Following My Example

Philippians 3:17–4:1 NKJV

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

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

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

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

Galatians 5:19–21 NKJV

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!

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

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!