To God be the Glory: Stand Fast

Scripture Reading

Philippians 3:17–4:1 NKJV

Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 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: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 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. Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

Introduction

Stand Fast Because You Have a New Pattern

Philippians 3:17 NKJV

Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.

Brethren, join in following my example

join in following my example: summimetes - an imitator copying the action of another

Paul wants to remind the brothers and sisters at Philippi of their mutual kinship in the Church. They are brothers and sisters.

and note those who so walk

note:

walk: the way you live

Paul wants them to make note of faithful brothers and sisters in the Church

Examples:

Timothy

Philippians 2:19 NKJV

But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state.

Philippians 2:20 NKJV

For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.

Epaphroditus

Philippians 2:25 NKJV

Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need;

as you have us for a pattern

Greek Word:

Tupos -

We see in the first century where they followed steadfast in the Apostle’s doctrine.

Paul is saying something practical and applicable for them then and for us today.

WE DON’T HAVE TIMOTHY’S AND EPAPAPHRODITUS’ TODAY! BUT WHAT WE DO HAVE FAITHFUL PEOPLE AMONG US WHO WE SHOULD TAKE NOTE OF!

WE HAVE FAITHFUL PEOPLE WE SHOULD TAKE NOTE OF ALSO AND IMITATE AS THEY FOLLOW THE APOSTLES DOCTRINE!

The Preacher

Titus 2:7 NKJV

in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,

The Elders

1 Peter 5:3 NKJV

nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;

We Also Have Unfaithful People That We Should Not Imitate

Philippians 3:18 NKJV

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:

For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping

Paul warned them often of those who did not live for Christ.

It bothered Paul that there those would lived according to the world.

that they are enemies of the cross of Christ

People who walk opposite of the life we should live are enemies of the cross!

People who preach and teach opposite of the what the Bible teaches

The Galatians were affected and infected watching people walk and teach in opposition of the cross.

Galatians 1:6 NKJV

I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,

Galatians 1:7 NKJV

which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.

We have to stand fast and follow the new pattern because that pattern has gotten us a new home!

Stand Fast Because You Have a New Home

Philippians 3:20 NKJV

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

For our citizenship is in heaven,

CITIZENSHIP

from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ

Stand Fast Because You Have a New Body

Philippians 3:21 NKJV

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.

who will transform our lowly body

that it may be conformed to His glorious body,

1 Corinthians 15:43–55 NKJV

It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are 2made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?”

1 John 3:2 NKJV

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself

Ephesians 1:19 NKJV

and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power

1 Corinthians 15:28 NKJV

Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

Conclusion

Philippians 4:1 NKJV

Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.