Each of us is a role model – am I a poor one or a strong one? Christ-followers have so much to look forward to!!

Poor role models… 1) Minimize the cross. Poor role models… 1) Minimize the cross.

Poor role models… 1) Minimize the cross. “For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.” Philippians 3:18-19a

Enemies of the cross: Salvation by works Freedom to an extreme

Poor role models… “Their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame.” Philippians 3: 19b 2) Maximize their self-centered appetites. 2) Maximize their self-centered appetites. Poor role models… “Their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame.” their shame.” Philippians 3:19b

Self-centered appetites: Self-indulgenceOverspending “Everybody else does it.”

Laziness Inappropriate anger Self-church mentality Porn perusing

Poor role models… “Their mind is set on earthly things.” Philippians 3:19c 3) Focus on 3) Focus on earthly stuff. Poor role models… “Their mind is set on earthly things.” Philippians 3:19c

Ineffective leadership: Minimize the cross Maximize self-centered appetites Focus on earthly stuff

Poor role models… “Their mind is set on earthly things.” Philippians 3:19c 1) Are always hungry 1) Are always hungry to grow. Strong role models…

1) Are always hungry to grow. 1) Are always hungry to grow. “All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.” Philippians 3:15

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am worst.” 1 Timothy 1:15

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1

Poor role models… “Their mind is set on earthly things.” Philippians 3:19c 2) Live out their beliefs. 2) Live out their beliefs. Strong role models… “Only let us live up to what we have already attained.” Philippians 3:16

Strong role models… 3) Recognize their 3) Recognize their ultimate home. Strong role models…

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” Philippians 3:20-21

Christ-followers have so many blessings on the horizon!

“’Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who had been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.’” Acts 1:11

What will not be present in heaven – sin, weakness, sorrow, disappointment, pain, suffering, doubt, fear, temptation, hate, racism, presidential elections, failure

What will be present in heaven – joy, pleasure, knowledge, comfort, love, perfect fellowship, and … JESUS!!!!!

“However as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’ the things God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Strong role models… Are always hungry to grow Live out their beliefs Recognize their ultimate home

Let’s be good role models for God’s glory!