Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
Believers together are to follow Paul's example and to observe and follow others who walk by that same pattern. That shared call is to share his Christ-centered way of life, with faithful believers to be marked out, observed, and imitated. The example to be followed is pressing toward spiritual maturity and the heavenly goal rather than setting the mind on earthly things.
Living out this following ultimately means living as a Christian who follows the perfect example of Christ. By contrast, the many who walk otherwise are enemies of the cross of Christ and must not be given encouragement. Paul had warned of them often and warns again even with weeping because they endanger the people of God. They put on garments of light to deceive as in his day, so believers must be guarded against their influence.
Following this common example calls for unity and order in God's work, with different lines of service working together and no division among believers. The chapter containing this call holds lessons from God of great importance at this time that should be carefully studied in full together with Philippians 2, practiced, thankfully obeyed and fulfilled. This study and obedience belongs especially to leading brethren, leaving no excuse for walking contrary to the will of God.
Believers together are to follow Paul's example and to observe and follow others who walk by that same pattern. That shared call is to share his Christ-centered way of life, with faithful believers to be marked out, observed, and imitated. The example to be followed is pressing toward spiritual maturity and the heavenly goal rather than setting the mind on earthly things.
Living out this following ultimately means living as a Christian who follows the perfect example of Christ. By contrast, the many who walk otherwise are enemies of the cross of Christ and must not be given encouragement. Paul had warned of them often and warns again even with weeping because they endanger the people of God. They put on garments of light to deceive as in his day, so believers must be guarded against their influence.
Following this common example calls for unity and order in God's work, with different lines of service working together and no division among believers. The chapter containing this call holds lessons from God of great importance at this time that should be carefully studied in full together with Philippians 2, practiced, thankfully obeyed and fulfilled. This study and obedience belongs especially to leading brethren, leaving no excuse for walking contrary to the will of God.