Philippians #057 - Learn the Bible Broadcast - Philippians 3:17
Pastor Andrew B. Ray

Antioch Baptist Church
5709 North Broadway
Knoxville, TN 37918
http://www.LearntheBible.org

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Philippians #057 - Learn the Bible Broadcast
Philippians 3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

B. The Enemies of the Truth (Philippians 3:17-19)

1. The ensample to be followed (Philippians 3:17)
a. The addresses of the invitation—brethren
b. The call to follow
(1) The nature of the call
a) Note: Be not deceived, the apostle Paul was in no way looking to start a separate sect of Christianity with himself as its head. He knew that Jesus Christ was the only Head of God’s church (1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 1:22; Ephesians 4:15; Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18; Colossians 2:10, 19).
b) The principles of following
i) Believers were invited to follow Paul, even as he followed Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1; see Ephesians 5:1 and 1 Peter 2:21).
ii) Believers became followers of Paul (and others) and of the Lord having received the word in affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost (1 Thessalonians 1:6).
iii) Believers became followers of other churches by receiving the word of God as it is in truth and by suffering like things of their own countrymen (1 Thessalonians 2:10-14).
iv) Believers were encouraged to follow the ensample given by the apostle Paul and those with him (2 Thessalonians 3:7-9). The same principle was suggested when following others (Hebrews 6:12).
v) Believers were admonished to follow the faith of those who had the rule over them (Hebrews 13:7).
c) Conclusion
i) Believers were encouraged to follow (go after) Paul as he followed (went after) the Lord.
ii) Ultimately, believers were following the Lord under the authority of His word.
(2) The fellowship of the call
a) Brethren...together
b) Believers are at their strongest when they are together
i) Praying (Acts 4:31; Acts 12:12; Romans 15:30)
ii) Preaching (Acts 14:1)
iii) Hearing the word of God (Acts 15:30; Acts 20:7-8)
iv) Assembling (1 Corinthians 5:4; Hebrews 10:25)
v) Striving (Philippians 1:27)
vi) Following (Philippians 3:17)
vii) Being knit in love (Colossians 2:2)
viii) Eventually, caught up together (1 Thessalonians 4:17) and meeting around the throne (Revelation 5:6-14)
c. The call to mark
(1) According to their walk
a) Mark them; In the context of Philippians 3:17, the meaning seems to be in line with making a mental note, considering, or giving special attention to something (see 1 Samuel 1:12; 2 Samuel 13:28; Job 33:31; Psalm 37:37; Psalm 48:13; Ezekiel 44:5; Romans 16:17).
b) Their walk
i) They walked as did Paul.
ii) Note: Paul encouraged believers to mark the walk rather than the words (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15).
(2) Having Paul and his companions as an ensample (see 1 Corinthians 10:1-14; 1 Thessalonians 1:6-8; especially see 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; 1 Peter 5:1-3)