Young children often like to play follow-the-leader, where they try to imitate the leader of the group. Teenagers and adults also practice a form of follow-the-leader, as well. Those who want to excel in a sport will closely follow and try to imitate one who is a great athlete. Adults who perhaps want to learn to cook well or make fashionable clothes might take a course taught by one who claims to have been an intimate pupil of a great French chef or Italian clothing designer. However, it is very important to be sure that the one we are following is genuine, and is teaching us correctly, and not just something they made up. This is especially important in our spiritual life, as well. In our New Testament Scripture for this week we read St. Paul’s warning to believers in the Philippian church to be careful of whom they are following the example of. Let’s look at what he had to say.
The church in Philippi was still a rather young church when the Apostle Paul wrote his epistle to them, as only approximately ten years had passed from when he first established the church there. So most of the believers there were spiritually young. Many of them, as they wanted to mature in their faith, wanted to follow the example of older believers. Some Christians today do the same thing, seeking a more spiritually mature person to help mentor or disciple them in the faith. Paul warned them, though, to be very careful who they choose to follow the example of (vs. 1). Some may seem spiritually mature, but they may be filled with false doctrine and heresy (vs. 17). Paul exhorted them that they could follow his example. He wasn’t trying to brag or be full of himself, as he made a strong point in his life to strictly follow the Lord Jesus in every area of his life, and walk faithfully with Him. When we might choose to follow the example of another Christian, or be discipled by another believer, it is important that they are living out biblical principles in their life and that they are grounded in the Scriptures.
Paul warned that there are some who pose themselves as Christians, but who are actually enemies of the cross (vs. 18-19). These enemies of the cross exist today, as well. They pose themselves as Christians, calling themselves such, but who pick and choose what they want to believe in the Bible. They say that some parts are not relevant in today’s world, being careful that they fit in with the world’s philosophies today. They choose to offend God rather than offend the world and society. We need to beware of the dangers of the philosophies of the world today, of false teachings, and compromising with secular values. It is important to keep ourselves separate from such influences
Jesus’ cross exposes us for who we really are: hopeless, helpless sinners in need of a Savior. The cross shows us that we can do nothing to help ourselves. On His cross, Jesus did something that we could not. He paid the price for our sins. Those who refuse to accept what Jesus did on the cross are an enemy of the cross.
The Apostle then reminded the Philippian church that their true home is in heaven, and they needed to be earnestly awaiting the return of the Lord Jesus, Who will transform their earthly bodies into glorified ones (vs 20-21). This is, of course, something that we need to be concerned with in our own lives today. Having a heavenly focus encourages living with an eternal perspective, where we prioritize spiritual over temporal matters.
All too many people, including Christians, are getting stressed over political, economic, and social occurrences in the world. While others worry themselves sick over concerns with this world, we need to remember that our citizenship is in heaven. We have a wealth that cannot be deposited in financial accounts, nor depleted by the economy. Our loyalty should be Jesus, not some human leader, and our social guide should be God’s Word, not worldly society.
In chapter 4 verse 1, Paul speaks of the Philippians being his joy and crown. The crown is one that will be given to those who win souls to Christ, a soul-winner's crown. It is for those who are faithful to declare the Gospel, leading souls to the Lord Jesus, and build them up in Him.
As our Scripture closes, Paul urges the believers to remain steadfast in their faith, and rooted in Christ (vs. 1). We need to persevere in the face of all trials that will come our way, and stand unwavering in our commitment to biblical truth. It is also important to surround ourselves with mature believers who model a Christ-centered life, and be vigilant against any influences that distract us from our walk with Him. How well are we following a good and godly leader here on earth, and our true heavenly Leader, the Lord Jesus Christ?
No comments:
Post a Comment