What Would Jesus Do? | 1 Corinthians 10:31–11:1

There is a popular theory that you become the average of the five people you spend the most time with. In other words, you may desire to grow personally, professionally, or spiritually, and you may think you are doing all the right things, but your life will be shaped and influenced by those with whom you surround yourself. While some dispute the validity and exactness of this particular theory, the general principle is true. We are all heavily influenced by others’ examples—good and bad—and we influence others through the examples that we set for them—intentionally or unintentionally.

As I’ve coached youth sports through the years, I’ve seen this play out in interesting case studies. Because of my kids’ ages, I’m now one of the longest tenured coaches in our youth sports leagues. I coached my oldest son all the way through, and now I’m essentially starting over with my youngest son. During that time, I have watched teams evolve (or devolve) based on the personality of the coach. Typically, not only the players, but the parents and grandparents begin to behave a lot like the coach. If the coach is focused, the players are focused. If the coach has a healthy perspective, so do the parents. If the coach is screaming at the referees, grandma begins screaming at the referees from the sideline.

Of course, I’ve seen this in my own family. By God’s grace, there have been times when I’ve proudly thought, “I think they may have learned that from me.” There have also been times when I’ve cringed a little because of the realization. Throughout our lives, we follow examples, and we set examples.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are to follow His example—we are to be Christlike. But if we’re honest, we often live as though we do not believe that is really possible. Instead, we treat Christ’s commands and teachings as though they are idealistic and aspirational, but unrealistic. We know our own faults and failures better than anyone. We recognize that we have fallen far short of Christ’s perfect standard. But that doesn’t mean we should give in to sin, settle for mediocrity, or relinquish the effort to become more like Christ. 

Jesus expects us to follow His example. When Jesus gave us the Great Commission, He did not charge us to “make disciples, teaching them to think about My commands.” He said we are to “obey His commands.” We are to live according to His Word. 

That is why, in 1 Corinthians 11:1, the Apostle Paul charged the church, “Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.” I want you to consider two questions: First, are you truly striving to imitate Jesus Christ in every area of your life? Second, can you confidently call others to follow your example because you are following Jesus? 

1. The General Rule: What Would Jesus Do?

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or Greeks or the church of God, just as I also try to please everyone in everything, not seeking my own benefit, but the benefit of many, so that they may be saved. Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.” (1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1). 

As we’ll see, Paul articulates a general rule: Ask yourself, “What would Jesus do?” Then, do what Jesus would do. In other words, be Christlike in all you do. 

A general rule is the usual way of doing things. For example, when an organization adopts policies, its leaders are expressing a general rule that should apply in various situations. At the church, we have policies that govern the way we lead and manage the organization. The staff does not have to ask me about every individual scenario because they know the policies that govern their decisions, no matter the specific circumstances. 

As it relates to food sacrificed to idols, Paul sought to address a variety of potential issues. Should you eat in the temple? Should you buy meat in the marketplace? What if someone invites you over for dinner? What if you don’t know where the meat came from? 

Paul says—bottom line, in every situation, live a Christlike life. 

It’s highly unlikely you’re wrestling with whether you should eat food that has been offered to idols. But you will have to determine if some things that are permissible are beneficial. You will have to consider the spiritual implications of things that are otherwise morally neutral, such as technology and artificial intelligence. You will regularly face various trials and temptations. We live in a society that has so distorted and perverted God’s design and creational intent that there is no way to warn you against every evil you will encounter. Instead, like the Apostle Paul, we can point you to the one right path—live a Christlike life. 

2. Three Goals of a Christlike Life

Well, you might be wondering, what does that mean? A pastor telling a Christian to be Christlike is kind of like a coach telling an athlete to be a winner. The athlete would be thinking, “Of course, I want to be a winner. You’re supposed to tell me how to become one!” Paul understood that, so he articulated three goals of a Christlike life. 

• Glorify God
• Prioritize Others
• Advance the Gospel 

3. Jesus is our Archetype and Prototype

Jesus is our model. He is the archetype and prototype. What’s the difference? An archetype is a perfect example, an ideal. A prototype is the first functioning model of something from which all others are copied. 

An archetype is an ideal example. A prototype is the first model. Jesus is both. 

The Apostle Paul understood this, and he patterned his life after Jesus. That is why he could charge the church, “Imitate me, as I imitate Christ.” 

He is saying, “Take me as your pattern, as I take Christ for mine.” Paul’s life served as a broad pattern or model aimed at glorifying God—not because Paul was the model—but because he was following Jesus Christ. 

In fact, this verse is better translated as “Become imitators…” It is a way of life for those who are in Christ Jesus. This way of living is not performative. It’s not a means of attaining salvation through pious achievement. It’s not prideful. Paul expressly recognized that he continuously fell short of Christ’s perfect standard. But it’s not passive. It requires real effort and spiritual growth. 

I want to leave you some very practical steps that you can take to become imitators of Jesus Christ. First, there are three things that you should stop doing. 

• Stop Prioritizing Self-Gratification
• Stop Panting After Temporary Treasures
• Stop Pursuing Meaningless Achievements

Now, I want to give you four things you should start doing today.

• Start Receiving the Word of God in the Power of the Holy Spirit
• Start Relentlessly Pressing on Toward Godliness
• Start Radically Living out Your Faith
• Start Replicating Yourself as You Reflect Christ

Now, as a final word of application, our church offers several ministries to help you do this. If you are not already in a Sunday School class, you need to join one so you can learn God’s Word in a smaller group with other believers. But also because most of our other discipleship ministries stem from our Sunday School Ministry. For example, once you are in a Sunday School class, you can join a D-Group (a Discipleship Group) with three or four other members who will delve more deeply into God’s Word with you and help you grow in your relationship with the Lord. Finally, we recently launched a new 1:1 discipleship ministry, which facilitates a Paul & Timothy type of discipleship relationship as you walk through a purposeful program of spiritual growth. We must recommit ourselves to living a Christlike life, one that glorifies God and prioritizes others for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ.