A Call to Godly Imitation

Phil. 3:17 Philippians

In "A Call to Godly Imitation," Pastor Albert N. Martin expounds Philippians 3:17-4:1, urging believers to corporately imitate the Apostle Paul and selectively follow other godly examples within the church. He contrasts this call with the destructive influence of sensualists and antinomians, emphasizing that true Christian living is characterized by the dominion of grace, not lawlessness. Martin stresses that imitation is a God-ordained principle of learning, demanding careful selection of models and a commitment to becoming good models for others, all empowered by God's work within the believer.

3 illustrations in this sermon

Introduction: Paul's Pastoral Realism and the Call to Godly Imitation

compare analogy

Paul as Idealist and Realist

In this part of the sermon: Martin introduces Philippians 3:17-4:1, highlighting Paul's dual nature as an idealist and a realist. He explains that Paul warns the Philippians against both Judaizers and…

Martin describes Paul as both an idealist (head and heart in the clouds, pressing toward perfection) and a realist (feet and eyes fixed on earth, aware of inescapable facts), using this to frame Paul's pastoral approach in Philippians 3.

to walk in its light amen the great apostle paul who was the author from the human side of the words read in your hearing a moment ago was at one and the same time a most amazing idealist and a most practical realist now the idealist is the man who lives by the loftiest standards and presses towards the highest goal and

3:08 - 3:45 Read in full sermon

Command 1: Corporate Imitation of the Apostle Paul

auto_stories story

Children Playing Follow the Leader

In this part of the sermon: The first imperative is a command to 'corporate imitation' of Paul, using the unique Greek word 'co-imitators.' Martin explains this as a 'spiritual follow the leader' exercise…

Martin describes a chaotic room of children transformed into unity by playing 'follow the leader,' where all attention is fixed on imitating one person. This illustrates how corporate imitation of Paul can bring unity to the church by focusing on a common spiritual model.

to individual imitation of the Apostle, but it is a command to corporate imitation of the Apostle. In other words, Paul is saying to his spiritual children, I want you to engage in a follow the leader spiritual exercise. Now, what do I mean by that? Well, you kids know what it is to play follow the leader, and I have often experienced this, both as a father and as someone who loves children.

17:48 - 18:20 Read in full sermon

Observation 3: Awesome Personal Demands of This Duty

compare analogy

Two Drunks Crying in Their Beer

The point: Avoid gravitating to people who make you comfortable in your areas of weakness and sin, instead seeking models that prick your conscience and encourage you to press on.

Martin uses the image of two drunks crying in their beer to illustrate how some Christian friendships can be detrimental, where individuals gravitate to others who make them comfortable in their weaknesses, rather than challenging them to grow in holiness.

Rather than build each other up. They're both weak in the same area. Like two drunks. Crying in their beer.

47:22 - 47:30 Read in full sermon

headphones Listen to full sermon