Free Bible Commentary
“Philippians 3:17-21”
Categories: Philippians“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.”
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Paul was not just tooting his own horn when he talked about all the power, privilege and prestige that he had once possessed (verses 1-6), and that he willingly gave the sum of it up because he knew that it was all rubbish in comparison to the excellency of knowing Christ Jesus and walking in His footsteps (verses 7-10). Paul was setting himself up as an “example” and a “pattern” to follow (verse 17) all the way to a glorious resurrection and an eternity in heaven (verses 12-19).
Today’s passage speaks to the power of example, whether it be a good one or a bad one. Paul and his companions led lives of dedication to “the cross of Christ,” and they demonstrated their love for the Lord by accepting the “fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,” in order that they “may attain to the resurrection of the dead” (verse 10). Any time people are willing to lay their lives on the line for a cause, and subject themselves to ridicule and suffering, that makes a powerful impression on the minds of others and can stimulate similar feelings of devotion within them.
But still, there were others who walked as “enemies of the cross of Christ” (verse 18). And it seems that Paul was “weeping” over these people because they were once purified by the blood that freely flowed upon that old rugged cross. These were people who were controlled by their base, fleshly appetites and not by the Holy Spirit’s direction to live lives of holiness and self-control. They gloried in shameful things and “set their minds on earthly things” (verse 19). They walked according to the pattern and path of destructions, and, undoubtedly people followed after their horrid example, and they did so to eternal destruction.
So what is the impetus to follow a righteous pattern and not a wicked one? The answer is a home in heaven (verse 20)! Paul counted his earthly home and fortune as rubbish because he had been promised a glorious mansion and eternal treasure in heaven above! Paul believed with all his heart that it didn’t matter how men might abuse his body on earth as he dedicated it to the service of the Lord in heaven because Christ would one day “transform” his week and feeble body after the image of His glorious, resurrected body (verse 21). One suitable for living an eternity in the presence of the Lord who had redeemed him.
Be careful of the example you set. People are watching.
Be careful of the example you follow. It will determine your destiny.
Please read Philippians 4:1-3 for tomorrow.
Have a blessed day!
- Louie Taylor
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