The Admirable and Antagonistic Examples (Phil 3:17-19)

The Admirable and Antagonistic Examples

Philippians 3:17-19

GBCCR DATE \@ "M/d/yy" 8/10/24

Introduction

Follow me

For some this statement seems horribly prideful…

HOW CAN SOMEONE BE CONFIDENT TO SAY THAT?

And yet God says we need people to say this.

The many times God commands examples

Because we all follow someone

How do you know how to work and do your job? Don’t you look to the example of someone else and when they head home?

How do you know how to parent? The example of our parents stick with us whether we want to or not

All kids compare your family expectations to others?

And if I asked you what does God require of you? It would be things you’ve learned from others…

if we’re not following a godly example, we’re following an ungodly one.

Review- Paul has been giving us examples to follow chapter 1

1:21- He gave his example of considering dying gain, yet giving it up for the sake of others

2:5- The ultimate example of Christ was given

2:17- Paul gave up his life as a sacrifice for others

2:19ff- Timothy & Epaphroditus was lifted up as an example

Chapter 3- Paul showed that he had lived the legalistic life that attempted to earn God’s favor by accomplishments…but all his success was nothing compared to knowing christ

we’ll see that examples remain today

We need to imitate good examples because bad examples are secretly fighting against the God we love

Look for good examples that represent Jesus (17)

Explanation

Paul addresses the Philippians with the intimate term brethren, or brothers and sisters, who I love

Paul is emphasizing that he wants only what is best for them

There is no sense of celebrity ideal of I need to be followed!

He says become a joint imitator

join everyone else who is following my example

“And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.” (1 Thessalonians 1:6–7, ESV)

Imitating was common for the jewish people where a pupil learned not simply by receiving instruction but by "putting into practice" the example of the teacher;

Paul had a great understanding that some truths are better caught than taught.

A report published by the Xerox Corporation years ago revealed that 83 percent of what we learn comes through our sight

And this catching shows you’ve really listened

Like a question I often ask… what do you think God would approve of in your life saying well done?

The Holy answer seems like it would be oh, nothing is that good, right? But Paul wanted people to follow his example.

But Paul wanted people to follow his example.

Turn to

1 Thessalonians 1:4–7- knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you; for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

Paul was sure of God’s choice of them (he was sure of their salvation) because

They heard the gospel

They imitated the ones who gave the gospel

And they became examples for other to imitate

The slow change of our lives looking more like Jesus is a key mark of salvation

Becoming like others who follow Jesus as a key mark of salvation

Paul has already told the Philippians that their chief example in all things is the Lord Jesus Christ himself (2:5).

In the bible Godly living, slowly, but eventually flows from Godly believing

But Paul, the man who lead them to faith and taught them everything, was far away in Rome

So they had to look for other who followed path

Observe, or keep your eyes is the same command at 2:4,

do not just look out for you own interests.=to spy out, search for an object like

=to spy out, search for an object like

Since The audience of this letter is the Phillipians

So tThe “others” are probably other churches who are following Christ just like Paul did

They were told to open their eyes and see whose lives matched the truth that they had been taught and to follow them.

We could rephrase it, “Oh dear Philippians, I am not expecting anything more of you than any other church that I have planted… you don’t have me anymore, so look at them and be an example for others to look at

Prideful people do not promote others like Paul is doing here

Paul is not trying to make disciples of him, but of Christ

Illustration point- We need to proactively look at good examples of Christ likeness

Cotton Mather, was a great puritan preacher in New England 1663-1728 famously critiqued the Salem Witch Trials by saying that the evidence of silly incantations do not prove anything about witchcraft

But he wrote of something far more real and powerful than witches:

Examples do strangely charm us into imitation. When holiness is pressed upon us we are prone to think that it is a doctrine calculated for angels and spirits whose dwelling is not with flesh.

But when we read the lives of them that excelled in holiness, though they were persons of like passions with ourselves, the conviction is wonderful and powerful.

Don’t you see that in the great example of others? We need people to put to flesh the truth of following Christ

Application

Do you want to fight sin in your life and be more christ like?

If you need to pray better, look to those who pray well

Do not feel weak in evangelism, watch someone speak about the good news of what Jesus did

Do you need self-control, then observe someone’s self-denial and control

Are you noticing those who are good examples around you?

One specific suggestion:

Can you describe something about their lives and how they are following God?

I have a prayer listed in my notebook which states, “Ask God for personal transformation... greater alertness (lookout of the image of God in others), greater humility (considering others better than yourself), and great gratefulness (appreciating how God has surrounded you with so many echoes and reflections of himself).”

You can follow that then

If not…open those eyes. Notice, Ask!

Note here though, Your valuing of examples can’t be based on what you naturally think is impressive.

Our sin always likes to choose more of itself.

Detreich Bonhoffer said:

If it is I who determine where God is to be found, then I shall always find a God who corresponds to me in some way, who is obliging, who is connected with my own nature. But if God determines where he is to be found, then it will be in a place which is not immediately pleasing to my nature and which is not at all congenial to me. This place is the Cross of Christ.

Too often I’ve watched churches pick leaders who are very impressive… those who are the best at business, or those who make people feel good about themselves, or those who are fun to be around

But the call is to follow the godly example

Today, there are certain churches that tell you they are the best because they’re the oldest

But the real lineage of the apostles is following their teaching and practice

And while they’re long dead, the bible preserves exactly what God wants

Based on those who have been examples

Are you that godly example to others?

Think of the godly parents, teachers, disciplers you once had

They may be with the Lord now

They may be far away

But at the very least, they’re not in your workplace, your school, or you home

Who is going to be showing the pattern of Jesus Christ?

It is not just for the old, some of you are still young

In 1 Tim 4:12 paul says:

“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

*Most scholars agree Timothy was probably in early 30s are this point (to account for the time he spent with Paul traveling)

*But Paul’s point is not that he is just old enough, but that youth should not be an excuse

*Therefore, your youth should not a reason you are not an example

You should be able to say follow me, even if you’re a baby Christian

Theologian DA Carson writes, “Not all ministry in the church is verbal; not all ministry is prominent. But all Christians are called upon to set a standard of talk and life that influences a new generation of converts in a godly and Christ-honoring way”

We learn to pray by watching your pray

Your kids learn self-discipline by watching you

Do not give up on the holy push for heaven’s reward because it is setting an example for others

But lest you think I’m saying you have to be perfectOne of the best ways to be an example is to admit when you fail… point them to the one you look at…to Christ.

One of the best ways to be an example is to admit when you fail… point them to the one you look at…to Christ.

Parents… admit to your kids that you are a sinner who needs Jesus too so that they follow your example of repentance

Trans: The problem we have in Christianity though is that the false teachers don’t have nametags saying, “Hi, my name is Jesus denier, follow me if you want to walk away from Jesus.” Instead, we need to watch out carefully for them

Watch out for dangerous examples that remove Jesus (18-19)

Explanation- 5 signs of a dangerous examples

(Here is what we need to test every prophet or example)

They act as enemies of the cross

There are people that Paul had warned about time and time again. Maybe a specific group, but not knowing allows us to apply this to every generation

They are enemies of the cross

The phrase makes many think he is not just talking about pagan unbelievers because

he would not have to tell the Philippians about them, they lived among them.

They didn’t know the cross.

Paul most likely spoke about ungodly church goers who would try to lead the Philippians astray.

Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matt. 7:15). He also predicted that in the last days “many false prophets will rise up and deceive many” (Matt. 24:11).

They talk about religion but have no understanding of the cross

talk a good line, dupe the unwary and the undiscerning, parade themselves as Christian leaders, and perhaps even exhibit a good deal of “power.” But what is missing, judging by Paul’s expression, is a focus on the cross, a focus like his own

But what is missing, judging by Paul’s expression, is a focus on the cross, a focus like his own

we have those today still

They are religious but have no understanding of the cross

They are moral, but they do not see a need for a sacrificing savior to take their place

For those of you who get confused on this we must remember that the central message of Christianity is not make better people

If you’re not a believer, you may see church as a way to help you be good enough

But the good news of christanity starts with the bad news that we’re not good enough

That is why Jesus had to die on a cross for the wrong things we do.. for the sins of lying, lusting, laziness, hurting others

But God put that justice we know evil people should get onto Jesus so that we could be forgiven

This Crossless Christianity is so true in the arena of politics

We have some great allies in conservative values that the bible would upheld

But, we must beware of those who think the salvation of Christianity is found in political or cultural power

They have opposed the humbling cross and lead others astray

And Paul cries over them, much he like he does of his fellow Israelites in Romans 9. They should know Christ, and yet they oppose him.

we should pity them.

Even as you have to say, I can’t listen to you… it is painful

Trans: We cry for them because

They are on the path to hell

Their final destination is destruction.

Destruction is the same word from Matt. 26:8 to speak of the “waste” (in their view) of the ointment that had just been poured on Jesus’ head.

Now the ointment did not cease to exist; it was very evident on Jesus’ head.

But it had been “destroyed” in the sense that it was no longer able to be used on someone else.

The bible speaks often of Destruction of the wicked

Psalm 94:23- He has brought back their wickedness upon them And will destroy them in their evil; The Lord our God will destroy them.

2 Thessalonians 1:7–9- and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus … dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,destruction of the ungodly 2 Peter 3:6- through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water.

2 Peter 3:6- through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water.

The final judgment of Hell is a terrifying place

Speaking of those who worship the beast

Revelation 14:10- he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.

But passages like here in Philippians cannot allow us to dismiss passages like Revelation 14… there really is eternal judgment from Jesus Himself

One day we will see God’s glory clearly and we in heaven we will finally be able to understand how bad sin isand we will be able to obey the angel’s command in

and we will be able to obey the angel’s command in

Revelation 18:20- Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her!”

Not that we rejoice over their deaths, but we will rejoice that God’s justice will have won.

But today we cry, because of the great evil of God’s enemies

What is their great evil?

They live for their pleasures rather than God

This is not just gluttony or an excessive greed for food

Yes, I know many of us may feel a bit guilty of over eating after Thanksgiving meal, but that is not this

These are idolaters, making their desires for food and satisfaction their controlling passion.

Puritan Richard Baxter declared that gluttony dulls and even deadens the mind, and greatly unfits men for hearing God’s Word, reading, praying, meditating, or any holy work.

We see this in 1 Corinthians 11

1 Corinthians 11:20–22- When you come together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat. For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing?

The people were so consumed with their desire for good foor and drink they ignored those who had nothing

They violated God’s command to make this a time for gathering together and created division

In essence: Food was more important than God and others

These are the desires of the flesh in 1 John 2:16

Someone’s attempt to control their diet by excessive calore counting or what we call a eating disorder can do the same thing

Controlling their body becomes more important than serving God

It can be all sorts of passion sof the flesh

Romans 16:18- For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth

The pleasure that playing video games brings The distraction of our favorite sports teams

The distraction of our favorite sports teamsAn engrossing movie

An engrossing movieEven a good book

Even a good book

Anything that can keep us from our Bibles and keep us from God given duties to family or others can become a replacement God to us

And we must watch out for those who have completely given themselves over… I know many of you struggle with the pleasures

You’re aware that we are so tempted to amuse ourselves to death

Costi Hinn, the nephew of famous prosperity gospel preachers Benny Hinn has explained how they would boast about who would have the latest toys, the most expensive cars, and richest food

They did what they did not for the glory of God, but for riches… they are not to be followed

Trans: and some go even further into vial sins

They get excited about shameful things

Their glory is their shame.

To glory is what you boast in, what makes you excited

These are people who love their sin and flaunt it, thinking it makes them look mature,

This is just like the false prophets’ warning in

2 Peter 2:18–19- For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.

It is amazing how many religious leaders today boast about their acceptance of things that enslave someone

Accepting adultery, promiscuity, homosexuality, or event lust?

If you are young I want you to recognize that the false prophets of our world will tell you that growing up means shedding your innocence and experimenting with sin

But it is the same level of folly for skydiver to proclaim freedom as they throw their strapped on parachute.

Trans: and they do this because lastly.

They think only about this passing away world

Why? Because they are only focusing on earthly things.

They have abandoned the heavenly prize and are only focusing on what how much sand they can hold in their hands as it slips out.

This matters because what you think about leads the rest of you

We often think of our emotions like a runaway train out of our control

This image shows a biblical understanding of humans say that our emotions are actually the caboose the train

Our thoughts are the engine directing our hearts

Prov. 23:7 “... as a man thinks in his heart so is he.”

Prov. 4:23 “Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it flows the issues of life.”

Phil. 4:8 “whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report... think on these things.”

Someone’s thinking directs what they will do and feel

And bad thoughts about God lead us to bad places AW Pink, described them this way, “False prophets are to be found in the circles of the most orthodox, and they pretend to have a fervent love for souls, yet they fatally delude multitudes concerning the way of salvation. The pulpit, platform, and pamphlet hucksters have wantonly lowered the standard of divine holiness and so adulterated the Gospel in order to make it palatable to the carnal mind.:

Jesus spoke about this in

Luke 12:17–21- “And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’ “Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. ‘And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.” ’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’ “So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

This world has many blessings and God wants us to enjoy them

We cannot replace the licentiousness of these leaders with legalism that says do not enjoy anything

But as we’ll see next time, hoping for heaven gives great help today

Illustration point- Watch out for end of false teachers

History is full fo example of wrong theology going with wrong actions

Or they make excuses for their sin because they’re trying to impact the world

Henry Ward Beecher rejected his father Lyman Beecher biblical teaching about the doctrine sof Grace

When examined by Congregational pastors upon coming to take the Plymouth Church, he was asked if he believed in the doctrine of original sin. He said that he did not think too much about that since there was plenty of sin to go around today. When asked about the doctrine of predestination he said that he did not think too much about that either, preferring, instead, to think on the love of God

He cared more about changing things on earth, including slavery… something that needed changing

He sounded good, but his eyes wer enot on heaven

So It was charged that, in the late 1860s, Beecher had committed adultery with Elizabeth Tilton, a member of his church

But the pressure against her was so great, she retracted, then claimed she was forced to and had to move to France to get away from it all

Beware religious teachers who dismiss heavenly goals for earthly ones

Watch out of those who remove Jesus

Application

The truth is that if you only focus on earth, you will not be in a place to love others

You will find your joy sapped by pouring out

You will make decisions that do not help in the long run

But if you focus on what God will reward, then that will match what is most loving towards other

Aim for heaven, and you’ll have blessings on earth thrown in

So, brothers and sisters… who do you listen to?

I know most of you would never choose to listen to a false teacher

But also…

What do you expose yourself to?

-the music you listen to matters, the TV shows and movies matter. You are letting these things be an example of what is valuable.

We cannot live outside the world, but you cannot let you attention just drift

We must choose to direct our attention to the example of what we want to be

Therefore

Since we have seen (Cohesion)-

We seek good examples because they show us Jesus… the one we say we love above all

And we need to watch out for the bad examples because they’ll take us away from the one we love

We know we must (Resolution)-

Benedict Arnold is famous for something, right?

Betraying the US right

His betrayal hurt all the more because he was highly respected by men such as George Washington.

But Benedict was deeply smitten by Peggy Shippen… whose father just happened to be a loyalist and was good friends with the British officer to whom Benedict would give information

As problem with the new government added up, which voice do you think he heard the loudest?

While no true Christian can ever turn from Jesus forever, who we listen to teaches us what to love.

Closing prayer