Example or Enemy

Philippians 3:17 – 4:1

Introduction

ContextNo confidence in the flesh

(vv. 1-11)Pressing on (vv. 12-16)

Now the resultsActions have consequencesGood example, or enemy

Good Example (vv. 17, 20, 21)

“Mark” the example and follow itMark (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 itMark (Greek skopeo) means “to fix

attention upon” (Vine’s)ExampleWe should look at good examplesWho are our heroes? (Hebrews 11)

Good Example (vv. 17, 20, 21)

Paul’s exampleHis concern about it

(2 Thessalonians 3:7-9)“This one thing I do”“Professional,” not an amateurMade it his life’s workNot to be amateur Christians

(Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 12:2)

Good Example (vv. 17, 20, 21)

ResultsLive as citizens of heaven

(v. 20; 1 Peter 2:11, 12)“Wait” for Jesus meaning “expect

eagerlyGo “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 markedNot 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 churchUsually think of them as outsideThose within are more harmful,

appearing to be friendsDiscouraging 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 doCalled them his “beloved brethren”

(1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20)

Conclusion

Choice is ours to makeExample or enemy?