Good morning,
This week we will study Philippians 3. Knowing Christ is the greatest adventure a person can endeavor to take. It is a lifelong quest for knowledge, wisdom, and intimacy with your Savior. Paul knew this. From the time Paul was saved, until his death, he continually sought to get closer to his Lord.
Today we will look at the following Paul’s example.
Follow Paul’s example v17-19
a) Be followers of Paul v17
Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example. v17
b) Enemies of Christ v18-19
(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: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) v18-19
Paul exhorts the Philippians to follow his example. That meant to give up all for Christ, verses 7-9. It meant to know Christ in the power of His resurrection, to fellowship in His sufferings, and be made conformable to His death in verse 10.
Is this the commitment we have? Are we willing to give up all for Christ? Are we willing to suffer for Christ? Would we be willing to go to the cross for what we believe?
He then encourages the Philippians to press on in Christ Jesus in verses 13-14.
The challenge Paul gave to the Philippians almost 2000 years ago is the challenge God is giving us today. What is our relationship to Jesus Christ really worth to us? Are we at least willing to go and serve Him? Tell someone about Jesus? And when the persecution comes to this country will we be willing to stand for Jesus in the face of death?
These are tough questions that deserve a prayerful answer.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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