Post by disciple on Oct 11, 2010 9:51:33 GMT -5
Chapter 7: People who will Model Christ, and People who will Follow the Model (Phil. 3:17)
- Reasons Paul’s request is not a proud one: people need moral/spiritual examples that can be trusted (v. 18-19), Paul made it clear that he was imperfect (v. 12), and he encouraged them to imitate not only him but also other godly Christians (guards himself against pride & guards them against following him exclusively).
I. Practical method of disciple making (3:17)
A. Personal examples
- People will either see you as an example of Christ or an exemption from Christ. A personal example must precede personal instruction, just as it did in Christ (1 Jn. 1:1-3, 1 Pet. 2:21).
- Characteristics of a true disciple making relationship: regularly interacting with the disciple maker (Mk. 3:14), receiving instruction from the disciple maker (Matt. 10:5), repeating the truth to others (2 Tim. 2:2), becoming like the disciple maker (Lk. 6:40), and becoming a reflection of the disciple maker to others
B. Personal instruction
- Passage shows that following good examples should be the continuous activity of every Christian. Also shows that we need others to encourage us to do this.
- “example” = Gr. tupon, the impression created when an icon is impressed into a receptive surface. Are you making an accurate “tupon” of who Jesus is? Would you want to live in heaven forever with people who have lived their lives by the impression you have made on them?
- Verses: 1 Th. 1:7, 1 Cor. 4:16, 11:1, 2 Th. 3:7-9, Matt. 13:52 (“discipled” scribes copied the “tupon” set before them repeatedly until exactly right)
- If you only have examples, can’t follow them with full intelligence; if you only have instruction, will think it’s too visionary/impossible to accomplish
II. Paul’s model of disciple making (Phil. 3:12-15)
- Personal models are needed—Jesus is eternally His Father’s disciple. Came & made other reproducing disciples, from whom came an ever-enlarging movement of these kind of models. 2 Tim. 2:2—Father>Son>12>OTHERS
A. has healthy dissatisfaction (v. 12)—dissatisfied before becoming a Christian & had a balance of joyful satisfaction (positionally perfect in Christ) and healthy dissatisfaction (imperfect in daily practice) as a Christian.
B. has true devotion (v. 13a)—vision, focus, & concentration on the pursuit of Jesus and His purpose of total world impact. 1 Pet. 5:8: lion can’t focus on more than 1 leg of stool at once & is neutralized; satan may be neutralized if we attack him on all points (Jerusalem, Judea/Samaria, ends of the earth).
C. has godly direction (v. 13b)—focus on the finish line & don’t look back (like a runner). Forgetting past sorrows, sins, & successes and focusing on fulfilling the Great Commission.
D. has determination (v. 14)—even if disciple making seems next to impossible, we must be determined (can’t afford to do nothing). Heb. 12:1-3 MSG