Young People's Group

Join in Following My Example

by Mitchell Tan
January 17, 2019

THE BAD EXAMPLE OF THE ENEMIES OF THE GOSPEL

Are there enemies with regards to the gospel? The answer is “Yes”. These were false teachers who walked contrary to the example of Paul and his company. During his time, they were already causing grave problems within the Church. They preached Christ out of envy and strife (Philippians 1:15). They did it with a hidden agenda; to fulfil their own selfish goals and to bring hurt to Paul. These false teachers were considered by him as adversaries (Philippians 1:28). They have been a real cause of sadness for Paul. He continued to warn the Philippians concerning these enemies of the gospel.

“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.”
Philippians 3:18-19

To these enemies of the cross, the Lord Jesus was not their Lord. Instead, their focus was on themselves. Making money and pleasing themselves was their god. Although what they were doing was shameful, they still took pride in their sin. Their glory was their shame. They were truly earthly minded rather than heavenly minded. Ultimately, they will be destroyed by the Lord. They will be severely judged by Him. Are there such enemies existing today? The answer is “Yes”. Let’s be watchful against such enemies.

THE GOOD EXAMPLE OF PAUL AND COMPANY

“Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.”
Philippians 3:17

1. IN CONTRAST TO THE LIVES OF THE ENEMIES OF THE GOSPEL

Paul’s example was totally a contrast to the lives of the enemies of Christ. He was telling the Philippians to not follow them, but to seek to fully follow his example.

2. PAUL’S CONSISTENT EXAMPLE

The phrase “join in following” in Greek is actually one word. It means to be joint imitators with Paul. Even as Paul imitated the Lord Jesus as his perfect example, the Philippians were to join him by imitating his example. He was not afraid to live for the Lord.

a. His focus was on Christ and magnifying Him, not self (Philippians 1:20).

b. He had a deep love for the Philippians (Philippians 1:6-8).

c. He was not afraid to suffer for his faith (Philippians 1:29-30).

d. He had a tenacity of spirit to press on (Philippians 3:12-14).
Young people, let’s seek to imitate Paul’s example in his manner of life.

3. THOSE WHO FOLLOW PAUL’S EXAMPLE

There were those who also followed Paul’s example. They should inspire us to also do the same. Following after Paul’s example is possible.

A. TIMOTHY

Paul commended Timothy as one who was truly like-minded (Philippians 2:20). He also showed deep and sincere love for the Philippians. He had served with Paul in the gospel and proven himself to all. His focus was on the Lord Jesus. Paul saw him as a fellow bondservant of Jesus Christ.

B. EPAPHRODITUS

Epaphroditus was one who specially ministered to Paul’s needs when he was in jail. Paul commended him as one who was a dear brother, a fellow worker and a fellow soldier (Philippians 2:25). He had a deep love for the Lord. He also had a special heart of love for the Philippians and longed for them. He even came close to death for the service of the Lord and for the sake of caring for Paul. He learned to be selfless.

Paul, together with others, were considered as a pattern for the Philippians to follow. Young people, we have every encouragement to join in following Paul and company as our pattern in life. Let’s seek to imitate them as they sought to honour the Lord in all things and to be selfless in service.

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