Imitating Christ: Living with Eternal Hope and Purpose

Devotional

Day 1: Emulating Spiritual Leaders in Action and Attitude

Paul's call to imitation in Philippians 3:17 is a profound invitation to not only adopt the attitudes and desires of spiritual leaders but also to emulate their actions and lifestyle. This imitation is not superficial but deeply rooted in a forward-looking hope that shapes daily life. Paul exemplifies a life that is passionately focused on the second coming of Christ, urging believers to live in a way that reflects their heavenly citizenship. This involves a commitment to pressing on toward the goal of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, which is the hope of transformation and resurrection. By following the example of Paul and others who walk according to this pattern, believers are encouraged to live lives that are not only spiritually vibrant but also practically impactful. [02:25]

1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 (ESV): "And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia."

Reflection: Who is a spiritual leader in your life whose actions and attitudes you can emulate today? How can you practically incorporate one of their Christ-like qualities into your daily routine?

Day 2: Heavenly Citizenship Shapes Earthly Living

The contrast between those who live as enemies of the cross and those who eagerly await Christ's return highlights the importance of where believers set their focus. Paul reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven, and this should influence how we live on earth. This heavenly perspective calls for a life that is not consumed by earthly desires but is instead captivated by the hope of being with Jesus. Such a focus transforms our priorities and actions, leading us to live in a way that reflects our true home. By setting our minds on things above, we align our lives with the eternal purposes of God, avoiding the pitfalls of earthly distractions. [03:46]

Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

Reflection: What earthly desires or distractions are currently competing for your attention? How can you refocus your priorities to align with your heavenly citizenship today?

Day 3: Passion for Jesus Leads to Practical Action

Paul's life demonstrates that a passion for Jesus is not just an internal feeling but should lead to practical actions that advance the gospel and bring joy to others. His willingness to suffer for the sake of others' faith is a powerful example to follow. This passion is evident in his commitment to living for the progress and joy of others, even in the face of suffering and imprisonment. By pouring out his life for the faith of others, Paul shows that true passion for Christ is expressed in tangible ways that impact the lives of those around us. Believers are encouraged to let their love for Jesus propel them into actions that reflect His love and grace. [09:50]

James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

Reflection: In what specific ways can you express your passion for Jesus through actions that serve and uplift others today?

Day 4: Humility and Service Reflect Christ's Mindset

The mindset that Paul encourages is one that combines a deep love for Christ with a commitment to serving others. This mindset produces actions that reflect the humility and obedience of Christ, who emptied himself for our sake. By adopting this attitude, believers are called to live lives that are marked by selflessness and a willingness to put others before themselves. This Christ-like humility is not only a personal virtue but a powerful testimony to the world of the transformative power of the gospel. By serving others with the same love and humility that Christ demonstrated, believers can make a significant impact in their communities and beyond. [10:31]

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Reflection: How can you practice humility and service in your interactions with others today? What is one specific act of service you can perform to reflect Christ's love?

Day 5: Hope of Resurrection Motivates Eternal Focus

The hope of the resurrection and the transformation of our bodies should motivate believers to live with a focus on eternal things, avoiding the pitfalls of earthly desires. This hope is not just a future expectation but a present reality that shapes how we live today. By keeping our eyes fixed on the eternal promises of God, we are empowered to live lives of obedience and faithfulness. Paul's example of living with an eternal perspective challenges us to evaluate our priorities and align them with the purposes of God. This eternal focus not only brings personal spiritual growth but also inspires others to pursue a life that honors God. [12:20]

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to shift your focus from the temporary to the eternal? How can the hope of resurrection inspire you to live with greater purpose and obedience today?

Sermon Summary

In Philippians 3:17, Paul urges believers to imitate him and others who walk according to the example set by him and Timothy. This call to imitation is not just about adopting Paul's attitudes and desires but also about emulating his actions and lifestyle. Paul emphasizes the importance of pressing on toward the goal of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, which is the hope of the second coming. This hope should inspire believers to live lives that reflect their heavenly citizenship, eagerly awaiting the transformation that will come with Christ's return.

Paul contrasts this with those who live as enemies of the cross, whose focus is on earthly things, leading to destruction. Instead, believers are called to be captivated by the prospect of being with Jesus, which should propel them forward in their spiritual journey. This passion for Christ is not merely an internal feeling but should manifest in practical ways, as seen in Paul's life. He lived for the progress and joy of others, even in the face of suffering and imprisonment, demonstrating a life poured out for the faith of others.

Paul's life exemplifies a mindset that combines a deep passion for Jesus with tangible actions that advance the gospel and bring joy to others. This is the kind of life he urges the Philippians to imitate—a life that is not only about personal spiritual growth but also about impacting others positively. The hope of the resurrection and the transformation of our bodies should motivate believers to live with a focus on eternal things, avoiding the pitfalls of earthly desires.

Key Takeaways

1. Imitation in the Christian life involves both adopting the attitudes and desires of spiritual leaders and emulating their actions. Paul's passion for the second coming of Christ should inspire us to live with a forward-looking hope that shapes our daily lives. [02:25]
2. The contrast between those who live as enemies of the cross and those who eagerly await Christ's return highlights the importance of where we set our focus. Our citizenship is in heaven, and this should influence how we live on earth. [03:46]
3. Paul's life demonstrates that a passion for Jesus is not just an internal feeling but should lead to practical actions that advance the gospel and bring joy to others. His willingness to suffer for the sake of others' faith is a powerful example to follow. [09:50]
4. The mindset that Paul encourages is one that combines a deep love for Christ with a commitment to serving others. This mindset produces actions that reflect the humility and obedience of Christ, who emptied himself for our sake. [10:31]
5. The hope of the resurrection and the transformation of our bodies should motivate us to live with a focus on eternal things, avoiding the pitfalls of earthly desires. This hope produces the kind of obedience that Paul exemplified in his life. [12:20]
** [12:20]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:24] - Introduction to Imitation
[00:46] - The Content of Imitation
[01:28] - Pressing Toward the Goal
[02:25] - Thinking and Acting Like Paul
[03:10] - The Reason for Imitation
[03:46] - Contrast with Enemies of the Cross
[04:09] - Our Heavenly Citizenship
[05:08] - Passion for Jesus and His Coming
[06:24] - Imitating Paul's Walk
[07:26] - Practicing What We See in Paul
[08:05] - Living for Others' Joy
[09:00] - Advancing the Gospel Through Suffering
[09:50] - Willingness to Be Poured Out
[10:31] - Mindset of Humility and Service
[11:45] - Hope and Obedience in Christ

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Philippians 3:17-21
- Philippians 1:20-24
- Philippians 2:5-8

---

Observation Questions:

What does Paul mean when he urges the Philippians to "join in imitating me" in Philippians 3:17? How does this relate to his previous statements in the letter? [00:24]
In Philippians 3:20, Paul contrasts the focus of believers with those who are "enemies of the cross." What are the key differences in their focus and ultimate goals? [03:29]
How does Paul describe his own life and actions in Philippians 1:20-24, and how does this serve as an example for the Philippians to follow? [05:35]
What specific actions does Paul encourage the Philippians to practice, as mentioned in Philippians 4:9? How do these actions relate to his teachings on imitation? [07:26]

---

Interpretation Questions:

Why does Paul emphasize the importance of focusing on the "upward call of God in Christ Jesus" in Philippians 3:14? How does this focus impact a believer's daily life? [02:03]
In what ways does Paul’s willingness to suffer for the faith of others, as seen in Philippians 2:17-18, challenge the common understanding of personal sacrifice in the Christian life? [09:50]
How does the concept of heavenly citizenship in Philippians 3:20 influence the way believers should view their earthly lives and priorities? [04:09]
What does it mean to have the "mindset of humility and service" as described in Philippians 2:5-8, and how can this mindset be practically applied in a believer's interactions with others? [10:31]

---

Application Questions:

Reflect on your current focus in life. Are there areas where you are more focused on earthly things rather than the "upward call of God"? How can you shift your focus this week? [03:46]
Paul lived for the progress and joy of others, even in suffering. Identify one person in your life whose faith you can support this week. What specific action can you take to encourage them? [08:22]
Consider the concept of heavenly citizenship. How does this perspective change the way you approach your daily decisions and interactions? What is one change you can make to align more with this perspective? [04:09]
Paul’s passion for Jesus was evident in both his attitudes and actions. What is one practical way you can demonstrate your passion for Christ in your community this week? [06:44]
Reflect on a recent situation where you faced a challenge or suffering. How can you use this experience to advance the gospel or bring joy to others, following Paul’s example? [09:00]
The mindset of humility and service is central to Paul's teachings. Identify a situation where you can practice humility and service this week. What specific steps will you take? [10:31]
Paul’s hope in the resurrection motivated his obedience. How does the hope of resurrection influence your actions and decisions? What is one area of your life where you can demonstrate this hope more clearly? [12:20]

Sermon Clips

Brothers, join in imitating me and keep your eyes fix your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. And here's Timothy and Paul who are sending this letter together. Last time we just focused on the fact of imitation in the Christian life. [00:00:10]

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. So the great second coming, I want to make it to the resurrection through the resurrection into the upward call of God in Jesus. [00:01:52]

Let those of us who are mature think this way. Think this way. So imitate, imitate, right? I've just showed you how to think and act about the value of the second coming. Think that way, and if anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that to you. [00:02:20]

The reason I want you to imitate me in this way is that many of whom I have told you before now tell you even with tears walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, not the second coming. Their God is their belly, and they glory in their shame with mind set on earthly things. [00:03:21]

But our citizenship is in heaven. That's where he's looking. He's straining forward in heaven, and from it we await. Isn't that virtually the same as I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus? [00:03:54]

Be so ravished by the prospect of being with Jesus that you lean forward into his second coming like this or like this here in 3:14. Now it's clear that Paul had set us up for that early on because here in 1:20 he said my expectation and hope is that I will not at all be ashamed. [00:05:08]

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things. What you've seen in me, practice these things. I'll just think these things. Let's just feel these things, but practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. [00:07:18]

My desire is to depart and be with Christ for that is far better, but to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. In other words, I've got a life to live for others, not just a joy to experience for myself. [00:08:05]

I am if I'm to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, so he's ready to die for their faith. And if I'm to be poured out as a drink offering on the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and I rejoice with you all. [00:09:42]

There is a mindset that he wants the Philippians to imitate, that he has a passion for Jesus and a passion for God and a passion for other people's faith. And there's a huge inner dimension to Paul's spiritual life, but it's a mindset that produces action. [00:10:43]

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ. So there is a mindset that he wants the Philippians to imitate, that he has a passion for Jesus and a passion for God and a passion for other people's faith. [00:10:40]

When you have this hope right here that you're someday after the imprisonments and after the suffering going to receive a glorious body by the power of Jesus that enables him to subject all things to himself, when Paul finally sees him and becomes like him, then Paul's desire will have reached its fullness. [00:12:01]

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?

Imitating Christ: Living with Eternal Hope and Purpose

Devotional

Day 1: Emulating Spiritual Leaders in Action and Attitude

Day 2: Heavenly Citizenship Shapes Earthly Living

Day 3: Passion for Jesus Leads to Practical Action

Day 4: Humility and Service Reflect Christ's Mindset

Day 5: Hope of Resurrection Motivates Eternal Focus

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Imitating Christ: Living with Eternal Hope and Purpose

Share