FRIDAY September 27, 2024

Following Good Examples

Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
Philippians 3:15-18

Paul had already spoken of a believer’s completeness––their spiritual maturity. This happens when they put on the mind of Jesus Christ. He also spoke of their need to be unified. Spirit-filled, mature believers are united by having the same mind.

Paul continued to speak of believers who were also unified by having the same walk. The word walk specifically speaks of “conduct.” Paul encouraged believers to follow his example. Why? He was following Jesus Christ. The Judaizers among them were causing disunity because they followed their own reasoning. These men were self-righteous, sinful and unholy. The Philippians were to mark them; in other words, they needed to discern these ungodly men among them.

Notice Paul’s next important statement: It was the many, not the few, whose walk––conduct––was not fitting the Gospel message. They had become enemies of the Cross of Christ. Judaizers who had infiltrated the Philippian church did not know the power of the Cross. They were living a two-faced life because they were not true followers of Christ. They were among the brethren preaching a false gospel––one of works––not of faith in Christ.

Be careful. There are people in the church who can look and smell like Christians, but they are not. They have their Bibles and speak like Christians, but they are enemies of the Cross––they have a different agenda. True followers of Jesus understand the meaning of His sacrifice on the Cross for their sin. They walk by faith and live a life in submission to Christ. Think about it! Whose walk and example are you following?

The true follower of Christ will not ask, “If I embrace this truth, what will it cost me?” Rather he will say, “This is truth. God help me to walk in it, let come what may!”
~A.W. Tozer~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!