Following My Example
Philippians • Sermon • Submitted
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17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.
Join In Following
Join In Following
Paul instructs them (and us) to follow his example.
What example?
Thankful to God on every remembrance of you...
These were people that Paul helped
But it cost him something
he was beaten and imprisoned
he still had scars
but they were saved - and he was thankful
Are you as thankful for the people you have helped as you are for the ones that have helped you?
It is better to give than to receive...
does anyone really believe that?
Or is it just poetry?
He believed that the things that happened (even the painful things) happened for the furtherance of the gospel
are you willing to suffer for Jesus? (Phil. 1:29)
Was able to rejoice when the gospel is preached, even if it was preached by insincere and selfish people
was as willing to die for Jesus as to live for Him
to live is Christ and to die is gain
most people would turn in a minute if their lives are threatened
then there are those who would be willing to die, but are not willing to live for Christ-- Paul was both
He wanted desperately for others to be in one spirit, to get along
to “have this mind in you which was also in Jesus”
He wanted others to be Christ Like
To do things without complaining and arguing
To Be Selfless (all seek their own — not Christ’s)
He rejoiced in The Lord -
does your salvation bring joy? Or a burden?
And He considered everything else rubbish - compared to knowing Jesus
Forgetting the past — pressing on --- toward Christ — always
Pressing toward the mark!
Are you a follower?
I often hear people say “don’t be a follower”
But the truth is, every great leader is first a follower
To be otherwise is rebellion \
and everyone is following someone
Who are you following?
who are your examples?
Your heroes?
What character do you admire?
Many are Enemies of The Cross of Christ
Many are Enemies of The Cross of Christ
Paul said to follow his example - becasue there are many (he means Christians) who are enemies of the cross
This may not be popular - but there are many people, even in the church, who think they are saved and are not
Paul said it right out loud — they are enemies --- not only are they not going to heaven, they are enemies of the gospel
You can tell them by their works as Jesus said —
Paul said their God is their belly — in other words — selfish gain
So many people calling themselves Christians, actually only serve the God of self - and name Christ only becasue they think He satisfies them better --- serving self
look around in the world — then look in the mirror
Why are you a Christian?
What has your faith cost you?
Not that we are saved by works - we are not - but many will not - and that is a problem
consider Abraham and Isaac
Selfianity is a real problem in the world today - like a cancer in the church
This is not just my opinion --- see for yourself — study
compare today’s popular preaching with the gospel of the ages
The selfianity of today is nothing new - and its spread was prophesied
Whose End Is Destruction
Whose End Is Destruction
I know this is a big turn off to some people - but the Bible is clear --
these people will not inherit the kingdom
the end is destruction — hell
If your God is your self - then your destination is hell
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Their glory is in their shame
they “mind” earthly things”
Most people are far more concerned with this present world than with the world to come - and it should not be so
What about you?
Paul said “Our Citizenship Is In Heaven”
For Our Citizenship Is In Heaven!
For Our Citizenship Is In Heaven!
We belong to heaven — we are foreigners here - pilgrims - strangers
Is this true for you?
Do you see yourself as a citizen of His Holy Kingdom?
(Customs here as opposed to other places)
From Whence “we eagerly wait for The Savior, The Lord Jesus Christ”
Is this statement true for anyone these days? - I wonder
even most Christians I talk to seem to have the attitude that they hope He waits a while
So many people have a few things they want to accomplish still — a few more things to do, or goals to reach - before He comes
The truth is, most people don’t want Him to come at all — they just don’t want to get left out if He has to come...
But Paul said “we eagerly await....”
I want to be “eager” to see the Lord!
I’m looking forward to heaven....
there is nothing left to do here that is more important, or more exiting that seeing Him face to face!
I belong to heaven!
Where do you belong?
Who Will Transform Our Lowly Body
Who Will Transform Our Lowly Body
He will change this vile body - in an instant...
We will be transformed to be like His Glorious Body
We don’t know yet what it will be like — but it will be like Him
There will be no more sickness
no Sorrow
No Sin
No Death
No devil
There will Be Joy
peace
love everlasting
life everlasting
harmony
excitement
glory unspeakable!
Oh What a day That Will Be!