Follow The Leader Text: Philippians 3:17-21 Series: Philippians, #9 Pastor Lyle L. Wahl August 26, 2018 Theme: Discipleship Means Following Christ-Like Examples. Introduction. There is the old children s game, Follow the Leader. Children get into a line, sometimes holding on to the person in front of them, and then try to duplicate whatever the person at the front of the line does. The leader can speed up or slow down the commands, the motions or changes. Those who do not follow the leader have to drop out of the game. Follow the leader. Today we are looking at following the leader, and it is not a game. Back at the end of chapter 2 we looked at the value and importance of worthy role models. Worthy role models are committed to seeking God s interests, have a genuine concern for other believers, and have demonstrated proven worth. We are to receive them joyfully and regard them highly. Now, as Paul continues to talk about our focus on the future and not the past, about pressing on to the finish line when we see Christ face to face, he returns to the importance of following worthy role models, worthy examples. His basic message to us is discipleship means following Christ-like examples. True, active discipleship involves following Christ-like examples. The Order Is Given. The order is given right at the start of this section. Verse 17, Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.
Let s start with some basic perspective on following examples. When it comes to examples, many people have mixed feelings, and sometimes don t recognize the contradictions. We may focus on some good or attractive examples and try to follow them. We may point out good examples to others and encourage them to follow them. But sometimes we may not like examples, even good examples. Remember that quote from Mark Twain I mentioned a few weeks ago, Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example. 1 It may be because we are told to follow them, or some of the images may bother us. For example, it is reassuring and comforting when we read that The LORD is my shepherd, but at least at first read we may not want to think of ourselves as the sheep of [God s] pasture. And when it comes to people as our examples, sometimes we hear, Follow God, not men! It is not either/ or, as Paul makes clear when he instructs us, Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. 2 And, as he told Timothy, be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 3 Then too, the apostle Peter directed elders to be, to prove to be examples to the flock. 4 We also should be very aware and take caution to avoid the spirit of our time that is very much focused on ourselves, of not liking, even resenting people being held up as an example, let alone directing us on what to do or not do. There is a spiritual dimension to this. While God gives us freedom He has structure for us, our society and our relationship with Himself that includes leadership and authority. Like it our not, every one of us is both a follower of others examples and also an example to others. Every parent is an example to their children when they are young and at home or older and on their own. Every child and young person is an example to others their own age and younger. Every worker is an example to fellow workers. Every believer is an example not only to other believers, but to those who do not yet know Christ. The overall principle for human examples is to follow Christ by following Christ-like examples. Look at the opening verse again, verse 17, Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. Yes, follow Paul s example. Yes, follow the examples of others as well who demonstrate godliness. 2
The guiding principle is seen as we go back to Paul s instruction to the Corinthian church again, Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. 5 As we look at the ground we have already covered here in Philippians, among other things we are told to conduct ourselves worthy of the gospel, maintain unity, love, humility, to be obedient to God, to give self-less service and, we cannot leave out, be joyful! And how do we know what these qualities look like in real life? By and in good, godly examples! The Importance Of The Order. The order is given: follow Christ by following Christ-like examples. You may ask, Why is this so important? Why does it matter at all? It is important in part because there are many deceivers, many enemies of the cross of Christ who lead people astray. Look at verse 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. This is very strong language. Some might suggest it is not nice or polite, understanding, inclusive language. Paul says, Many are walking around living and teaching as enemies of the cross of Christ. He makes it clear he is not talking about people whose motives are not quite right, or who have some of the finer points out of focus, but those who may look and sound like they belong to Jesus, but really are not His. Remember that he wrote back in chapter 1 that while some preached out of envy, strife, self-ambition, he rejoiced when even they preached the truth of the gospel (verses 15-18). But here he warns of those who go around speaking, writing, trying to influence believers and non-believers alike, even in the name of Christ, but who are actually enemies of the cross of Christ. They do not have the true gospel. They have added their own ideas to it, and/or deleted essentials from it. This is not an isolated warning. Turn ahead in your Bible to 2 Corinthians chapter 11. That s on page 1334 in the church Bibles. We pick it up at verse 13. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing 3
if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works (verses 13-15). This was not new with Paul. Jesus warned us, Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 6 God also directed John, Peter and Jude to give similar warnings. 7 The danger is great. False teachers and false teaching can lead even long-time believers away from the solid truths into error. They also lead unbelievers into false a confidence about being right with God, but leave them in their sin. Look around. Television networks and the Religion sections of newspapers regularly cover ideas and issues where even some leaders in the organized church set aside the clear teaching of the Bible in favor of their own ideas. What God in the Bible calls sin, they dismiss as a cultural, antiquated, even a biased view. What God in the Bible sets out for obedience and holiness is similarly dismissed as ideals from a past place and time. The danger is great, and Paul writes that he has often warned them of this danger (verse 18). Yes, the danger is great. But also note that Paul is weeping as he writes this warning. Yes, he is clearly pointing out and denouncing their error. But he is deeply, profoundly saddened by the confusion and devastation these people and their teachings cause, and also their own destruction. With the reality of deceivers in mind, let s turn to look at some of the traits of these deceivers, to how we can identify them. We find this list in verse 19. It starts with whose god is their belly, or in another version, their appetite (NASB). This, of course, speaks of the physical, and even sensual desires. This is where the false teachers are really focused. Paul s words could include both extremes. There were Jewish legalists he mentioned in the first part of chapter 3 who were focused on all the dietary and other regulations. The other extreme were those who said freedom in Christ meant they could engage in anything and everything. Those of which Jude wrote, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ (verse 4, ESV). The point Paul makes here is not about diet. God makes it clear through Paul in Romans that in Christ you have freedom to eat vegetables only or meat and vegetables. 8 In other words, we have freedom when it comes to the kind of diet we choose. You can choose to follow the Old Testament Jewish dietary principles. The issue comes when conviction and 4
practice is elevated to be an essential part of the gospel, of true faith. Here in our text it centers not so much on the kind of diet, but on the focus on satisfying sensual appetites. Then he moves on to a second trait, whose glory is in their shame. Sadly, this is very much up to date. Those who in the name of the church elevate and take pride in being able to accept and see as an expression of love and acceptance what God in the Bible clearly calls wrong and sin. Even extending to key, essential truths of the faith such as denying the deity of Jesus Christ, denying His actual physical death and resurrection. Then, as we know, it extends to them jettisoning a host of other Bible truths as they suppress the truth in unrighteousness, as Paul wrote to the church in Rome. 9 Thinking they are wise and up to date they actually have darkened foolish hearts, have become fools, as we read in that same letter. 10 A third trait is that they are those who set their minds on earthly things. True and faithful servants of God are focused on the things of God. We saw this earlier in chapter 2 in Timothy contrasted with others who were seek[ing] their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus (verse 21). The focus of deceivers is not on heaven and the certain future we have with God for eternity, but on the things of this earth, the here and now. The positive, godly response is to seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 11 The warning to all is given by the apostle John, Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. 12 When we see these traits in people who preach and teach, the red flags need to be raised! We need to examine their teaching and lives carefully in light of Scripture. The importance of the order to follow Christ and steer clear of deceivers is also seen in the destiny of these deceivers. It is, Paul declares, destruction. What does this mean? First, it is not a pleasant reality to think about. Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, that 5
when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, He will come in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power. 13 Jesus clearly tells us that the final judgment of non-believers, including deceivers, is to go into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels, to go away into everlasting punishment. 14 The apostle John describes that punishment as being tormented day and night forever and ever. 15 Their destiny is clear. It is eternally devastating. And Paul takes no joy in it. It brings him to tears. True, active discipleship means to be careful to avoid deceivers and follow good, Christlike examples. The Importance Of Focus. Now we move from the negative to the positive, to the importance of focusing on your certain status and destiny. As I noted last time, what you focus on determines where you are and where you are heading. As we read in Proverbs, For as he thinks within himself, so he is (NASB). 16 Or, as one paraphrase of that verse puts it, What he thinks is what he really is (GNT). First, in light of this, always remember your citizenship. Go to verse 20. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Remember that Philippi was a Roman colony. The people enjoyed that rare and privileged status of being Roman citizens. As I pointed out in the first week of this series, as such they had legal protections and process of law. They had freedom from some taxes and duties which non-citizens had to pay. There were social and political advantages. And then, as citizens of Philippi, as Roman citizens, that is where their true allegiance was. Building on their pride of Roman citizenship, Paul once again calls them not to be focused on and controlled by the past, including that highest pride of Roman citizenship, but to look ahead, to keep pressing on to the finish line, to when they see Jesus face to face. 6
Coming to Christ gave them forgiveness of sin and life forever with God. But it also gave them a new focus and destiny. They now were God s children, to live as Christ s disciples and focus on their destiny of being with Him forever. This is part of what was included when Paul wrote, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 17 This focus is vitally important for us as well. Always remember your citizenship. However much pride we may take in our native country and citizenship, or our native region of the country, as believers it is not our true, final citizenship any more than it was for the Philippians. This is one of the best ways to keep from getting our minds set on earthly things, to keep us from getting caught up in the errors of those who are false teachers. It is also one of the best ways to be able to clearly see and focus on what really counts for today and also forever, to make our lives really count for Christ and eternity. Eagerly waiting for Christ to return is a focus which should be front and center in our minds, driving, leading, motivating how we think and live. There is an old saying about being so heavenly minded that you are of no earthly good. That extreme is so rare as to be on the endangered species list today. A more relevant problem is that God s people are sometimes so earthly minded that they are not accomplishing things that have heavenly, everlasting value. Yes, always remember your citizenship. That is the present. But there is also the future to keep in focus, to always remember your glorious destiny. There are some wonderful, amazing, and humbling things that God has revealed about our eternal destiny with Him. Even with what the Bible tells us, it is hard to grasp how wonderful, how perfect that will be. Think of just a few things the Bible tells us. Heaven is God s home. While God is present everywhere, 18 heaven is His home. Psalm 33 tells us, The LORD looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of men (ESV). Then, Jesus is preparing a place for us there, a place for each one, everyone who knows Him. He said, In My Father s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and 7
prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also (NASB). 19 That place will be new. The apostle John wrote, I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 20 Part of that perfect newness is that there will not be any pain, death, sorrow or crying there. The apostle John continued, And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. 21 But sometimes this reality can seem distant, lose its sparkle with all of the attractions and pressures and problems of life. Verse 21 tells us that Christ 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. Clearly, here is Paul the theologian. Another version words it He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control (NLT). In that day we will be released from all imperfection, sin, defect and problems forever. We will have a body like Christ s own resurrected, everlasting body. Listen to the apostle John s words, 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 [when Christ returns], we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 22 Yes, a great destiny! A great hope for the future! Don t miss the point that as we are focused on our glorious destiny we will purify ourselves. What does that mean? Yes, it is God who works in us to make us like Christ. 23 But, as we have seen repeatedly here in Philippians, we have a responsibility. This is not a passive thing. We need to step up and step out, to keep stretching and straining toward being more and more like Christ as we focus on the finish line of being with Him. Paul tells us that as we are focused on the return of Christ and our being transformed, that hope will keep us focused on pleasing, following, obeying God. It will keep us living more pure and holy lives here and now. 8
As we follow the Leader, follow Christ and Christ-like examples, focus is so important. We need to always remember our citizenship in heaven and our glorious destiny. Conclusion. Follow The Leader. Discipleship means following Christ-like examples. How are we doing in this? Do you look for and follow Christ-like examples? Examples close at hand family, church, Christians you know. And examples more distant geographically and in time, from the past. As we look to God and respond to Him now in the next few quiet moments, thank Him for the Christ-like examples you have. Commit to note and follow those who are following Christ. 1 Mark Twain. <https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/mark_twain_100437>. n.d. Accessed 10 July 2018. 2 1 Corinthians 11:1. 3 1 Timothy 4:12. 4 1 Peter 5:3. 5 1 Corinthians 11:1. 6 Matthew 7:15. 7 2 John 1:10; 2 Peter 2:1 ff.; Jude 1:1 ff. 8 Romans 14:1-4. 9 Romans 1:18. 10 Romans 1:21-22. 11 Colossians 3:1-2. 12 1 John 2:15-17. 13 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9. 14 Matthew 25:41, 46. 15 Revelation 20:10. 9
16 Proverbs 23:7. 17 2 Corinthians 5:17. 18 Job 34:21; Psalm 11:4-5; 139:7-10; Proverbs 15:3; Isaiah 57:15; Jeremiah 23:23-24. 19 John 14:2-3, NASB. 20 Revelation 21:2. 21 Revelation 21:4. 22 1 John 3:2-3. 23 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 3:20; Philippians 2:13. 2018, Lyle L. Wahl Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture marked (NASB) taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE, Copyright 1960, 1962, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV ), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (GNT) are from the Good News Translation. 1992, American Bible Society. 10