As Paul continues to encourage the Philippians, he gives a stark contrast between disciples and those who reject Christ.

You can see this week’s passage in Philippians 3:17-18:

First off, Paul encourages the Philippian believers to follow the example set for them by himself and his coworkers when they were in Philippi. Paul gave the believers there an example and a pattern. Both of these terms express the same idea. Paul lived what he taught, and he expected the churches he started to do the same. Take for example, his admonition to the Corinthians in chapter 11, where he states: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”

For Paul, the ultimate example was that of Christ. And his urging to the Philippian believers was set to follow those who followed that perfect example. He is not setting himself as the final example. He has already deferred that authority, and shown himself to be worthless on his own. His ego is not emerging here, nor is his pride. He is merely setting an example to be followed, and encouraging the believers in Philippi to do so carefully.

In contrast, he shows those on the opposite side of this example. In the following verses, he gives a bleak description of those who oppose Christ, which will be looked at in more depth next week. Here however, here in verse 18, he shows just how heartbreaking it is to see some turn their backs on Jesus.

It is not clear just who Paul is referring to here. It could be Christians who have accepted false teachings. It may be Judiazers. It may be those who oppose Christianity blatantly. Regardless, this fact brings Paul to tears. His heart breaks over those who have rejected Jesus.

Both aspects of Paul’s attitude here should serve as an example to follow. We need to follow his example as he strives to be like Christ in actions and attitudes. But we should also follow Paul’s example as he hurts for those who reject Christ. So should we. Those who have turned their backs on Jesus have only one final destination, and we should pray for and love them as much as possible. They are lost.

Jesus loved the lost. Paul loved the lost. And so should we. Because the Philippians, as well as Christian in our own generation, have the cure. We have the gospel. We have the message that holds the power to transform lives.

And that is a message worth sharing.

Question: We all know people who are lost. What are you doing to reach them? How do you pray for them? You can leave a comment by clicking here.