EXAM
5 FOLD
S
Scripture tells us about Apostles and
Prophets. 1 Corinthians 12:28 and
Ephesians 4:11 tell us they are God’s gift
to the church. Ephesians 2:20 tells us,
they form a part of the foundation of the
church with Jesus Christ the cornerstone.
This makes it clear, what they teach
should be in complete agreement with
everything Jesus taught; they build on
the same foundation Jesus laid.
IMITATORS OF CHRIST
Philippians 2:5 tells us we should have
the same attitude as Jesus. He left all
that was rightfully His in heaven, to come
to earth as a servant. He laid down His
life, even though that meant He would
die. He was humble, not proud. He did
not demand money, He had compassion,
feeding people when they were hungry,
and healed the sick. He lived a simple,
inexpensive lifestyle among the poor. He
worked with His hands as a builder and
spent much time in prayer. He did not
have bodyguards to protect Him, and
rebuked Peter when he tried to fight off
the temple guards who had arrested Him,
healing the man Peter injured. He did not
curse His enemies, but told us to pray for
and love our enemies.
Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11:1: “You
must follow my example, as I follow the
example of Christ.”
Leaders should therefore follow Christ’s
example, and set an example to others.
“
He gave the
apostles, the prophets,
the evangelists,
the shepherds and
teachers, to equip the
saints.
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SHARE|MAGAZINE January - March 2015
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THE SIGN OF LIFESTYLE
Galatians 5: 19-24 gives us many clues
about how true believers live. What they
do and do not do. Obviously, Apostles
and Prophets must have the fruit of the
Spirit in their lives if they are to set us a
good example. This fruit was obvious
in Jesus’ life. Are those who claim to be
“Apostles or Prophets” showing love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
gentleness and self-control? Or are they
envious, unfaithful to their wives, hateful,
angry or greedy?