Immanuel - Mankato Bible Class
Study of Philippians – Lesson 15
April 29, 2001
Philippians 3:17-4:1
Introduction:
In the last section, Paul spoke of pressing "toward the goal for the prize of the
upward call of God." The apostle now continues with the same thoughts by giving the
Philippians and example to follow as they "press." Paul also gives a glimpse of
what is part of the "prize."
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.
Verse 17-18: Be fellow-imitators of me, brothers, and keep watching
carefully those who are walking in this way, just as you have an example from us. Because
many are walking—of whom I have repeatedly told you, and now with weeping am telling you—who
are haters (enemies) of the cross of Christ.
- The POWER of EXAMPLE
- GOOD Example:
- Paul encourages the Philippians to follow His good example as well as to carefully
watch (and follow) other fellow Christians who were likewise living for their Savior.
- Paul’s encouragement that he be followed comes only from the fact that he was
following Christ. Thus, Paul was really encouraging the Philippians to follow Christ, but
he gave himself as a visible example. Certainly Paul would not want the Philippians to
follow him into any sin. "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ"
(1 Corinthians 11:1)
- In other places, Paul also encourages his readers to imitate his example
(cf: 1 Thessalonians 1:7;3:9; 1 Corinthians 4:!6, etc.). However, Peter and Paul both
speak very clearly about example-SETTING on the part of leaders, especially spiritual
leaders called to serve with the Gospel. READ: 1 Timothy 4:12,
Titus 2:7-8, 1 Peter 5:2-3.
- BAD Example:
- The reason why Paul directs the Philippians attention to his and others’ GOOD example
is because of the prevalence of bad examples. Paul had repeatedly warned the
Philippians against these leaders-into-evil and does so now again with tears.
- We do not know with certainty to whom Paul refers. It seems unlikely that he is speaking
of unbelievers since to call unbelievers "haters of the cross" would be stating
the obvious. These "haters of the cross" could be the "dogs" and
"evil workers" to whom Paul referred earlier (3:2) and/or members of the church
who were putting forth a destructive example.
- Consider all that is part of "the cross of Christ" and then
discuss the many and various ways in which hatred is demonstrated toward the cross –
even by those who would never care to be classified as an "enemy" of the cross
of Christ.
- Discuss the power of example in our day and your own lives—both good
and bad.
Verses 19: The end is destruction, "God" is the belly, and
the glory is in connection with their shame – the ones who are setting their minds on
earthly things.
- Paul and the Philippians were pressing toward an end…ETERNAL LIFE. The enemies of
the cross of Christ were pressing toward an end too…ETERNAL DESTRUCTION.
"Destruction" is not extinction or the end of "being." Rather,
it is the loss of "well-being." The loss of everything, but existence continues.
Such will be the misery of hell. Those in hell will only wish they could cease to exist,
but instead will continue forever in the destruction of their sins.
- Paul and the Philippians had a God…their Lord and Savior Jesus together with the Father
and Holy Spirit. The enemies of the cross of Christ had a god too…themselves, their selfish
ambitions—their belly! (cf: Romans 16:18)
- Paul and the Philippians already had the glory of their salvation but looked forward
to the fullness of glory in heaven. The enemies of the cross of Christ boasted of a glory
too, but it was that of which they were to be ashamed! (cf: Matthew 6:5)
- The haters of the cross of Christ set their minds on earthly things. For them it is as
Jesus said, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"
(Matthew 6:21). READ: Colossians 3:1-10; Romans 8:5-9
- What are "examples" set by the world that are very enticing in
leading us toward "setting our minds on earthly things"?
Verse 20-21: For our citizenship exists in connection with
the heavens, out of which (our citizenship) we are also eagerly awaiting (the)
Savior, (the) Lord Jesus Christ. Who will transform our body of
"lowness" ("our humble body") to have the same form as the body of
His glory according to the working by which He is able to subdue all things to Himself.
- Note: "citizenship" is from the same word as "worthy"
in Philippians 1:27 (see notes p. 22). In chapter one Paul encouraged the Philippians to live
as citizens. Here Paul identifies where the citizenship lies that we are striving to show in
our lives.
- Why should the Philippians follow Paul’s Example? Because many others were
setting examples leading to destruction, but OUR (Paul, Philippians, all believers)
citizenship is in heaven with Christ!! The Philippians treasured their Roman citizenship
even though Rome was far distant from them. The Philippians understood the value of
citizenship. Paul uses the earthly example of privileged citizenship to speak of an even
greater citizenship.
- We are only strangers and pilgrims on the earth; but our SAVIOR, having saved us from
our sin and its judgment has made us citizens and heirs of God’s kingdom. READ:
Ephesians 2:19-22; Hebrews 11:13-16. Cf: TLH #660.
- THE GLORY OF THE RESURRECTION: In the resurrection of the dead on the Last Day when our
souls and bodies are rejoined, we will scarcely recognize our bodies as being the same.
They will be our bodies resurrected, but Oh! They will be so different from these humble,
frail, sin-ridden bodies we now have. READ: Job 19:25-27; John 5:28-29;
1 Corinthians 15:43-44, 49, 51-53; 2 Corinthians 5:1-2.
- The all-encompassing power which our glorified Savior has (cf: Matthew 28:18, Ephesians
1:19-22, etc.) will accomplish this glorious resurrection; let no one doubt that power!
Verses 4:1: Therefore, my brothers, beloved ones and longed-for-ones,
my joy and my crown, in this way keep standing fast in connection with the Lord, beloved
ones.
Paul’s affection for the Philippians and the deep bond which the Gospel has created
between them is no more evident than in this verse. Paul so concerned for their spiritual
health that he is warning them through tears, now draws his admonition to a close. In
closing his admonition, Paul refers to the Philippians with several terms of endearment
and pleads with them out of love. To paraphrase, "Oh, my dearest Philippians, all of
this is why I so fervently pray that you keep standing fast in the Lord."
{WCE}