Role Models: Watching Who We Follow

 Uniting Heaven and Earth

Christ in Philippians and Colossians 

Lesson 7 - Sunday

Role Models

Scripture Reading: Philippians 3:17–19 (ESV)

“Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.”

Role models shape us, often more powerfully than we realize. We learn how to live, think, and respond by watching others—sometimes intentionally, often unconsciously. In Philippians 3:17–19, Paul addresses this reality directly. He does not shy away from calling believers to imitate good examples, nor does he hesitate to warn them about the danger of following bad ones.

Paul begins with a positive exhortation: “Join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us” (v. 17). This is not arrogance but pastoral responsibility. Paul has just described his own pursuit of Christ—counting all things as loss for the sake of knowing Jesus (Phil. 3:7–14). His life is oriented toward Christ, not perfection, but direction. Good role models, then, are those whose lives visibly align with the gospel they profess. They “walk” according to Christ-centered priorities, showing consistency between belief and behavior.

In contrast, Paul describes bad role models with deep sorrow. He speaks “even with tears” about those who “walk as enemies of the cross of Christ” (v. 18). These individuals may claim faith, but their lives contradict the message of the cross. Paul identifies several marks that distinguish them. First, “their end is destruction”—their path leads away from life in Christ. Second, “their god is their belly,” meaning their desires, appetites, or comforts rule them rather than Christ. Third, “they glory in their shame,” boasting in what should lead to repentance. Finally, their “minds [are] set on earthly things,” revealing a focus on the present world rather than eternal realities.

The keys for discerning between good and bad role models are clear in this passage. Direction matters more than claims. Good role models are cross-centered; bad ones are self-centered. Good role models live with eternity in view; bad ones are driven by earthly priorities. Good role models pursue Christ humbly; bad ones are governed by unchecked desires.

Yet Paul’s teaching does not end with simply choosing whom to follow—it turns the mirror toward us. While Jesus alone is the perfect pattern, Scripture makes room for believers to be examples to one another (cf. 1 Cor. 11:1; 1 Tim. 4:12). This invites honest self-examination. We can ask: What do my choices reveal about what I value most? What do others see when they observe my reactions, speech, and priorities? If someone followed my example, would they be drawn closer to Christ or distracted by lesser things?

Being a role model does not mean being flawless. It means living transparently, repentantly, and faithfully, with our lives pointing beyond ourselves to Christ. When our hearts are set on knowing Jesus, even our imperfections can testify to His grace.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the examples You give us in Your Word and in the body of Christ. Help us to follow those who walk faithfully with You and to turn away from paths that lead us from the cross. Search our hearts, Lord, and show us where our priorities may be earthly rather than eternal. Shape our lives so that, imperfect though we are, others may see Christ reflected in us. Fix our minds on Jesus, and teach us to walk in humility, obedience, and love. We ask this in His precious name.
Amen.

More on Lesson 7: A Heavenly Citizenship

This Quarter's Sabbath School Lessons Here: Christ in Philippians and Colossians