Philippians 3:17-4:1
Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself. Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. [NASB1995®]
Imitate me, says the apostle, who, despite having a thousand reasons to trust my lineage, my religious training, my upbringing, is aware that the only person worthy of receiving all our trust is Jesus.
When Paul says, “look to me and imitate those who live as I do,” he is teaching us to look to Jesus… Our citizenship is from heaven, our mind is heavenly (conformed to God’s Word). We don’t live like those who trust in their own righteousness, like those who boast in completing human rituals and commandments (that point to the outward appearance, not the heart)… Living like that means rejecting the cross.
Our conviction comes from believing in the One who is the solid Rock, in whom we must anchor our hearts, knowing that He has transformed us and has made us His people, that it is His grace and forgiveness that sustains and guides us. Many times we will experience the temptation of believing ourselves to be self- sufficient, but looking at Jesus, at Paul, and at the rest of the disciples who walked in grace reminds us of our need for Christ and renews our dependence on thes One who is all-sufficient.
May God bless us today to continue living with our eyes set upon Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord!
Scripture quotation taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Translation By: Emily Stader
