Philippians 4:17 Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself. (Philippians 3: NASB)

Philippians 4:17 Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself. (Philippians 3: NASB)

"Join In Following My Example": A Study of the Life of the Apostle Paul Philippians 4:17

The Life of Paul: Before Salvation Before Obeying the Gospel Paul was… Well Born - Philippians 3:2-6; Acts 22:22-29 Well Educated - Acts 22:1-3; 26:24 Well Known – Acts 26:4,5 Well Connected – Acts 22:4,5 Well To Do – Philippians 4:12; Acts 22:19,20; 26:9-11 Well Liked – Acts 8:1-3 (By Jews, not Christians!) Paul was essentially living our modern day ‘American Dream’! But Paul was Wrong & Lost! Acts 9:1-6

The Life of Paul: Salvation Paul’s Calling was Miraculous: (Acts 26:12-18) He obeyed the Lord’s voice – Acts 26:19 But, Paul’s Salvation was Common: (Jude 3, Titus 1:4; Gal 3:26-29) Heard the Truth– Acts 9:5, 17, 18; 22:12-16 Believed Christ was the Way– Acts 9:18 Confessed Christ as the Son of God – Acts 9:20 Repented of his Old Ways – Acts 9:22 Baptized into Christ’s Death – Acts 9:18; 22:16 But Paul didn’t stop there! He immediately began to preach & teach! Acts 9:20-20; 26:19-20

The Life of Paul: After Salvation After Obeying the Gospel Paul was… Threatened – Acts 9:23-25; 26:21 Beaten – Acts 16:22 Imprisoned – Acts 16:23-24; II Timothy 2:8,9 Stoned – Acts 14:19 Abused – II Timothy 4:14 Forsaken – II Timothy 4:9,10; 16,17 Often in Physical and Emotional Anguish – II Cor. 11:21-33 But Paul was Faithful & Victorious! II Cor 4:16-19; II Tim 4:6-8

Which Part Of Paul’s Life Are You Trying To Follow? Before Christ’s appearing: Paul seemed to have it all! He even thought he was doing what was right! BUT, he realized he was wrong and changed! What about you? After Christ’s appearing…

Which Part Of Paul’s Life Are You Trying To Follow? After Christ’s appearing, Paul was a changed man! He realized what was important! II Cor 4:16-18; Colossians 3:1-4; Phil 3:7-17 But, he was persecuted for his righteousness! II Timothy 3:12 – “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus WILL be persecuted.” What about you? Are you or have you been persecuted? If not, is there a reason? Perhaps you are not truly living godly? REMEMBER: We have been called for this exact purpose! I Pet 2:20,21 And, It’s a blessing to suffer for Christ! I Pet 4:12-19