Sermon Tone Analysis

# Philippians 3:17–21

## Opening

So far in this chapter Paul has warned against the Judaizers, and any who would place their confidence in who they are, or what they have done and not the finished work of Christ alone.

By way of rebuking this idea, Paul gives his own longs list of “fleshly” qualifications and then discounts them as loss and rubbish in light of the one thing that really matters—knowing Christ (cf.

v7–8).

By this he does not mean merely having knowledge about Christ.

Rather it is to know Christ in that intimate relational way that depends on faith, and that leads to becoming like him in his death so that we may also share in his resurrection.

This is the focus—the aim—of the Christian life.

Paul knew that he had not yet attained this perfectly, but he was pressing forward, striving with all that was in him towards that goal.

And then he does something which I find surprising.

He tells the Philippians to imitate him.

[Read Philippians 3:17–21]

## Two Examples

### One to Imitate

Every so often, when reading Scripture, I come a cross a statement that stops me.

It seems to leap off the page and grab my attention.

The opening statement of this passage is one such statement.

I find it interesting that Paul calls upon the Philippians to imitate him.

Would you do that?

When encouraging someone to peruse Christ above all, would part of your advice be “imitate me”?

Perhaps it is just the circles I grew up in, but it seems much more fitting to say something like, “Don’t imitate me, imitate Christ!” yet here we have the apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, calling on them to imitate him.

Would you be comfortable advising someone in their Christian walk by saying, “Imitate me”?

Should you?

We might be temped to conclude that someone talking like that is a bit of an egomaniac.

That they think far too highly of themselves and their abilities.

However, that doesn’t describe Paul at all.

First, Paul had a realistic and true view of his own sinfulness.

(i.e Romans 1 & 7) Second, he has just made clear that he is not perfect, nor has he already attained.

(v.

12) He is certainly not claiming to be to be a “super Christian”.

However, there is something unique about Paul.

What sets Paul apart from the Philippians, or you and I? It is his apostleship.

As an apostle of Christ Paul did have a special role of authoritative teaching and leading in the Church.

That could explain this in part.

Especially if we remember the historical context.

The Philippian church did not have the New Testament.

They had Paul’s letter.

They might have had a gospel such as Matthew or Mark, and perhaps a copy of one of Paul’s other letters.

However, they were in a very unique historical situation in which the living apostles were authoritative leaders in the church.

With that said, I think it is a mistake to limit this to the apostles only?

Any idea why?

Because Paul doesn’t.

He not only tells them to imitate them, but to “keep their eyes on” (that is to watch and imitate) “those who walk according to the example you have in us.”

Now, “us” here might be a reference to the apostles, but those who the Philippians are to imitate is not limited to them.

#### Finding Someone to Follow

Paul’s emphasis in this chapter, and throughout the book, is to see them grow in sanctification and the knowledge of Christ.

One way we do that is by following the example set by others.

But how do we determine who to follow?

Paul’s instruction is to follow “those who walk according to the example you have in us.”

The Philippians were to imitate those who were following the apostles teaching and pattern of living.

Since there are no living apostles today, where do we find the apostles teaching?

It is in the word of God.

We are not to simply follow the most charismatic personality, or the person who attracts the largest crowds.

The standard of who to follow is: Follow the person whose life and teaching is faithfully instep with the written Word of God.

And this is not limited to what they say and teach, but also consider their whole life—the way they conduct business, they way the treat their employees, they way they lead their families.

All of these should be patterned after the principles found in Scripture.

Of course, to do this means that you must know them and have access to them outside the pulpit or classroom setting.

I would encourage you to think carefully about this.

Especially young men who are enamored with the famous pastor or bible teacher on youtube.

They may be a sound capable teacher of God’s word, but you don’t have access to them in that way.

When you are looking for a living example to follow, I would encourage you not to overlook the officers of the local church.

> “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God.

Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.”

(Hebrews 13:7)

These are faithful men, whose lives you have access to.

You can get to know them outside of the four walls of the church building, and you can “consider the outcome of their way of life” because you know their families—their children.

Also, the fact that they are in that position means the church has attested to their example.

This is one reason why participation in a local church is so vital.

The preacher on TV or the Internet may be theologically sound, but he doesn’t know you and you don’t really know him.

It is in the context of the local church that we have the best opportunity to build the kind of relationships which allow us to truly know our leaders.

#### Being Someone to Follow

This practice of imitation is not limited to the officers of the church, however.

This is a reality for every believer.

You are following someone, and—whither you realize it or not—someone is following you.

Mature believer, that new christian is watching you.

Adults, these kids are going to imitate you.

Older men, these young men are looking to you as examples of how to lead their families.

Older women, there are young women looking to your example of how to be a godly woman, wife, and mother.

Now it is one thing to think of the elders or deacons being an example, but it is quite another to think that someone is imitating me.

This, however, is the reality of being the people of God.

Salvation is being transformed into Christlikeness.

By the Holy Spirit’s work in us we are being made into living representations of Christ which reflect his glory.

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> And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.

For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

(2 Cor 3:18)

We cannot expect others to believe what we say when we proclaim the gospel if they cannot see it lived out in our lives.

But, you might think, there is plenty that I do which should not be imitated.

I still fall short, I have not yet attained, I’m not already perfect.

Sound familiar?

Well, neither was Paul.

That is why he says, “Follow me as I follow Christ” (1 Cor 11:1).

That is what should be imitated—the striving, the pressing on to know Christ.

So, while we don’t want others to imitate our sin, We should want them to follow our example when we sin of godly sorrow and a quickness to repent.

Do not confuse being a godly example with pretending to be perfect.

The Philippians could follow Paul precisely because he was following Christ.

Do you look for and admire genuine Christlikeness in others?

Are you conscious of the fact that someone may be imitating you?

Do you pray that your life will be a living picture of Christ before the eyes of others?

### One to Avoid

Paul not only gives a positive admonition of who to follow, but also a warning of who to avoid.