The Weekend Word: Imitators & Citizens
May 4th, 2009 by Todd JohnsonIMITATORS of Christ
Following and being followed is life for all of us. We have always looked to others for example and others have always looked to us for the same.
Paul writes, “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us” (Phil 3:17 ESV)
It is soooooo good to have an example in Paul, and in others. The gospel in flesh and blood terms. I cannot begin to estimate the value of the men that have taught & modeled for me the life of a Christian.
I continue to learn from others and I am constantly challenged to be one that can say with Paul, “Brothers, join in imitating ME..”.
ENEMIES of the Cross
Paul then writes of enemies of the cross.
Phil 3:18-19 ESV For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things
The enemies of the cross have their own creed…
A. Appetite is god – their god is their belly
- “Belly” is self-gratification; living for “appetites”
- JB Philipps – “Their god is their own appetite”
B. Evil is good – and they glory in their shame
Isa 5:20 ESV
Woe to those who call evil good
and good evil,
who put darkness for light
and light for darkness
C. Time “trumps” eternity – with minds set on earthly things
D. Eternity is a tragedy – Their end is destruction
Rom 6:21 ESV But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? The end of those things is death
CITIZENS of Heaven
Phil 3:20-21 ESV But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself
In contrast to enemies of the cross that live only for here, now & themselves.. we live for someone else Who is coming back to claim His citizens and set up a Kingdom that is forever.
This does NOT mean that we’ve checked out and are no longer living and loving life & people.
This DOES mean that we live life & love people properly, because we know that God has made us for Himself & for His glory & not our own.
John Newton is reported to have said, “I have to confess, with sorrow, that I am far from being what I ought to be, and far from what I wish to be, but also – blessed be God’s name! – that I am far, very far, from what I once was.”
And so we press on to another day.
The Spurgeon Checkbook! A Great Mother’s Day gift! And I can spend the checks over and over! Are you listening, Mr. C?
Loved the belly definition…it’s more than the appetite for food – what a clear concept. And developing appetites that will never be satisfied – now THAT’s hell. Unless, of course, it’s an appetite for God.
TJ- much stood out in this past Lord’s day sermon. Looking at the recap above, 3 things stand out to me now-
1. The inescapable reality of being an example. This is both encouraging and sobering to me. We can’t help but proclaim what we believe, and what we really believe eventually comes full view whether we want it to or not.
2. The reality of “enemies of the cross of Christ”. They’re not called “enemies of the miracles of Christ” or even “enemies of the sermons of Christ”- but “enemies of the CROSS of Christ”. People can try to explain away His miracles and acknowledge His words as “good” and “nice” and “golden”; but His CROSS is where we’re ALL humbled, either to our knees and speechlessness over our sin and His love, or to the shaking of fists and hurling of insults. I know I lived in the latter camp for my first 19 years, but after (almost) 13 years as a citizen of Heaven, I just don’t get how ANYONE can actually choose to be an enemy of the cross of Christ.
3. Ol’ Johnny Newton’s quote sure is spot on. I love that guy’s quotes. I reckon he had a way with words. Amazing Grace indeed!
I appreciated the explanation of the King James word “conversation”: we are visitors on Earth conversing in the language of heaven. (With that comes lessons on how to comport ourselves as ladies and gentlemen for Christ.) I enjoyed the beautiful analogy about speaking Californian in a foreign country. For example, I always suspected Ed Lech is from Western New York and heard on the online recording of the latest Malachi message that, indeed, he spent time in my home town – Buffalo. And it blessed me tremendously to hear my native tongue (English resplendent with a flat A).
If you think Mrs. C does Buffalo speak well, you should hear how she does Brooklyneze!
TC – right on. Examples, enemies of the CROSS. Good insight. Now I know how almost old you are! You’re young dude.
Mrs. C…you get no checkbook except the one that Jesus gives you! The one labeled “GRACE and MERCY”.
Mr. C! You OBVIOUSLY are ONLY reading the BLOG entries and not LISTENING to Todd’s ACTUAL message. You better connect up those speakers right now and LISTEN UP, SLACKER!
(To be read in my best Valerie-to-Miracle-Max-Princess-Bride-TRUE-LOVE voice)
T. Chavez – I really enjoyed your post #2! So true!