The title of my sermon is: “You are a role model”. The apostle Paul in today’s passage returns to the theme of imitation and reminds us that Christianity is not just taught, but also caught in interpersonal relationships. Philippians 3:17-4:1 (read).
But, like it or not, no one can rightly say, “I’m not a role model.” We don’t choose to be role models. Being a role model is a choice made for us by others. Paul shows in our passage that everybody is a role model for someone else. The same idea is stated in Romans 14 where Paul addresses the issue of Christian liberty and the relationship between “weak” and “strong” Christians. You are a role model. What is the scope and value of your influence?
Let’s consider the characteristics of positive and negative role models. We will start with poor role models.
Their characterization: Negative role models are enemies of the cross of Christ. Paul describes negative role models with the phrase “the
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What kind of behavior makes us an enemy of the cross? Paul mentions three things in verse 19. First, the enemies of the cross are driven by their fleshly desires. Paul says, “their god is their stomach”. The word “stomach” here refers metaphorically to feelings and desires. In Romans 16:18, the same word is translated as “appetites”. They believe that the highest good in life is to satisfy themselves. Their focus is on their own desires and feelings rather than on God. They feel entitled and do not have a servant’s heart. They hop from church to church, complaining that their needs and wants are not being met. How much influence do your desires and feelings have on your life? We are the enemies of the cross when we let our feelings and desires instead of God’s Word to determine our values and sway our