Title: 5 Requirements for Leading By Example Script: Phil. 3:15-21
Type: Expos. Series Where: GNBC 8-6-23
Intro: Leading by example. A priest and a pastor from local parishes were standing by the side of the road holding up signs. The priest’s read, "The End is Near!" The pastor, on the other side of the road, held up a sign which read, "Turn before it’s too late!" They planned to hold up their signs to each passing car. "Get a job." The first driver yelled. The second, immediately behind the first, yelled, "Leave us alone, you religious freaks"! Shortly, from around the curve, they heard screeching tires and a splash followed by more screeching tires and another splash. The priest looked over at his companion and said, "Do you think we should try a different sign"? The pastor responded, "Perhaps, ’Bridge Out’ might be better"? They were leading, maybe not by example.
Prop: In Phil. 3:15-21 we’ll notice 5 actions every Xstian should employ to lead by example in following Christ.
BG: 1. Phil is a “Prison Epistle”. Along with Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon.
2. Paul ministered at Philippi during his second missionary journey, spending about three months in the city. The ministry at Philippi marked Paul’s entrance into Macedonia, which came about as a result of a vision he had in the city of Troas.
3. Paul likely wrote Philippians last of Prison Epistles, near the end of his Roman imprisonment in AD 61 or 62. Very concerned that believers would encourage each other in faithful Christian living.
Prop: Looking at Phil. 3:15ff we’ll see 5 actions every Christian should employ so as to lead by example.
I. 1st Action: Have the Right Attitude v. 15
A. Paul Calls Mature and Growing Philippian Believers to adopt a Specific Attitude.
1. What is the Attitude that Paul calls for?
a. “as many as are perfect” – A lot of error has been adapted into the Church as a result of not properly reading this text. “Perfect” means mature, full grown, complete. It is not an admission of moral or spiritual perfection. Rather it is a statement on the spiritual growth, interest and development of the individual. Illust: Am I a “mature” Christian? Yes. Am I a perfect Christian? No!
b. “attitude” – phronomen – “should be of mind” – verb, (Present Active Subjunctive). n English, the present subjunctive functions independently of time. Often used for a suggestion, to offer advice, or declare something of necessity. That’s exactly what we see here. This usage of the word is its only occurrence in the NT. Paul is strongly suggesting that to lead as a Christian, we must have a certain attitude.
1. What type of Attitude Should We Have?
a. Illust: “Watch your attitude young man/lady!”, was a warning employed in our home when the children were growing up. Why do we use that phrase? You literally cannot “watch” your attitude. Rather, you need to keep track of why you are responding with such emotions in such a situation. Usually, a bad attitude implies resentment, bitterness, anger, entitlement, etc. Christians need to always check those attitudes at the door spiritually speaking.
B. We are Called to Have the Same Attitude as Believers, today.
1. In verses 12-16, Paul conveyed the Christian’s perspective and practice regarding the past, the present, and the future. When he comes to Christ, the Christian has not arrived. He must forget the past (bad and good) and press on to that for which he was called in Christ. He must press on toward the upward call. One’s conversion is the starting line, and one’s death (or the rapture) is the finish line. We dare not slack up in our striving toward the finish line, until we have reached the goal. No Christian has “arrived,” and thus they must continue to strive. Our attitude is an attitude of focused concentration on who we are in Christ and what we are doing for Christ.
2. Illust: Harry Emerson Fosdick once told how as a child, his mother sent him to pick a quart of raspberries. Reluctantly he dragged himself to the berry patch. His afternoon was ruined for sure. Then a thought hit him. He would surprise his mother and pick two quarts of raspberries instead of one. Rather than drudgery his work now became a challenge. He enjoyed picking those raspberries so much that fifty years later that incident was still fresh in his mind. The job hadn't changed. His attitude had, though, and attitude is everything. (Dynamic Preaching, June, 1990)
C. Applic: Want to be a Christian leader? Have the right attitude.
II. 2nd Action: Use the Right Standard v. 16
A. Paul Informs the Philippians that there is a Correct Standard to Imitate.
1. What is this Standard that Paul calls his listeners to follow?
a. Now, I have to admit, the word, “standard” isn’t even in the passage. If you have an NASB, you will notice the word is in italics. It is not in the text per se, but is implied.
b. Ilust: for nearly all my pastoral counseling career, I have used the TJTA in my premarital counseling sessions. I find it very helpful in gaining insights into individuals and their relationships. Now, even though everyone uses the same questions and mark answers on the same type of scoring sheet, they are not graded the same. In fact, I remember about 25 yrs ago scoring a test and then presenting it to a couple only to find that they did not agree with the results at all. Turns out I had used the wrong scoring standard, so I was scoring an early 20yrs old man with the stand would use on a senior woman! Needless to say it skewed the results!
2. The Keeping of this Standard is Related to How we Live our Lives.
a. “let us keep living by that same standard” – It is a standard that is related to the behavior of our lives. Holiness is expected. A life and lifestyle different from the world.
b. Real change occurs when we trust Christ, for God realigns our desires so that we want to obey Jesus. However, because our redemption will not be brought to its fullness until Christ returns to usher in the new heavens and the new earth, we still deal with our fallenness. Still, as we put to death our old fleshly nature, our new desire to obey Jesus manifests itself in actual obedience
B. As Modern Believers We are Still Called to Follow the Right Standard.
1. Paul ends this paragraph with verse 16, “however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.” That first word is important—“however”. However can be translated one more thing, expressing one final thought. This last attitude adjustment in order to encourage growth in becoming like Christ can be described as consistency.
2. Paul continues with, “Let us keep living by that same standard.” Keep living means to line up or follow the line. Illust: If you run track, you follow the lines, meaning stay in your lane to finish the race. “Chris, where is my lane? How do I know where to run?” It is right there on your lap–the Bible delineates the lines of your race. The Greek word for living in verse 16 is actually the word walk. Walk is used in the NT to describe your lifestyle. Not lifestyles of the rich and famous, but the lifestyle of a Christ follower. Keep walking, Christian. You need a “keep on going” attitude–a “never give up” mentality. A step-by-step process–when you fall, you get back up and keep walking. Don’t become complacent.
C. Applic: You’ve been a Christian a few years now…Is your language getting converted? Has how you treat wife and kids? Has your wallet? Are your interests and hobbies in keeping with the Christian life? Are you following His standard?
III. 3rd Action: Follow the Right Example v. 17
A. Paul Encourages the Mature Christians of Philippi to Follow the Right Example.
1. In order to Learn How to Lead by Example We Must Follow the Right Examples.
a. You notice a switch taking place in the passage at this point. In vv. 17-21, Paul is turning from the Pharisaical Judaizers, and their heretical doctrines. Now, Paul points his Apostolic guns on the Antinomian party within the Church and their promotion of profligacy! Anti- against, nomos – law : This group in the church was essential against the moral law of God. Essentially, if we are saved by grace and cannot contribute anything to our salvation by good works, then let us sin all the more so as to magnify God’s grace all the more! Warped thinking! Extreme license always becomes licentiousness. Immorality was excused by their doctrine.
b. Illust: If attempting to emasculate the cross of it’s power is a problem more commonly associated with Liberal Christianity, excusing Antinomian behavior is far too often falls within the dominion of Conservative Christianity. Illust: I have a good friend who is a retired pastor in the Irish Methodist Church. However, he still preaches with regularity. He has told me before that when he was a young preacher in the 1960’s only about 25% of his colleagues were also Evangelical. Yet, scandal was all but unheard of. Could not remember a pastor having an affair or absconding with funds. Today, the IMC has nearly 75% of clergy affirming Evangelical doctrine, yet says the number of affairs, divorces, embezzlements, abusive behavior by clergy is off the charts by comparison to counterparts from 6 decades ago. Why? Behavior. Grace without discipline.
2. Paul Calls on the Christians of Philippi to Observe and Imitate Good Examples.
a. “join in following my example” – Literally, this could read: “imitators together of me”. Paul is saying, follow me as I follow Christ!
b. Second, the apostle tells his readers to “observe” specific individuals. This is the only time in the NT the word “skopiete” is used. Paul says “Observe those who are doing it right.” Learn from those who are expert. We must be intentional in our discipleship. Illust – Everyone knows Jesus and Jessica. Jesus owns Garcia painting. Excellent painter. When hires a new man, may or may not have experience. Takes that man and either pairs him with himself or another painter he has mentored so as to know how to paint correctly and for the desired results. Paul tells the Philippians to be careful to observe for the desired results.
B. We Need to Ask Ourselves today if We are following the Example of Faithful Christians.
1. It is essential that we observe and imitate individuals who have consistently lived for Christ.
a. Illust: When my father in law was 85-86 yrs old, he was at UIHC for a cardiology appointment. His doctor was about 35 yrs old. Began to ride him a little bit and told PD that he needed to do X-Y-Z, if he wanted to live longer. “Ha, ha, Doc, the joke’s on you!” “You’re what, 35yrs of age? I’ve already outlived you by 50 years, and there’s no guarantee you will live to be my age! My father in law had already lived a long life and was being told how to live a long life by a man who had not yet lived very long.
b. I addressed this a few weeks ago in a message, but I would like to again. There are a lot of preachers/teachers can listen to radio, You Tube, podcasts, etc. A lot make great boasts. A lot can be very bombastic and that has a certain appeal. As someone who has served in ministry a long time can I give you some advice? Give them 10 yrs. I cannot count the number of “flashes in the pan” locally or nationally, who have their morality or integrity go up in flames. I would encourage you to examine men like RC Sproul, Steve Lawson, Erwin Lutzer, Chuck Swindoll, David Jeremiah, John MacArthur, D. James Kennedy, Adrian Rodgers, J Vernon McGee. “But they’re old, boring, or dead.” EXACTLY! Yes, and they didn’t make a mess of their lives, marriages, or ministries. Follow their example!
2. Tells Believers to Observe a Positive Pattern of Behavior to Emulate.
a. “pattern” typon – Used in Jn. 20:25 of the imprint of the nails in Xst’s hands, also a form or manner or model. So it is a model forged by repetition.
b. At the end of the block I grew up on, their was a foundry. Atlas Foundry has been in Marion since 1893, pumping out gray iron castings for automotive, agricultural, marine, and industrial applications. Iron is brought in and melted under intense heat, impurities are removed, poured into castings that have been engineered according to a specific design application. There is a finishing process then finally, and analysis and inspection.
C. Applic: As Christians we need to observe and follow the example of believers who over time, and by repetition have proven to have followed the example of sound doctrine and right behavior so as to be an example or pattern to also follow.
IV. 4th Action: Pity the Right People vv. 18-19
A. Paul Describes in Alarming Terminology the False Teacher Attempting to Negatively Influence the Church.
1. As Christians We Should Never Envy nor Emulate Evil Doers and False Teachers.
a. Paul declares these individuals as “enemies of the cross of Christ”. You cannot get away from the centrality of the cross to Biblical Christianity. Gal. 6:14 declares: “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Every form of non-Biblical religion wants to circumvent the cross. Even Peter this alternative as a solution so Christ could shirk His sufferings. Mt. 16:22, “Never Lord, this shall not happen to you!” Christ fired back exposing and identifying the author of such an idea: “Get thee behind me, Satan!” (v. 23)
b. IN modern, Liberal Christianity, there is an avoidance of the cross of Christ. Oh, often the pastor or priest wears a beautiful gold or silver cross around his/her neck while all the while preaching an intolerance towards and an aversion of the bloody, penal substitutionary atonement of Christ on the Cross. That person seems very kind, very nice. Concerned about their community and the environment. Maybe in Rotary or Kiwanis together. Maybe wouldn’t feel comfortable going to their church, but they do a lot of “good”, right? Paul calls that individual “an enemy of the cross of Christ”. Enemy! Illust: US has had some enemies throughout its history: Kaiser, Hitler, Togo, Mussolini, Ho Chi Minh, Sadam Hussein, Bin Laden… List goes on. Enemy wants your defeat or destruction.
2. We Pity the Outcome of these False Teachers and Learn Not to Emulate their Lives.
a. People we pity are not people we want to imitate or exchange places with. Illust: For over 20 years now there’s been a man who begs for money at either the McD’s on River Side Dr., or the Hwy 1 Wal Mart. I pity the poor man. I’ve followed over the years how the weather has prematurely aged his body. I consider with sadness, the (literal) wasted years of what would appear to be merely a subsistent existence. I pity him and don’t want to trade places w/him.
b. Paul was addressing a group of individuals in the church who although gaining some level of prominence as teachers or leaders, were NOT to be emulated, but rather, rejected and pitied, because of the ultimate outcome of their teaching would be their own destruction.
B. There Were Two Fallacies Associated with these individual’s False Doctrine.
1. Theis Doctrine Denied the Efficacy of the Cross. (Doctrinal enemies of the Cross)
a. What do I mean when I use the term “efficacy”? The ability to produce an intended or desired result. We use certain medications to treat specific diseases or infections because they have a proven efficacy against that illness. Maybe you are going camping by a lake in Minnesota. You want to know if the mosquito repellant is “efficacious” against the nuisance insects.
b. Whenever people attempt to set aside the efficacy of the cross, you input some system of works, some man made code of conduct which if followed correctly, will hopefully earn favor with God. Can I tell you what God says about our attempts to impress Him with our “works of righteousness”? Is. 64:6 succinctly summarizes: “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” We are unclean. We are like a fallen leaf without connection to the tree, we are blown by the winds of life. Illust: My friends, it is true—gloriously true—that none of God's people, before or after the cross, would be accepted by an immaculately holy God if the perfect righteousness of Christ were not imputed to us (Rom. 5:19) by faith!
2. Without the cross of Christ, man cannot see the righteousness and holiness of God. Nature does not know or show the righteousness and holiness of God. Thus, it’s necessary that this is demonstrated to man by God. Unregenerate man, combing the fallen creation, can only see the ravages of sin. He must be illumined to the righteousness of God in Christ. The cross cries out in a fallen, blind, and deaf world!
C. Applic: In order to be a leader, have nothing to do with false teachers. Don’t envy their apparent success by pity their final outcome.
V. 5th Action: Eagerly Anticipate the Right Outcome vv. 20-21
A. If We’re Going to Anticipate the Right Outcome It’s Imperative We Remember Our Citizenship.
1. Christian Leaders Must Remember Where their Citizenship Ultimately Resides.
a. “our citizenship is in heaven” - Rome settled communities of army veterans, called colonies, as garrisons in conquered territory. Augustus extended this practice by giving full Roman citizenship not only to settlements of veterans but to important provincial cities and to men who had distinguished themselves in public service. These provincial communities held equal rights and privileges with the citizens of Rome itself. In return they were expected to represent Rome and all things Roman to their neighbors, so that the Roman way of life might permeate their province.
2. During New Testament times the city of Philippi, where Paul founded a church on his second missionary journey, was a Roman colony. When Paul later wrote to the church at Philippi and underscored the meaning of church membership, he had at hand an illustration his readers could easily understand. “Our citizenship,” he wrote, “is in heaven.” James Moffatt translates the statement even more strikingly: “We are a colony of heaven.” (Our community naturally reflects our values. If that is the case, is the church in Iowa City focused on heaven and representing Christ?
B. If We’re Going to Anticipate the Right Outcome It’s Imperative We Look forward to our Transformation.
1. All who have a living faith in Jesus Christ enjoy an eternal citizenship in heaven even if we do not presently experience the realities of this citizenship in full. The rights that go with being a citizen involve the final transformation of “our lowly body to be like [Jesus’] glorious body” (vv. 20–21). At the last day, the bodies of believers will be raised and reunited with our souls that, at death, enjoy God’s presence in heaven. Then we will be complete, and our denial of sinful passions today will be seen as worth it in our enjoyment of eternal bliss.
2. Woody Allen, the well-known movie director, screenwriter, and actor, once said, “I’m not afraid to die. I just don’t want to be there when it happens.” The quirky quotation is famous but fatally flawed. God has the date of every person’s death in his calendar, and there is nothing that anyone can do to have this divinely made appointment cancelled or postponed: “No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death” (Eccl. 8:8).
C. Applic: For millions the world over, the inevitability of death casts a shadow over life. The internationally renowned British artist Damien Hirst, said to be worth more than $300 million, told the Daily Telegraph : “Death is definitely something that I think about every day.... You try to avoid it, but it’s such a big thing that you can’t.” The Bible speaks of many who “through fear of death” are “subject to lifelong slavery” (Heb. 2:15). In countless cases, their chains are forged by fear of the unknown. “Uncertainty breeds fear. And fear brings mental bondage, casting its inescapable shadow over life and robbing man of lasting peace or joy.” Yet Christians should think differently, because they can have the assurance of being “in Christ” (2 Cor. 5:17), the One who brought about what John Owen memorably called “the death of death.” As we get a clear grasp of what this means, one word sums up how we should approach death’s inevitable onset, and that word is gratefully, because you and I will be changed! (John Blanchard, How Shall We Then Die?, 10-1-2011)
