Philippians 3:17-21

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.  For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.  Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.  But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 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.

 

Life presents us with a variety of alternatives from which we must choose.  Typically, these choices require that we decide between delayed or immediate gratification.  Since that which is immediate always appears to be more certain; it is usually the more popular choice.  Present suffering can easily dissuade us from living for future rewards.  The wise person will choose to live today in light of eternity.

 

DECIDE WHO TO FOLLOW: There are two clear alternatives as to whom we can follow: those who obey Christ and those who are enemies of Christ.  Paul urges his readers to join in the group of people who are following him.  Biblical leaders will courageously call others to imitate themselves.  It may sound more humble to tell people to look at Christ instead of us, but the reality is that they are looking at us.  Since a godly leaders will always be striving to follow Christ, they should not hesitate in inviting others to follow them.  Paul also warns of the many alternative voices that he describes as enemies of the cross of Christ.  The sad reality of the world in which we live is that there are many ways that people live as enemies of Christ.  Secularism, humanism, legalism, imperialism, and many other “isms” present themselves as more rational alternatives to following Christ.  With so many competing voices, it is hard to detect the one true path of joining those who follow Christ.

 

DISCERN THE FUTURE:  One of the most important lessons a follower of Christ must learn is to evaluate the eternal consequences of the choices we make.  All the “isms” mentioned above offer attractive benefits in the present.  However, “their end is destruction.”  God’s wrath will one day be revealed against all these man centered alternatives to following Christ.  Those who live for their own pleasure, who take pleasure in sin, and have their minds set on the things of this earth will fall under the condemnation of God.  By contrast, those who follow Christ understand that they are living as strangers on earth because we are citizens of heaven.  Our current reality of suffering and sacrifice to live a sanctified life is only temporary.  We are waiting expectantly for the return of Christ.  His return will culminate the process of sanctification in our lives, and we will not only be followers of Christ, but we will become like Him.  Upon His return, everything will be made right, and that condition will last forever.  The choice is not an easy one to make, but it is clear.

 

APPLICATION: Look for leaders who are following Christ and join them in imitating Him.  Courageously call other to follow us as we follow Christ.  Warn others of the dangers associated with following man-centered philosophies.  Always take into account the eternal consequences of our choices.