Phlippians 3:17-19
Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. – Phlippians 3:17
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In life, from whom do you usually hear phrases like, “Come, follow me; come, imitate me”? Typically, such words come from parents, teachers, coaches, leaders, or respected elders—those who bear the responsibility of guiding and leading their listeners. However, they must also clearly specify which aspects to imitate: Is it my actions, my work attitude, my learning methods, or my way of interacting with others? It should never be about blindly copying everything about them.
When the Apostle Paul says, “Join together in following my example” (v.17a), it is by no means prideful arrogance, nor is he asking us to replicate every aspect of his life. Paul wants us to imitate him the way an athlete follows a coach, because he himself is “imitating Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). The apostle skillfully points each of us toward Christ, who alone is our true example to follow.
As Christians, literally “followers of Christ”, we are disciples learning to imitate Him. Along this journey, there are also many devout predecessors who can serve as role models. Thus Paul urges us to imitate him and others who faithfully follow the Lord.
However, Paul then shifts his tone, cautioning us not to follow blindly but to watch out for those whose actions may appear Christ-like but do not align with the truth—they are “enemies of the cross of Christ” (vv. 17-18).
How can we discern them? Paul lists a few characteristics in verse 19:
“Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.” – Philippians 3:19
Destiny: “Their end is destruction.” We can discern their lives by their fruit (outcome), which ultimately leads to destruction.
Idol: “Their god is their stomach.” These individuals pursue only fleshly satisfaction and worldly pleasures, treating their own desires as god.
Behaviour: “Their glory is in their shame.” Their actions run counter to the gospel, taking pride in sinful and shameful things.
Mindset: “Their mind is set on earthly things.” Their hearts are focused solely on the present life and material matters, neglecting heavenly concerns.
These two weeks are the church’s Mission Awareness Sundays. In missions, Christians represent Christ on earth. Our attitudes, words, and actions reflect Him. When someone is preoccupied only with this life and material things, lacking an eternal perspective, the damage caused by their example can be great. That is why Paul teaches the Philippian believers to discern carefully, to remain faithful to their identity, and to imitate him so they can truly live a life patterned after Christ.
Reflection:
What attitudes or behaviours in my life or in my faith community should we reject and stay away from? How does my identity as a disciple of Christ shape my daily choices and my commitment to Christ’s mission on earth?
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, You are the eternal example we follow. You came into this world out of love, You care for our needs, and You help us overcome all weaknesses. Lord, help us turn our eyes to You, enabling us to live as citizens of heaven on earth. May our lives one day become examples for others to imitate. In the victorious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen!
Click to read
In life, from whom do you usually hear phrases like, “Come, follow me; come, imitate me”? Typically, such words come from parents, teachers, coaches, leaders, or respected elders—those who bear the responsibility of guiding and leading their listeners. However, they must also clearly specify which aspects to imitate: Is it my actions, my work attitude, my learning methods, or my way of interacting with others? It should never be about blindly copying everything about them.
When the Apostle Paul says, “Join together in following my example” (v.17a), it is by no means prideful arrogance, nor is he asking us to replicate every aspect of his life. Paul wants us to imitate him the way an athlete follows a coach, because he himself is “imitating Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). The apostle skillfully points each of us toward Christ, who alone is our true example to follow.
As Christians, literally “followers of Christ”, we are disciples learning to imitate Him. Along this journey, there are also many devout predecessors who can serve as role models. Thus Paul urges us to imitate him and others who faithfully follow the Lord.
However, Paul then shifts his tone, cautioning us not to follow blindly but to watch out for those whose actions may appear Christ-like but do not align with the truth—they are “enemies of the cross of Christ” (vv. 17-18).
How can we discern them? Paul lists a few characteristics in verse 19:
“Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.” – Philippians 3:19
Destiny: “Their end is destruction.” We can discern their lives by their fruit (outcome), which ultimately leads to destruction.
Idol: “Their god is their stomach.” These individuals pursue only fleshly satisfaction and worldly pleasures, treating their own desires as god.
Behaviour: “Their glory is in their shame.” Their actions run counter to the gospel, taking pride in sinful and shameful things.
Mindset: “Their mind is set on earthly things.” Their hearts are focused solely on the present life and material matters, neglecting heavenly concerns.
These two weeks are the church’s Mission Awareness Sundays. In missions, Christians represent Christ on earth. Our attitudes, words, and actions reflect Him. When someone is preoccupied only with this life and material things, lacking an eternal perspective, the damage caused by their example can be great. That is why Paul teaches the Philippian believers to discern carefully, to remain faithful to their identity, and to imitate him so they can truly live a life patterned after Christ.
Reflection:
What attitudes or behaviours in my life or in my faith community should we reject and stay away from? How does my identity as a disciple of Christ shape my daily choices and my commitment to Christ’s mission on earth?
Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, You are the eternal example we follow. You came into this world out of love, You care for our needs, and You help us overcome all weaknesses. Lord, help us turn our eyes to You, enabling us to live as citizens of heaven on earth. May our lives one day become examples for others to imitate. In the victorious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen!