16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth [set them apart for Your purposes, make them holy]; Your word is truth.
– JOHN 17:16-19
18 Just as You commissioned and sent Me into the world, I also have commissioned and sent them (believers) into the world. 19 For their sake I sanctify Myself [to do Your will], so that they also may be sanctified [set apart, dedicated, made holy] in [Your] truth.
CULTURE IS ALWAYS A GAME OF IMITATION
IMITATE = COPY, ECHO, REPEAT, FOLLOW, DUPLICATE, SIMULATE, REPRODUCE
16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
– JOHN 17:16
19 So Jesus answered them by saying, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself [of His own accord], unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever things the Father does, the Son [in His turn] also does in the same way.
– JOHN 5:19
18 Just as You commissioned and sent Me into the world, I also have commissioned and sent them (believers) into the world.
– JOHN 17:18
IMITATION IS A GAME OF PROXIMITY
21 For [as a believer] you have been called for this purpose, since Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you may follow in His footsteps. 22 He committed no sin, nor was deceit ever found in His mouth. 23 While being reviled and insulted, He did not revile or insult in return; while suffering, He made no threats [of vengeance], but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges fairly. 24 He personally carried our sins in His body on the cross [willingly offering Himself on it, as on an altar of sacrifice], so that we might die to sin [becoming immune from the penalty and power of sin] and live for righteousness; for by His wounds you [who believe] have been healed. 25 For you were continually wandering like [so many] sheep, but now you have come back to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.
– 1 PETER 2:21-25
1 Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ 2 I praise and appreciate you because you remember me in everything and you firmly hold to the traditions [the substance of my instructions], just as I have passed them on to you.
– 1 CORINTHIANS 11:1-2
28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation]. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.”
– MATTHEW 11:28-30
1 Therefore if you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, sharing in His resurrection from the dead], keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value]. 3 For you died [to this world], and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God.
– COLOSSIANS 3:1-3
THIS WEEK’S ACTIVATION:
HIT THE DUSTY TRAIL
READ: JOHN 17
- CULTURE IS A GAME OF IMITATION
READ: JOHN 5:19
ASK:
What or whose culture are you imitating and find yourself echoing and repeating?
- THE CULTURE OF IMITATION IS A GAME OF PROXIMITY
READ: 1 PETER 2:21-25; 1 CORINTHIANS 11:1-2; MATTHEW 11:28-30; COLOSSIANS 3:1-3
ASK:
Who are you so close to you are carrying the dust of?
Are you dusty enough to be hidden in the culture Jesus keeps?
PRAY:
Jesus, thank you for being the example for me to follow. Forgive me for imitating and repeating popular culture that is contrary to who you are. Jesus, speak to me and teach me as I commit to following you closely.
Amen!