Imitating Christ: The Radical Call of Paul’s Letters

Do you unknowingly overlook much of Paul’s letters? It’s possible, as I have before. Paul, one of the Apostles who contributed extensively to the New Testament, did not walk with Jesus during His earthly ministry. Yet, Paul conveys Christ’s message so powerfully that it’s undeniable the Holy Spirit was at work within him. His life serves as a tangible model of what it means to live like Christ. So why is it that we often overlook much of Paul’s letters when we read them?

The Challenge of Living a Godly Life

Perhaps it’s because our hearts struggle to embrace the kind of godly life Paul exemplified—a life marked by sacrifice, perseverance, and devotion. Living such a life often brings discomfort and even persecution. Jesus Himself said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23). This call to self-denial and enduring hardship can feel overwhelming.

Let me be clear: this is not a call to seek physical persecution or martyrdom but to reflect on how we often avoid even mild discomfort for the sake of the gospel. In our culture, messages of comfort—what some might call the “therapy gospel”—are more widely embraced than the true gospel, which calls us to self-denial and transformation. The “therapy gospel” prioritizes personal well-being above spiritual transformation, subtly undermining the sacrificial call of Christ.

The Cost of Following Christ

Similarly, many believers gravitate toward prosperity or foundational gospel messages that emphasize blessings but omit the full cost of discipleship. Jesus warned about this in Luke 14:28–33, urging us to count the cost before following Him. Many of us come to Christ seeking freedom but fail to respond with gratitude and love for the One who set us free. We desire peace and comfort in a world where such things are fleeting.

Who challenges this mindset? Paul—the most tangible model of Christ after Christ Himself! His letters remind us that the Christian life is not about ease but about sacrificial service. Paul labored intensely, often with little material reward, and even took on the burdens of others for the sake of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 11:27–28). His life calls us to reevaluate how we live out our faith.

The Necessity of the Holy Spirit

Living such a sacrificial life is impossible without the Holy Spirit. Paul’s life and letters are steeped in the Spirit’s guidance, and he consistently points us back to reliance on God’s power rather than our own. As Paul writes in Galatians 5:16, "Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." Yet, how often do we seek only the portions of the Spirit that fit comfortably into our lives? How often do we embrace only the aspects of Christ that suit our preferences?

Paul calls us to imitate him as he imitates Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). This doesn’t mean replicating every detail of his life, such as his singleness, but emulating his devotion to the gospel and his commitment to Christ’s mission. To follow Paul’s example is to embrace the gospel that saved and cleansed us, living lives that reflect our heavenly calling (Philippians 3:20).

Striving for Perfection in Christ

While we will never achieve perfection in this life, striving for it demonstrates hearts set on heaven. Paul himself wrote, "Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own" (Philippians 3:12). This pursuit isn’t about earning salvation—it’s about living out the transformation the gospel brings.

Facing Pushback for the Gospel

Just as Paul faced pushback from both unbelievers and believers, we too may resist his letters. Why? Because they challenge our comfort. We often approach Scripture selectively, taking what resonates with us and ignoring the rest. But if we allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate the entirety of Paul’s teachings, we will find guidance, conviction, and the strength to live in Christ’s sufficiency.

The Sufficiency of Christ

Paul reminds us that Christ’s grace is sufficient for every weakness we face (2 Corinthians 12:9). This truth calls us to rely not on our own strength but on the power of God at work within us. As we allow the Spirit to transform us, our lives will bear witness to Christ’s sufficiency, even in our struggles.

A Prayer for Transformation

My prayer is that as you read Paul’s letters—and the letters of all the Apostles—you will open your heart to the fullness of the Holy Spirit. May the Spirit fill you with wisdom, faith, and strength to live lives that proclaim God’s glory. Let us seek to embody the knowledge of God and the faith that demonstrates Christ to be sufficient in all things.