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July 16, 2000 PM


PHIL. 3:17- 20a

INTRO: Although v. 17 was part of the previous lesson we studied from the book of Philippians, I read it with our text for tonight because it really attaches to an idea which continues. Our thought last Sunday evening was that spiritual maturity is in ones willingness to be an example of the faith. However, corresponding to that is the responsibility of every Christian to choose his example carefully. In our text it seems to me that Paul makes one of his most passionate appeals and emotional pleas. He is a prisoner. He cannot personally be with them to watch over them. He is agonizingly concerned about their welfare. No wonder, then, he is so emotional and passionate here as he thinks of threats to their faith!


A. Some of the most common?

1. earliest is/are mother and fatherchildren copy so much they see in parents and settle their own role for the future thereby

2. in many endeavors we choose models

a. in sports, in profession, in hobbies

b. my teacher once told me to choose outstanding trombonist, buy

a recording, listen to it over and again, and copy his tone

B. Examples of the faith are models we copy

1. some of mine? P. Stevens - T. McElroy - H. Peeples - Ivor Paull,


2. what does an example do for us? gives us a goal a pattern

says, Heres how its done.

3. Heb. 11 is really a listing of some great examples

4. what to look for in an example?

a. consistency - sincerity - conviction - humility

b. one whose choices do not appear to be worldly ones, whose

emphasis is spiritual, whose speech is wholesome, etc.

c. I Cor. 11:1 follow one who - to the best of your ability to discern

- is carefully following the Lord


A. Who are the enemies fo the cross?

1. certainly the Jews were

2. the Romans were (Rev. 13:7)

3. the antiChrists were/are (I Jno. 4:3) anyone who is any way

arrays himself against the Lord

B. But Paul is referring to professed disciples!

1. is not the greatest danger, threat from within?

2. Col. 2:4-6 Titus 1:9,10

3. there must have been some Christians in Philippi whose examples

were a danger to the pure faith of others

C. Look how they are described (3:19)

1. they mind earthly things

a. world is the limit of their horizon (Philips)

b. here, of course, was the glaring fault these were interested in

here and now a mind concerned with and centered on earthly things is bound to become in practice a life inconsistent with Christ (cf Col 3:2)

2. they live to satisfy their appetites

a. they worshiped things satisfying earthly desires

b. pride? gluttony? human praise? wealth? whatever it was, it

got between them and the Lord! (there is such a real danger of our letting this happen!) ...Isa 47:8a

3. they find pleasure in things they ought to be ashamed of

a. how many times have I heard people boasting about the sinful

things they do (or have done!)

b. but I wonder if the shamelessness of our time has not

watered down the conviction of so many of us ... we must remember that Gods standard hasnt changed!

4. the end of this lifestyle is destruction

a. professed Christian who minds earthly things is in a lost state

before God ... he must repent while opportunity is

b. 2 Pet 2:13-15 which have forsaken the right way yet, they

remain professed note the with you in v. 13

CLOSE:Disciples, then, must at all times remember they are citizens of heaven. That remembrance must regulate all of a disciples life.

Cecil A. Hutson

16 July 2000

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