SSS: Philippians 3:17-4:1

Last Monday I posted a summary of the previous day's sermon at New Beginnings.  To this, I received the ever-so-encouraging feedback of "YOUR POST WAS TOO LONG" from my beloved wife, Laurie.  Hmm, thanks a lot, dear!

All kidding aside, I got to thinking about what she said and, as usual, she's probably right!  So, I'm rolling out a new weekly feature on my blog.  Each week, on Monday, Lord willing, I will share an "SSS" or "Single-Sentence Sermon".  My approach will be to boil down all the savory juices of my weekly sermon to a short, memorable sentence.  Ultimately, my aim is to encourage you with a God-honoring "spiritual nugget" from Scripture and to stimulate your mind and heart to grow closer to the Lord.

I actually think Laurie's point is brilliant (as usual)!  I remember back in seminary when my homiletics "prof" told us that a good sermon could be succinctly summarized in a single, cogent sentence.  It's harder than you might think!  So, here goes...

Today's "SSS":
In Philippians 3:17 - 4:1, Paul calls the Philippian believers to follow ("imitate") his example by living Christlike lives that are representative of their 'heavenly citizenship', resisting those who are 'enemies of the cross' of Jesus.

Questions to Consider:

• Why could Paul confidently encourage the Philippians to "imitate" his life?  (see 1 Cor. 11:1)
• Who do you look up to in your life as a godly example of Christlikeness?
• What does it mean that "our citizenship is in heaven"?  How does Paul contrast this in 3:18-19, specifically?
• What impact should our "earnest expectation for the Savior's return" have on our lives now?

Feel free to comment!  I'd love to dialogue with you.

(To listen to my sermons, visit this link!)