TUESDAY January 18, 2022

Following a Christ-like Pattern

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: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.
Philippians 3:17-19

Paul positively compelled Christian men and women to follow his pattern of life because he followed in Christ’s footsteps. Paul and other believers like him became a good pattern for the believers in Philippi to follow. Yet negatively, Paul shed tears, many tears in ministry for those who failed to follow this Christ-like pattern.

However, Paul warned the brethren against following those who did not follow the pattern of Christ’s life and teachings. Again, these were the Judaizers who had crept in among the believers in Philippi. They tried to dissuade them from being under God’s grace to go back into the legalities of the Law. Those in Philippi were not to follow the corrupted pattern of these Jewish deceivers.

Paul made a distinction; earthly things filled the minds of these Judaizers compared with true Christians who have an eternal outlook. He described these Judaizers very vividly. They were not friends, but enemies of the Cross of Christ. The brethren needed to recognize them for who they really were––self-righteous, greedy men who were filled with their own selfish desires. They knew nothing of God’s love and grace. What lay ahead of them in the future was shame and destruction.

Did you know there are people among us who are not friends of God, but they are enemies’ of the Cross of Jesus Christ? They are exposed as enemies by their earthly mindedness and self-righteous works. They despise the freedoms we have in Christ––grace. Be careful of them!

To be a Christian is not only to believe the teaching of Christ, and to practice it; it is not only to try to follow the pattern and example of Christ; it is to be so vitally related to Christ that His life and His power are working in us. It is to be “in Christ,” it is for Christ to be in us.
~Martyn Lloyd-Jones~

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