Read Philippians 3:15-17 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Discover
In response to our past, Paul says the key to joy is not only pressing on and running with purpose; we also have to pattern our lives after the right model. The ultimate model to follow is Jesus. When He walked and talked on earth, He picked 12 men to imitate Him and be His disciples. They were called “little Christs.” Paul says with confidence, “If you imitate me, you’ll learn how to be like Jesus.”
The essence of being a disciple is apprenticeship. Being an apprentice isn’t just gaining knowledge. It’s learning and then doing what you learn. We’re called to be an apprentice, not only of Jesus, but of those who are following Him and imitating Him.
On the flip side, we’re also called to raise up apprentices behind us. Which leads to the question: If someone spent their time imitating you, who would they become? Be an apprentice of Jesus, so that as others imitate you, they’ll look more like Him too.
• Be an apprentice. Who are the people around you who are imitating Jesus? Is anyone your apprentice, learning from you as you imitate Him? Write down one step you can take to begin building that type of community. One space where you can do that at Traders Point is Rooted – a 10-week group experience where you’ll learn to build healthy spiritual rhythms in community. Learn more about our spring session at tpcc.org/rooted.
Respond
Use your Philippians Guidebook to reflect and respond. For a digital copy of the guidebook, visit tpcc.org/rebels-guide.
Want to go deeper? Look up the following verses to see Jesus’ final words to His disciples before He ascended to heaven. Note what you observe and then continue with your time of response.
• Matthew 28:18-20