1. “Such as I am”
Acts
26:29
Near the conclusion of his defense before King Agrippa
King tells Paul: "You almost persuade me to become a Christian.“ (Acts 26:28)
Paul to King: “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.” (29)
To wish that others might be "as I am" is not boastful egotism with Paul.
(1 Corinthians 11:1), “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”
(Philippians 3:17), “Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.”
And just what does that involve?
(Based on article in Plain Talk by Dan Shipley, June 1981)

2. To be as Paul… Is to be a Christian Acts 22:16; 2 Cor. 5:9-10
The obvious intent in his statement to Agrippa.
If one is like Paul he is willing to acknowledge his wrongs and make the necessary changes to be right.
Such humility and self-denial are fundamental in the serious business of following Christ.
So is the faith demonstrated by Paul. When a man is like Paul his faith will lead him to do what Paul did in becoming a Christian (Such as being baptized)
(Acts 22:16), “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord. ‘”
Paul saw salvation in Christ and being a Christian as blessings to be more treasured than any earthly gain (Phil. 3:7,8).
His continuing aim and effort was to be well pleasing unto the Lord
(2 Corinthians 5:9-10), “Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”
Agrippa and all sinners, both then and now, need to become Christians as Paul did;
Then, being a Christian should be to every Christian what it was to Paul! After all, to be as Paul is to have all spiritual blessings.

3. To be as Paul… Is to be a Christian Acts 22:16; 2 Cor. 5:9-10
Is to Help others to become Christians
1 Cor. 9:22-23; 2 Cor. 6:10; 2 Cor. 5:11
Paul said,
(1 Corinthians 9:22), “To the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 Now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.”
In this work he sees himself as poor, "yet making many rich." (2 Cor. 6:10) (His willingness to Sacrifice)
None can make valid claim to being like Paul or the Christ he served without being deeply concerned about lost souls.
Our concern needs translating into meaningful efforts to teach and influence the lost!
(2 Corinthians 5:11), “Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.”
What the unsaved need, is what the saved need to be doing!
With every conversion we disprove the allegation that "no one will listen" or that "no one wants the truth anymore".
To be like Paul here is to care — to the point of commitment.

4. To be as Paul… Is to be a Christian Acts 22:16; 2 Cor. 5:9-10
Is to Help others to become Christians
1 Cor. 9:22-23; 2 Cor. 6:10; 2 Cor. 5:11
Is to be willing to invite others to be “Such as I am”
1 Thess. 1:6,7; Matt. 5:14-16
Not only are we to be imitators, we are to be examples! (like the Thessalonians)
(1 Thessalonians. 1:6,7), “And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.”
Q: Could I, as Paul, wish that all were as I am?
If not, then obviously, I am not as I need to be and changes are in order.
Paul was willing to confess wrong and change.
As we imitate him and do likewise, we become well-pleasing to the Lord and ensamples worthy of imitation by our families, our brethren and the world.
(Matthew 5:14-16), “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

5. Conclusion Imitate Paul! 1 Cor. 11:1
(1 Corinthians 11:1), “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”
Paul imitated Christ
We imitate Paul
Others (because of our efforts) imitate us!
As such, all become as Christ, to the salvation of their souls!