Choosing Heavenly Role Models for Spiritual Growth

Devotional

Day 1: Choosing Whom to Imitate

Imitation is a natural part of human behavior, and the choice of whom to imitate can significantly impact one's spiritual journey. In Philippians 3:17-21, Paul urges believers to consciously select role models who exemplify Christ-like living. He emphasizes the importance of following examples of those who live with their minds set on heavenly things, rather than earthly desires. This conscious choice of role models is crucial because it shapes one's values, actions, and ultimately, their relationship with God. By choosing to imitate those who embody humility, selflessness, and holiness, believers align themselves with the teachings of Christ and strengthen their faith. [05:41]

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (Ephesians 5:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life exemplifies Christ-like living, and how can you intentionally learn from their example today?

Day 2: The Danger of Bad Examples

Without intentional imitation of godly believers, there is a risk of being influenced by those who live contrary to the faith. Paul warns that the danger of not having godly examples is becoming an enemy of the cross. Those who focus on earthly matters and live in opposition to the principles of faith can lead others astray. It is essential to be vigilant in choosing whom to follow, as the consequences are eternal. By surrounding oneself with godly role models, believers can safeguard their faith and remain steadfast in their spiritual journey. [23:10]

"Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals.' Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame." (1 Corinthians 15:33-34, ESV)

Reflection: Are there influences in your life that may be leading you away from your faith? How can you distance yourself from these influences and seek out godly examples instead?

Day 3: Citizenship in Heaven

True Christianity is evident in the lives of believers who live as citizens of heaven. Paul emphasizes that our conduct should reflect our heavenly citizenship, as we await the return of Christ. This perspective shifts the focus from earthly desires to eternal values, encouraging believers to live in a way that honors God. By embracing their identity as citizens of heaven, believers can find hope and purpose in their daily lives, knowing that their ultimate transformation and eternal glory await them. [27:47]

"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 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." (Philippians 3:20-21, ESV)

Reflection: How does your daily life reflect your identity as a citizen of heaven? What changes can you make to align more closely with this identity?

Day 4: The Role of the Local Church

Being part of a local church community is crucial for spiritual growth, as it provides opportunities to observe and learn from godly examples. Paul highlights the importance of communal faith, where believers can support and encourage one another in their spiritual journeys. The local church serves as a place where individuals can find mentorship, discipleship, and practical guidance in living out their faith. By actively participating in a church community, believers can strengthen their relationship with God and with one another. [51:20]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: How can you become more involved in your local church community to foster spiritual growth and support others in their faith journey?

Day 5: Practical Examples of Christ-like Living

Paul’s call to imitate is not about pride but about providing practical examples of Christ-like living. While Christ is the ultimate example, having godly individuals in our lives offers guidance in real-world situations. These tangible examples help believers navigate challenges and make decisions that align with their faith. By observing and learning from those who embody Christ-like qualities, believers can grow in their spiritual maturity and become better equipped to live out their faith in everyday life. [10:01]

"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." (Hebrews 13:7, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life provides a practical example of Christ-like living? How can you incorporate their example into your own life today?

Sermon Summary

In Philippians 3:17-21, Paul, writing from prison, urges believers to find and imitate heavenly-minded role models. He emphasizes the importance of following examples of those who live with their minds set on heavenly things, rather than earthly desires. Paul contrasts the lives of true believers with those who are enemies of the cross, whose focus is on earthly matters and whose end is destruction. He highlights the significance of living as citizens of heaven, awaiting the return of Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.

Imitation is a natural part of life, as seen in children mimicking their parents. Paul encourages believers to consciously choose whom they imitate, as this choice impacts their spiritual journey. He warns against following those who live contrary to the teachings of Christ, as their influence can lead one away from the faith. Instead, believers should seek out those who exemplify Christ-like humility, selflessness, and holiness.

Paul's call to imitate him and others like Timothy and Epaphroditus is not an act of pride but a recognition of the need for tangible examples of Christ-like living. He acknowledges that while Christ is the ultimate example, having godly individuals in our lives provides practical guidance in situations not explicitly covered in Scripture. This call to imitation underscores the importance of being part of a local church community, where believers can observe and learn from one another.

The danger of not having godly role models is becoming an enemy of the cross, as one may be led astray by those who profess faith but live in opposition to its principles. Paul stresses the need for vigilance in choosing whom to follow, as the consequences are eternal. By imitating those whose citizenship is in heaven, believers align themselves with the hope of transformation and eternal glory.

Key Takeaways

1. Imitation is inevitable; the question is whom we choose to imitate. Paul urges believers to consciously select role models who exemplify Christ-like living, as this choice significantly impacts our spiritual journey. [05:41]
2. The danger of not having godly examples is becoming an enemy of the cross. Paul warns that without intentional imitation of godly believers, we risk being influenced by those who live contrary to the faith. [23:10]
3. True Christianity is evident in the lives of believers who live as citizens of heaven. Paul emphasizes that our conduct should reflect our heavenly citizenship, awaiting the return of Christ. [27:47]
4. The importance of being part of a local church community is highlighted, as it provides opportunities to observe and learn from godly examples. This communal aspect of faith is crucial for spiritual growth. [51:20]
5. Paul’s call to imitate is not about pride but about providing practical examples of Christ-like living. While Christ is the ultimate example, having godly individuals in our lives offers guidance in real-world situations. [10:01]
** [10:01]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:14] - Introduction to Philippians 3:17-21
[01:46] - Prayer for Guidance
[02:04] - Finding Heavenly-Minded Role Models
[03:34] - The Power of Imitation
[05:41] - Choosing Whom to Imitate
[07:09] - The Influence of Examples
[09:27] - Imitating Christ Through Others
[11:00] - The Role of Doctrine and Conduct
[13:32] - Observing and Practicing Godly Examples
[16:01] - The Impact of Godly Lives
[19:31] - The Importance of Godly Role Models
[23:10] - The Danger of Bad Examples
[27:47] - Citizenship in Heaven
[31:49] - Characteristics of Enemies of the Cross
[37:19] - Earthly vs. Heavenly Mindsets
[45:32] - The Impact of Godly Examples
[51:20] - The Role of the Local Church
[55:32] - Mentorship and Discipleship
[59:36] - The Importance of Consistent Living
[62:12] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Philippians 3:17-21

Observation Questions:

What does Paul mean when he refers to "enemies of the cross" in Philippians 3:18? How does he describe their behavior and mindset? [00:49]
According to the sermon, why is imitation a natural part of life, and how does it relate to our spiritual journey? [03:59]
How does Paul contrast the lives of true believers with those who are focused on earthly matters? [01:18]
What role do Timothy and Epaphroditus play in Paul's message about imitation? [12:08]

Interpretation Questions:

Why does Paul emphasize the importance of having heavenly-minded role models, and how does this impact a believer's spiritual journey? [02:04]
How does the concept of citizenship in heaven influence the way believers should live their lives according to Paul? [27:47]
What are the potential dangers of not having godly role models, as highlighted in the sermon? [23:10]
How does Paul’s call to imitate him and others reflect the need for practical examples of Christ-like living? [10:01]

Application Questions:

Reflect on your current role models. Are they leading you towards a heavenly mindset or earthly desires? How can you seek out more godly examples in your life? [05:41]
Consider the influence of your local church community. How can you actively engage with others to observe and learn from their Christ-like behavior? [51:20]
Identify an area in your life where you might be imitating someone who is not aligned with Christ-like values. What steps can you take to change this influence? [23:10]
How can you become a better role model for others in your community, reflecting the values of a citizen of heaven? [27:47]
Think about a specific situation where you need practical guidance. How can you seek out a godly individual to help you navigate this situation? [10:01]
What are some ways you can consciously choose to imitate Christ-like humility, selflessness, and holiness in your daily interactions? [17:51]
How can you ensure that your focus remains on heavenly things, especially when faced with earthly distractions? What practical steps can you take this week to align your mindset with your heavenly citizenship? [01:18]

Sermon Clips

Paul says in verse 17 join in imitating me, keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example that's where I get fined then he mentions those who are enemies of the cross their mind is on earthly things he says right there at the end of 19 then he mentions his mind his citizenship his manner of life is heaven is of heaven. [00:02:27]

Imitation is the act of becoming like another, it's copying the pattern of another. It's not talking about cloning a person in their personality and all of that but you're becoming like them and how they are towards Christ. The disciples themselves asked Christ teach us to pray, they learn by watching him pray. [00:04:16]

So the issue is not if we will imitate but it's who we will imitate. It's not a question of if it's going to happen the question is who are we going to imitate who are we keeping our eyes on what example are they putting forward to us of a manner of life we're all being influenced by the examples of others walk for good or for worse. [00:05:37]

Paul says elsewhere bad company is it a neutral thing no corrupts good morals bad company corrupts walking with fools you suffer harm these are not neutral things. D.A. Carson said this many elements are more easily caught than taught and that's true how much we catch it you see it you observe it. [00:07:46]

Paul does not go the route here of saying just imitate Christ, he actually directs people towards himself which that could appear to be a proud carnal thing to call people to imitate yourself. Now first Corinthians 11:1 what is all say imitate me as I imitate Christ is our ultimate example Jesus Christ you better believe it is. [00:09:37]

Paul is thinking like he was in Philippians 1:27 let your manner of life be worthy of the implications of the gospel of Jesus Christ you think of other places Paul mentions imitate Hebrews 13 Paul says they're consider the outcome of your leaders lives and do what consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. [00:14:03]

Paul actually consciously did things as a Christian because he wanted to give a good example for others to imitate and he looked in any real even in first Corinthians when he says imitate me as I imitate Christ the very thing he just talked about before that was doing everything he can to please people to not take advantage of his rights. [00:18:41]

The first reason why you need to find heavenly minded role models to imitate is that there is a danger if you don't imitate godly believers and that danger is none other than actually becoming an enemy of the cross of Christ for yourselves you hear that that's his first reason if you don't find these this is going to happen. [00:22:51]

Imitating the godly life of a godly believer will prevent you from being deceived by an ungodly life of an ungodly professing Christian who is earthly minded I mean to illustrate America we have many people who are American citizens just saying you're an American citizen just saying like Paul on the heavenly citizen my citizenship is in heaven. [00:25:03]

Paul says imitate me keep your eyes on those who walk who walk according to the example you have in us I don't think Paul's main idea here is doctrine and we'll look in this little more later I don't think his main idea is doctrine he says example and he says walk and when he looks at those are enemies of the cross he says they walk in this manner. [00:13:17]

Paul says to Timothy let no one despise you for your youth don't by how you live give people a reason to despise you but set believers an example in speech conduct in love and faith and purity may I just I just heard recently someone saying there's some you know Christians who were using profanity and I mean that was dealt with a year and a half ago. [00:56:42]

Paul says imitate me follow my example look to others and then he's going to give us two reasons two reasons why to do it two reasons why this is essential to reasons why this is important so first one the first reason why you need to find heavenly minded role models to imitate is that there is a danger if you don't imitate godly believers. [00:22:51]

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Choosing Heavenly Role Models for Spiritual Growth

Devotional

Day 1: Choosing Whom to Imitate

Day 2: The Danger of Bad Examples

Day 3: Citizenship in Heaven

Day 4: The Role of the Local Church

Day 5: Practical Examples of Christ-like Living

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Choosing Heavenly Role Models for Spiritual Growth

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