Dear Christian friends:

Most people are sheep, copy cats. Not many are leaders. We like to follow and copy someone else. Following another person can be good or bad depending on whom you follow. If you follow a bad person, he will lead you to a bad place; if you follow a good person, he will lead you to a good place. This is true about church and faith also.

If you follow the example of a Christian, he will lead you to Christ and to heaven; if you follow the example of an unbeliever or hypocrite, he will lead you to the devil and hell.

In our text today St. Paul shows us this, so from our text we ask you the question:


This question offers a choice between two kinds of leaders, the Christian and the unbelievers. This question calls for a decision to follow Christian leaders. In our text, St. Paul tells the Christians at Philippi to follow him: "Christian brothers, live your lives as I have lived mine. Watch those who live as I have taught you to live." (Philippians 3:17)

Was Paul proud and boasting when he asked them to follow him? Some may think so, but they are wrong. In the verses before Paul confesses that he was by nature a poor lost sinner that he did not have his own righteousness to stand before God, but, "not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith." (Philippians 3:9) and then he says he did good things and wonderful things for Jesus through God's power. (verse 10)

Paul denied himself and took up his cross daily and followed Jesus. He says, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (verse 14) "My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. (Galatians 2:20) Finally, Paul suffered and gave up his life for Jesus. So Paul says to the Church follow me. Follow me and other good Christian leaders.

So also I say to you today follow Paul, follow Dr. Salvner. Follow the good true leaders in our church. Follow, Ronnie, Kleins, Lyle, and Rod in whom God's Spirit and power works wonderfully.

Why follow the poor and bad examples of false or hypocrite church members or weak and ignorant members? They will not lead you to Christ, but from Him to hell.

Worse, why follow the unbelieving deaf at the Club or the bowling alley? About these unbelievers Paul warns: "For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth." (Philippians 3:18-19)

These deaf may be wise and smart in earthly things, but they don't know the heavenly things connected with the cross of Christ. They trust in their own good works, character or self-righteousness. Others boast about their shameful and dirty deeds. Many live to eat, their god is their belly. They don't come to Thanksgiving Service on Thanksgiving Day.

They may be sharp at banking and sharp at their jobs or leaders at the Club or the bar, but they will not lead you to Christ or keep you with him.

Whom do you copy? This question calls for you to decide for copying Christian leaders. They will help you to grow in faith and love by leading you to practice and exercise your faith in service to God and His church. They show you how to deny yourself daily and take up the cross in using your time, talent and treasure so you may know and exercise His love and mercy on earth with others and know and share in His joy now on earth and forever in heaven.

Paul says we should follow him and other Christian leaders because our home is in heaven; from there we also look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ (on the Last Day): "But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control." (Philippians 3:20-21)

If you have been listening to hypocrites and false church members or coward church members or if you copy smart unbelieving deaf, better stop and think today. I tell you like Paul with tears they are not your friends. They are the enemies of Christ. They will lead you to hell.

Maybe some hypocrites and coward church members are here today. Don't stay stubborn and big headed. You will go to hell and lead some sheep with you. Repent Today! Confess your sins and foolishness and turn to Jesus Christ and His Cross. If you do you will have wonderful peace and joy in Him. If you doubt, you are fighting against God, and you know who will win.

You who have been following Christian leaders, continue to do so. Become more brave in showing your love and faith. Don't be afraid. God is with you. You are right! You are on the winning team: Don't stay a follower. Become a leader like Paul and others by the power of His Holy Spirit.

Remember: "Our home is in heaven; from there we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."

Amen.