One of the most famous commercials of all time was Michael Jordan’s “Be Like Mike” Gatorade spot. I can still hear the jingle in my head, though it aired nearly 30 years ago. Ironically, in 1997, Michael Jordan said that the NBA’s marketing of his jumping and dunking in a popular commercial hurt young kids’ fundamental skills because they imitated him rather than focusing on shooting and defense.

1 Corinthians 11 – Follow Well

Paul begins 1 Corinthians 11 by encouraging the Corinthians to “Be Like Paul.” He made the same statement earlier (4:16): “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (11:1). This is likely a summary statement that concludes 1 Corinthians 10 when Paul urges the Corinthians to follow his example of surrendering their rights and privileges for the sake of others (10:33).

As Paul turns in this chapter to the matter of proper conduct in worship, this verse (11:1) helps transition Paul’s praise of the Corinthians for following the teaching he had given them (11:2). At times, it feels like this entire letter is about correcting their wrong behavior, but there was something the church was doing right. This is a good reminder that all churches and teams can often be described this way. Even the most unified teams have their moments of conflict.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete urge their team to follow their positive example of leading and loving others with Christlike selfless humility. They ultimately steer their team to look to Christ Himself as their example.

Bible Memory Verse – “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man, but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13  (LSB)

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute: Imitation of Faith.

Our featured book this week is: Nameless (Lessons of Faith From the Unnamed in the Bible). Written by Sarah Roberts

 Click HERE to review.

To see our full catalog of over 200 Bible Study Guides and Devotions, click HERE