Awaiting Christ

Sermon 12 in Series

Philippians 3:15-4:1
[15] Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. [16] Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

[17] Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. [18] For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. [19] Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. [20] 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.

[1] Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  What is the mindset Paul calls the reader to have? Where have we seen examples of this mindset in other areas of Philippians?2.  How is being an example to others both a gift and a responsibility? How does this play out in the local church?3.  In what ways is the path of the enemy contrasted with the way of the faithful? What does Psalm 1 have to do with this?4.  Discuss the two errors of law and license. How has Paul addressed both these errors in chapter 3?5.  How does Paul use future hope to animate the present walk? How does this future hope animate your present Christian walk?6.  How does the example of Christ in 2:5-11 inform how we read 3:20-21? How does the cruciform way of Christ shape your Christian walk?7.  How do vv.20-21 point us to see the grand story of redemption?
References:  1 Cor. 11:1; Gal. 5:19; Ps 1; Gal. 2:21; Phil. 1:27, 2:5-11; 1 Cor. 15:35-58; 2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 21:3-5