Text: Philippians 3:17-4:1

Topic: What example Paul left for us to follow

Introduction:

• Illustration: May tells the story of attending an Elvis-impersonating contest to suggest several different reasons for imitating someone.

• Research has shown that the quickest way to become proficient in any endeavor is to imitate exactly someone who has already mastered it.

• Illustration: May tells the story of football coach Don Shula instructing his team to watch the mannerisms of the national championship team and imitate them.

• The best way to master something is to imitate a master.

• Philippians 3:17

• Big Idea: God's plan of discipleship is that we learn how to live the Christian life by the following the example of Christian leaders.

• What example did Paul leave for us to imitate?

• He prayed for others.

• He prayed for non-Christians.

• He prayed for leaders.

• He prayed continually.

• Philippians 1:21

• Philippians 1:25

Paul was committed to purity.

• Philippians 2:5

• 1 Thessalonians 4:7

• Romans 12:1

Paul was committed to persistence.

• Acts 14:21-22

• Philippians 3:13-14

Paul was committed to positive thinking.

• Philippians 4:8

• Philippians 4:13

Conclusion:

• Philippians 4:9

• Today we're afraid to have heroes.

• Let's not miss out on God's design for discipleship.

• Paul said, "Imitate me." Imitate him.