It Starts Small

¹⁷ Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. ¹⁸ For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. ¹⁹ Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.

Galatians 3:17-19

Join together in following my example

Paul passionately presents himself as a vibrant example to the Philippians, not out of vanity or pride. These verses reveal his deep yearning for their profound growth in Christ. He does not showcase himself to bask in accolades. He does not seek admiration. Instead, he offers them a living, breathing model to emulate. This selfless act serves as a guiding light on their spiritual journey. It illuminates the path they are to walk with fervor and purpose.

Let’s pause before we charge forward to take action. Take a moment to deeply examine our hearts. We need to ensure we are radiating humility. We must be fully devoted to the well-being of others! Pride has a sneaky way of infiltrating our lives, just as it did with the Pharisees. Nevertheless, mature believers have a vital role in exemplifying the essence of following Christ for the younger generations. Here are some powerful examples:

• Passionately demonstrate the significance of having a quiet time.
• Eagerly show how to share the transformative power of the gospel.
• Inspire others by modeling effective leadership in an inductive Bible study.
• Humbly illustrate the profound journey of repentance after sinning.
• Warmly exhibit the beauty of showing genuine hospitality.

Jesus passionately modeled so many powerful lessons for His disciples. He exemplified the profound gratitude owed to God before each meal, reminding them of the sacred in the mundane. He illuminated the vital importance of seeking solitary moments with God in earnest prayer. He courageously taught them how to confront the arrogant. He showed them how to extend compassion to the wayward. He inspired them to counter hatred with an outpouring of love. This awe-inspiring model was displayed on the cross. It inspired Stephen to boldly proclaim, “forgive them for they know not what they do.”

many live as enemies of the cross of Christ

This serves as a vital reminder of why it’s essential for believers to adhere to the right model. Jesus boldly cautioned us that many will arise as wolves masquerading in sheep’s clothing. It’s not just their teachings that can lead people astray; it’s their very lifestyle that can deceive. Paul ardently expresses his concern that such individuals could lead the Philippians into error. Therefore, he passionately implores them to follow his example and reject the misleading ways of those imposters.

One glaring example we witness in today’s world is the proliferation of prosperity gospel preachers. These figures enjoy a lifestyle characterized by polished rhetoric and dazzling spectacles. They wear designer attire and travel in private jets. This opulent lifestyle is fueled by the generosity of their followers. It’s disheartening to think that some may be captivated by this façade. They mistakenly believe that there is immense gain in following God. This is precisely why authentic preachers and teachers of the Bible must rise to the occasion. They should offer a far more inspiring example rooted in humility. It should involve devoted service and genuine self-sacrifice.

Their destiny is destruction

It might seem as though they are reaping the rewards for a time, everything flowing effortlessly in their favor. But this blissful facade cannot endure. In Psalm 73, Asaph is grappling with the glaring injustice of the wicked’s apparent prosperity. He wrestles with the bitter truth of how their lives are so untroubled. His deepening crisis of faith nearly pulls him away from God’s embrace. Yet, in a moment of clarity, he steps into the temple and lays bare his turmoil before the Almighty. And in Psalm 73:17, the revelation strikes him, illuminating his path forward.

¹⁷ till I entered the sanctuary of God;
    then I understood their final destiny.

Psalm 73:17

The answer Asaph received was profoundly impactful. In verse 17, he declares, “then I understood their final destiny.” He continues with a fervor, proclaiming,

¹⁸ Surely you place them on slippery ground;
    you cast them down to ruin.
¹⁹ How suddenly are they destroyed,
    completely swept away by terrors!
²⁰ They are like a dream when one awakes;
    when you arise, Lord,
    you will despise them as fantasies.

Psalms 73:18-20

Mark my words! Sooner or later, the wicked shall face the justice they so rightfully deserve! Their transgressions demand retribution. Each one of them will discover that their ill-gotten riches will not follow them beyond the grave. Picture the day when every individual stands before God, the ultimate judge, compelled to answer for every action taken! The false sense of security that their wealth offers is nothing but a fleeting illusion, utterly devoid of true safety!

While their lives may appear to glide effortlessly on the surface, devastation can strike them in an instant. Asaph’s poignant description echoes the profound lesson from Jesus’ parable of the rich fool. The rich fool blissfully remained unaware of his impending death. He was oblivious to the fact that all his meticulously accumulated treasures would ultimately mean nothing. Wealth is fleeting, a mere wisp of time. A life anchored in the transient things of this world teeters on the edge of disaster. Only a life founded upon the steadfast rock of Christ offers true safety and assurance.

their god is their stomach

This fervently speaks to their passionate cravings and fleshly yearnings. These adversaries of Christ idolize their own appetites and pleasures. A starved individual is driven to satiate their hunger. They are also consumed by the desire to fulfill their carnal instincts. In striking contrast, the faithful are called to yearn intensely for righteousness.

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Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 11:1
• 1 Timothy 6:12
• James 4:4
• 1 John 2:15

Discussion Questions

• Why would Paul set himself up as their example? Was this prideful?
• Isn’t Christ our only example?
• Why is it beneficial to observe others who follow this pattern?
• Who is one person that has modeled one aspect of the Christian life to you? How did that impact you?
• What is one thing you can model to other younger believers?
• Who are the enemies of the cross of Christ?
• Are all enemies of the cross Satanists?
• Where do we encounter enemies of God?
• What does it mean that their god is their appetite?

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