Saturday Scripture Gold, Philippians 3:17

Happy Saturday!

Thank you for joining me today. Each week, I will take a verse (or passage) from the Bible and dig beneath the surface to uncover the precious golden nuggets of truth, wisdom, and knowledge that lie waiting to be discovered. I pray that this will inspire you to do some "digging" of your own into God's scripture!

This week's Bible passage: Philippians 3:17

The Bible speaks of examples worth following as Christians. It tells us that we are okay in imitating those who are good examples (1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17; Hebrews 13:7), and of being a good example to others (1 Timothy 4:12).
Right now you might be thinking that such scriptures should cause one to wonder...
a. Who is my example, my role model as a Christian?
b. Whose example am I as a Christian?
c. What kind of example do I set as a Christian?
These certainly sound like reasonable questions that any good Christian would, and should wonder about. So why don’t we take a closer look at these three question? Let’s break them down a bit and see what we can discover.

First: Who is your example?
Is it the Lord Jesus Christ...? After all, He was the prime example for the apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 11:1). And if he was good enough for Paul, He should be our example as well. He should be our example:
a. On how to please one another (Romans 15:1-3)
b. On how to love one another (Ephesians 5:1-2)
c. On how to look out for one another (Philippians 2:4-5)
d. On how to suffer patiently when mistreated (1 Peter 2:20-23)
As one can see, Jesus certainly serves as our prime example!

Is it the apostle Paul...? As he urged the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 4:6; 11:1):
a. To give no offense (1 Corinthians 10:32)
b. To seek the benefit of others (1 Corinthians 10:33)
Paul urged the Philippians (Philippians 3:17):
a. To not consider themselves as having attained perfection (Philippians 3:12a)
b. To press on to maturity (Philippians 3:12b-15)
c. To live according to the level they have learned (Philippians 3:16)
d. To enjoy a close relationship with the God of peace (Philippians 4:9)
Paul also praised and encouraged the Thessalonians:
a. For receiving the Word despite affliction (1Thessalonians 1:6)
b. To avoid being a burden to others (2 Thessalonians 3:7-10)
Yes, it can certainly be said that Paul and other New Testament Christians provide wonderful examples!
Is it other faithful Christians...? As Paul exhorted the Philippians (Philippians 3:17)
a. To note those walking like Paul
b. To consider them a pattern to follow
Or, as exhorted by the writer to the Hebrews...
a. To imitate the faith and patience of those who inherit the promises (Hebrews 6:12).
b. To follow the faith of those who rule over us (Hebrews 13:7).
If we look around us we see many Christians whom today provide examples worthy of emulation! So, whose example are you following? You are imitating either Christ or some other Christian (either living or dead). Does your life suggest that the example you are following is less than exemplary (e.g., the Laodiceans (Revelations 3:14-16)?

Second: Whose example are you? Is it not other Christians such as your brothers and sisters in the Lord? How about those who are babes in Christ or even older Christians? Christians should be mindful of their example on one another (1 Thessalonians 1:7; 1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:7). Is it not young children? Who naturally look up to their parents? Who are also influenced by others, such as adults like their parents; and older children as well? Christians should be mindful of their example upon the young (Matthew 18:6).

Is it not unbelievers? How about those who see if we "walk the talk" or those who often gauge the value of following Christ by our example? Have you considered even those who judge the church by its members? Christians should be mindful of their example seen by the world (1 Peter 2:12). Whether we want to be or not, we are examples to others, especially the young in years and young in faith.

Third: What kind of example are you? Is it indicative of a faithful Christian to show the world what it means to be a Christian? Showing babes in Christ what maturity means as a disciple? Is your example helping or hindering discipleship in others? Is it conducive to church growth to offer a noble pattern of faithful church attendance? Setting a good example of developing one's abilities for Christ? Providing a worthy model of involvement in service to the Lord and His Church?

Is your example helping or hindering the progress of the church? Is it worthy of emulation, or imitation? Would you want a child or new Christian to follow your example? If every member provided the same example as you, would the church be strong? Would the church be growing? Would the church have service on Sunday and Wednesday nights? Would the church even exist? Ask yourself: Is your example helping or hindering the cause of Christ?

I truly hope these questions have prompted serious introspection, or thought on your part. Thought as to who is your example or role model as a Christian, and as to the sort of example or role model you are setting for others.

Though written to a young preacher, I encourage you to apply Paul's words to yourself. Be an example to the believers (1Timothy 4:12). Be an example in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity (1 Timothy 4:12). My friends, you cannot escape being an example to others. Your only choice is what kind of example you will be.

Let's pray:

Dear Lord, transform our lives, so that we may accomplish your purpose. Anoint us with your Spirit that we might bring good news to the oppressed, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim release to the captive. Surround us with your love, fill us with your grace, and strengthen us for your service. Empower us to respond to the call of Jesus, to deny ourselves, to take up our crosses, and to follow. Amen

Until next week...

God bless you,

Rochelle