“Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body” (Phil 3:17-21).
When we’re children we’re encouraged to find good role models to emulate. When we grow up we still do well to have godly people whose faith and virtue we try to follow. Interestingly, however, we might question the humility of a person who boldly tells an entire community of believers, “Join with others in following my example” (v. 17). But this is precisely Paul’s invitation above. ”Follow me!” And I think to myself, “How arrogant and rude!” But perhaps I’m missing his point altogether.
Upon further reflection I believe Paul is not primarily lifting up himself as the example to follow but rather drawing their attention to “the pattern we gave you” (v. 17). In other words, Paul urges people to follow his example insofar as his own conduct aligns with this same pattern of life. So, where does this pattern originate? Read the rest of this entry »
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PHILIPPIANS 29: Follow My Example (3:17-21)
Posted by Jeremy Berg in Commentary, Devotional, Philippians on November 7, 2009
When we’re children we’re encouraged to find good role models to emulate. When we grow up we still do well to have godly people whose faith and virtue we try to follow. Interestingly, however, we might question the humility of a person who boldly tells an entire community of believers, “Join with others in following my example” (v. 17). But this is precisely Paul’s invitation above. ”Follow me!” And I think to myself, “How arrogant and rude!” But perhaps I’m missing his point altogether.
Upon further reflection I believe Paul is not primarily lifting up himself as the example to follow but rather drawing their attention to “the pattern we gave you” (v. 17). In other words, Paul urges people to follow his example insofar as his own conduct aligns with this same pattern of life. So, where does this pattern originate? Read the rest of this entry »
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Christian, follow my example, imitate me as I imitate Christ, Paul, Philippians 3:17-21, role models
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