The Power of a Godly Example

Introduction:

Who are some of your role models in the faith?

Some of these people may be living, and some may have gone on to be with the Lord.

Everyone should have someone that is their Paul. Paul mentored Timothy and Timothy mentored faithful men who would be able to entrust what they had learned to others and keep the legacy going.

We should have our “faithful people” that we are investing in as well, just like we are being poured into by someone else.

Tonight, we are going to take a look at what Paul had to say about the power of godly examples.

Philippians 3:17–4:1 ESV

17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. 1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

1. Follow Godly Examples (v.17)

Philippians 3:17 ESV

17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.

Paul as an example

Others as an example

Who do you have that is a godly example for you to follow? What about their lives makes them worthy of following?

While we should find godly examples to follow, we must be careful not to put them on the same level as Christ.

2. Be Discerning of the Examples You Follow (v. 18-19)

Philippians 3:18–19 ESV

18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

Not everyone is worth following

Their god is their belly - they are in it for themselves and their passions

The Naive are the ones most susceptible

Romans 16:18 ESV

18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

Do you know anyone who walks as an enemy of the cross? How can you pray for them tonight?

Do you walk as an enemy of the cross yourself?

3. Set Your Sights on Christ (vv. 20-4:1)

Philippians 3:20–4:1 ESV

20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. 1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

Our home is not here on earth or in the things of the earth but in Heaven

Christ return should motivate our godly living

God will glorify us one day and we will experience the prize of the call

Conclusion

Who are you following?

Who do you need to distance yourself from?

Are your eyes fixed on Christ?