The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9
Through the works of Paul you can learn a lot about how to model a life that will be pleasing to the Lord. It is through his passion, talents, and actions that he was able to plant churches, develop leaders, and encourage people to reach their maximum potential in God. Whenever I sit and read the many works that was done by his Holy Spirit lead efforts, I often find myself being marveled by the influence that God trusted him with. He often travelled to areas where others hadn’t heard the good news and ministered such profound truths that he converted thousands. How did he do it? Well the easy answer to that question is with God. However, while digging deeper into the text, I found some practical tips we can use to make sure, like Paul, we live a life worth duplicating.
Love Others
In the book of Philippians Paul demonstrated his unconditional love for people by sharing that he wanted what was best for them. The language used in the following scripture gives a clear indication of the depth of his relationships. To live like Christ we have to love like Christ.
Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. Philippians 4:1
Believe In Others
Within the new testament there are many indications of Paul’s ability to grow and develop leaders of the churches he established. In his letters it is not rare to find words of encouragement and faith to those in the ministry.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Philippians 1:6
Invest in Others
With each letter to the church Paul provided encouragement and love but he also provided instruction from his personal experience to shield others from the traps of the enemy. He gave of himself so that others may be blessed.
Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:2-5
How To Live A Life Worth Duplicating
1. Love others unconditionally – This means loving people without any rules or stipulations that they must do to earn your love.
2. Believe in others – People will often attempt to live up to the expectations you have of them if you are in a position of influence in their life. If you have this influence, see people not as who they are currently but who they can become in Christ.
3. Invest in others – Give to others without any expectation of return. Sacrifice your time, energy, experience, and money to help people get to the next level in their lives.
Living in this manner is a great way to start modeling a life like Christ. There is so much more to share but I’m curious of your thoughts about these three. How can we use these three to make a difference in the lives of the people we come in contact with?
Faith Apostolic Church is a rapidly growing, multicultural, and multi-campus church serving the communities of Carmel and Sheridan Indiana. With a robust spirit lead worship experience, and powerful teaching and preaching, God has drawn over 13 nationalities to fellowship and praise under one roof. From our dedicated youth services, prayer meetings, small group bible studies, vacation bible school, and mission trips all over the world, people of all ages are being introduced to God, filled with His spirit, and being baptized in Jesus’ name.
