Jesus when He
encountered suffering which we should imitate when we go through
suffering.
4. 1 John 3:16 lifts up Jesus sacrifice for us as something we should aspire to
as well. In what practical ways can we sacrifice for the good of others,
especially fellow Christians?
5. What would it take for you to be able to say to others (especially fellow
believers) the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:1?