I.                   Word Analysis

A.                 Verb Form -- [mimevomai]

The verb form of this term was in common usage during the New Testament times and was used particularly in the context of one person mimicking another.

Used from the 6th cent. B.C. and derived from the root [mi] to exchange, means: (a) imitate, mimic what one sees someone else doing.  The Rabbis were the first to speak of imitation of God in the sense of developing the image of God in men.[1]

B.                 Noun Form -- [mimhthvV]

The noun form [mimhthv"] of this term stands for one who is doing the imitating.  It is the one who is attempting to duplicate in his life and actions particular aspects of another.  It is interesting to note that it is normally used in a context with the verb “to be.”

II.                Word Usage

A.                 Paul as the Model

Paul’s admonitions to believers to imitate him in their life and ministry form a model for those who are in vocational ministry.  Each one who desires vocational ministry must be willing to be held up as models to be imitated by the assembly. 

In light of this qualification, the missionary must also be a person who could be placed before the entire church as the model for Christian life and ministry.  It is obvious that this would exclude a novice from consideration for missionary service and if this simple admonition were followed in the selection of missionary candidates there would be a significant emphasis on the selection of those who would have an established track record of faithful life and service.

1.                  1 Cor. 4:16-17

1 Cor. 4:16-17  Therefore I urge you, imitate me [mimhthv"].  17  For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.

It was Timothy’s responsibility to remind the believers at Corinth of Paul’s life and teaching when he had ministered in the city.  Paul had again set the standard not only by his teaching, but probably more significantly by his “ways.”

“way” 3598 [hodos]  The main idea of the term is simply “a way” or “a traveled way or road.  It is used metaphorically as “a course of conduct or a way (i.e. manner) of thinking, feeling, or deciding.

The full significance of this is clear in 1 Cor. 4:16.  When Paul reminds the Corinthians in v. 17 of his ways and his teaching, his demand for imitation means  that they are to direct their manner of living in accordance with the instructions and conduct of the apostle.[2]

2.                  1 Cor. 11:1

Paul is stating in this passage the pattern for growth which should exist in the church.  Paul was an imitator of Christ and he was now challenging them to be imitators of himself.  The emphasis is not on imitating the works of the man, but on imitating Christ in the man.  A leader must be one who manifests Christ in his character, lifestyle and ministry and that physical manifestation gives a tangible example to others believers of the truths of the Word of God.

1 Cor. 11:1-2  Imitate me [mimhthv"], just as I also [imitate] Christ.  2 Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered [them] to you.

While the term traditions #3862  [paradosis] can have negative connotations when it is used in reference to traditions over against true teachings of the Word of God, the definition of the term does not require this opposition to truth.  The term carries the meaning of “a giving over which is done by word of mouth or in writing, i.e. tradition by instruction, narrative, precept, etc.  Objectively, it is that which is delivered or the substance of a teaching

3.                  Phil. 3:17

In this passage Paul is exhorting the believers in Philippi concerning their Christian “walk.”  In verse 16 he is admonishing the believers to walk by the same rule and to be of the “same mind.”  He then goes on in verse 17 to state that he is the “pattern” of the “walk” and exhorts the believers to use his life as the model for their own.

Phil 3:15-18  Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to [the] [degree] that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. 17 Brethren, join in following my example [summaqhthv"], and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, [that] [they] [are] the enemies of the cross of Christ:

([summaqhthv"] from [sun] with + [mimhthv"] / imitators together).

“walk” 4043 [peripateo]  The term was used in the sense of walking or to make one’s way.  In a Hebrew sense it has the connotation of “to live or to regulate one's life and conduct.  It emphasized how one passed his or her life on this earth.

“rule” 2583 [kanon]  The primary emphasis of the term is that of “a rod or straight piece of rounded wood to which any thing is fastened to keep it straight.  Metaphorically it is used to designate “any rule or standard, living, or acting

“mind” 5426 [phroneo]  The tern is normally used in the context of thinking or to have an opinion.  It has the idea of directing one's mind to a thing.

4.                  1 Thess. 1:6

1 Thess. 1:6  And you became followers [mimhthv"] of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,

In this passage Paul is commending the believers in Thessalonica concerning how they has become “imitators” of himself and his companions.  This in turn meant that they had become “imitators” of “the Lord” as Paul was the model of the Lord in his ministry.

affliction #2347 [thlipsis]  The emphasis of the term is that of “pressing together, pressure.  It is used metaphorically in the sense of “oppression, affliction, tribulation, distress, or straits.”

The specific works of the believers is mentioned in verse 3, 6, 8 and verse 6.

1 Thess. 1:3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father,

1 Thess. 1:6  And you became followers [mimhthv"] of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,

1 Thess. 1:8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything

The end result is that the assembly in Thessalonica became an “example” to “all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.”  Thus the circle continues from the Lord to Paul to the believers at Thessalonica to the believers in Macedonia and Achaia

5.                  2 Thess. 3:7-9

2 Thess. 3:7-9  For you yourselves know how you ought to follow [mimevomai] us, for we were not disorderly among you; 8  nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, 9  not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow [mimevomai] us.

It appears from the passage that there were those in the assembly who were not working for a living.  These people might have erroneously believed that since the coming of Christ was imminent, they did not need to work and earn money for material needs.  Whatever the motive, in this passage Paul gives some specific things the Thessalonian believers were to imitate.  The emphasis of the passage in this instance is on an orderly walk which is characterized by the physical labor Paul and his companions did when they were ministering in Thessalonica.

2 Thess. 3:10-11  For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.

Both of the terms, “labor” and “toil” are very intense words.  The first, “labor” #2873 [kopos] implies intense labour united with trouble and, while the second “toil” #3449 [mochthos] has the implication of a hard and difficult labour or hardship with distress.

B.                 Christ as the model

It is significant to note that in two of the references Paul made reference to the fact that believers were to imitate him as he was imitating Christ.  These are the Scriptural boundaries which God has established.  The candidate must have demonstrated to the local church that he has been, is and will be an imitator of Christ prior to being placed in a position of being the one imitated.

1 Cor. 11:1 Imitate me, just as I also [imitate] Christ.

1 Thess. 1:6  And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,

In 1 Thess. 1:6 the accompanying verb "became" is indicative, aorist, passive, referring to the definite act of conversion in the past. (cp. 2:14).  The believers became imitators of Paul and the others naturally.  It did not require a specific act or decision but was a normal response for new believers.  Especially ones who did not know how to integrate the truths of the newly found Christian faith with their own culture.

C.                 God as the Model

It is obvious that Paul never intended to set himself up as the final criteria for godliness.  He viewed himself only as a reflection of the one true God and he always sought to turn believers' eyes toward Him.  Paul was the model in men's eyes as the physical manifestation of the spiritual truth and as much as we might not want to be in this position, it will happen.  Therefore, the local church must be positive that the candidate is a man who can be a physical model of God's work in a believer.

Eph. 5:1  Therefore be imitators [mimhthv"] of God as dear children.

This is the first place where the thought appears that God should be imitated -- not as a metaphysical Being with certain attributes which might serve as ideals for us, but in his nature as graphically revealed in Christ.  What is to be imitated is Christ's obedient adherence to the Father's will, shown in love and forgiveness.[3]

D.                Church Leaders as the Model

Heb. 6:12  that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

The writer of Hebrews is presenting in this passage the truth that those who should be leaders were to imitate those who had gone before.  He acknowledges that they had been ministering, but exhorts them to continue in their work and labor of love using those who had already through faith and patience inherited the promises

Heb. 6:9-12 But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. 10 For God [is] not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, [in] [that] you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate [mimhthv"] those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

The letter to the Hebrews uses the word-group much as Paul does.  The exhortation of Heb. 6:11 precedes the demand for imitation: "We desire each one of you to show the same earnestness in realizing the full assurance of hope until the end".  As imitators, however, they do not stand alone.  They are numbered in the ranks of the fathers.  The attitude of faith of the O.T. fathers (6:12) and their own teachers (13:7), as an example of those who have finished their course, strengthens the conviction and confidence of those believers who find themselves still en route.[4]

Heb. 13:7  Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow [mimevomai], considering the outcome of [their] conduct.

E.                 Churches as the Model

The apostle Paul not only established himself and other leaders as models for other believers, but he also acknowledges that local churches ultimately were to serve as models for other assemblies.

1 Thess. 2:14  For you, brethren, became imitators [mimhthv"] of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they [did] from the Judeans,

1 Thess. 2:1-9  For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. 3 For our exhortation [did] not [come] from error or uncleanness, nor [was] [it] in deceit. 4 But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. 5 For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness--God [is] witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing [mother] cherishes her own children. 8 So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. 9 For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. 10 You [are] witnesses, and God [also], how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe;

The local church should serve as the model for other local churches.  The local church leadership should serve as a model for other local church leadership.  The candidate should serve as the model for the local church leader who will eventually replace him in the newly formed local church.  It the candidate is not the model of a Christ-like life, faith and doctrine, then he should not be put in the ministry.

III.             Summary

It is obvious from this simple study that Paul placed a great emphasis on the character, lifestyle, and ministry of the person in vocational ministry.  He first offered himself and his companions as models to the believers.  He then challenged the believers to be models for other believers.  This would seem to be a very basic requirement for all missionary candidates, but, it? 

Are missionary candidates men and women who have proved themselves in the battle and are now to be held up as models of Christian soldiers?  Are missionary candidates men and women who have been counted worthy and are true examples of Christ working through His church?  Would you as a pastor really say to your congregation, “This man or woman is a true model of how to live out your faith in this world and I want each of you to model your life after this example.”