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Example or Enemy. Philippians 3:17 – 4:1. Introduction. Context No confidence in the flesh (vv. 1-11) Pressing on (vv. 12-16) Now the results Actions have consequences Good example, or enemy. Good Example (vv. 17, 20, 21). “Mark” the example and follow it
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Example or Enemy Philippians 3:17 – 4:1
Introduction • Context • No confidence in the flesh (vv. 1-11) • Pressing on (vv. 12-16) • Now the results • Actions have consequences • Good example, or enemy
Good Example (vv. 17, 20, 21) • “Mark” the example and follow it • Mark (Greek skopeo) means “to fix attention upon” (Vine’s) • Example
Example • Greek tupos • “in a technical sense, viz the pattern in conformity to which a thing must be made; Acts 7:44;Hebrews 8:5 …in an ethical sense a dissuasive example, pattern of warning …example to be imitated; of men worthy of imitation; Philippians 3:17; 1 Timothy 4:12 (Vine’s)
Good Example (vv. 17, 20, 21) • “Mark” the example and follow it • Mark (Greek skopeo) means “to fix attention upon” (Vine’s) • Example • We should look at good examples • Who are our heroes? (Hebrews 11)
Good Example (vv. 17, 20, 21) • Paul’s example • His concern about it (2 Thessalonians 3:7-9) • “This one thing I do” • “Professional,” not an amateur • Made it his life’s work • Not to be amateur Christians (Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 12:2)
Good Example (vv. 17, 20, 21) • Results • Live as citizens of heaven (v. 20; 1 Peter 2:11, 12) • “Wait” for Jesus meaning “expect eagerly • Go “home one day” (1:21) • New body (1 Corinthians 15:42-53) • Our hope (Romans 8:23-25)
Enemy (vv. 18, 19) • Also to be marked • Not to be followed (Romans 16:17) • “God” is their belly, fleshly appetite (v. 19; Romans 16:18) • “Glory” was in shameful things (1 Corinthians 5:2; Romans 1:32) • Mind earthly things (Colossians 3:2)
Enemy (vv. 18, 19) • Outside and inside the church • Usually think of them as outside • Those within are more harmful, appearing to be friends • Discouraging to the faithful, turning others away from the truth (Revelation 3:15, 16)
Enemy (vv. 18, 19) • End result is perdition • “The idea is not extinction but ruin, not loss of being, but of well being (Vine’s) • Result of showing more concern about the “here and now” (Luke 12:15; 14:26, 27)
Enemy (vv. 18, 19) • Admonition to “stand firm” • Called attention to things just said (4:1; Romans 12:1) • Longed to see them but prevented from doing do • Called them his “beloved brethren” (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20)
Conclusion • Choice is ours to make • Example or enemy?