Philippians 3:17 - 4:1
17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18 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: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. 1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.
17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18 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: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. 1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.
God through Paul implores us all to follow his (and others like him) example as a pattern for the Christian life in pursuit of this heavenly goal. Too many live for their own sinful desires and glory, earthly things, instead of what God calls us to in Christ, and we are not to imitate or condone that. Why? We are citizens of heaven, of the Lord of heaven, our deliver who is Jesus the Christ. We dare not shame the work done on the cross by failing to conform to His image by the scriptures and godly examples. We instead look forward to our consummation, our resurrection and acceptance into God’s very presence, knowing He will judge the earth righteously and eternally. This is why we follow to holiness and stand fast, rooted to the Rock on which we stand secure and unmoving.
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