The Power of Example (#273 of 365+)

“Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you” (Philippians 3:17)

The apostle Paul wasn’t being arrogant when he instructed the Philippi
church to follow his “example.” But, just for argument sake, what exactly was the example was he setting?

Earlier in the chapter from verses 4-6 he “boasted” in the credentials that showed what a perfect Jew he had been all his life. He started from infancy (as if he had any control over whether or not he would be circumcised!) and then he talked about how he became a respected Pharisee and a feared persecutor of Christ-followers known as Saul. In regards to following the letter of the law, he had always dotted every i and crossed every t. There wasn’t a better example of religious perfection than he was.

Then in verse 8 Paul summed up all his achievements by calling them “rubbish.” I prefer the King James Version because it uses a term closer to the word Paul actually used—“dung.” Thesaurus.com offers other suitable substitutions: “cow pies, cowplop, crap, droppings, feces, fertilizer, guano, manure, meadow muffin, night soil, ordure, poop.” It’s clear that Paul was saying his own abilities were worthless because the only thing that really mattered was “knowing Christ” (v. 8).

Paul knew that Christians, especially Jewish Christians, were susceptible to false teachings that muddied the waters of God’s grace with Man’s work. So he told the Philippians to follow his “righteousness” example by putting all their eggs in one basket and simply having “faith in Christ” alone (v. 9). He warned them to not put any confidence in what they could do in, through, or to the flesh because it was worthless in God’s sight—it was like giving a dung offering—and it would stunt their spiritual growth.

Later in verses 12-15 Paul said maturity means knowing that I’m not nor will I ever be made complete while I’m still in this world. Rather than dwell on my present imperfection—and beating myself up over the daily struggle with sin—I should focus on my calling and look forward to a glorious future (v. 14) because the Lord is keeping it secure for me until my arrival.

Lord, help me set the powerful example that Paul did. May it be all about you and none about me. Amen.