As Paul winds up the third chapter of Philippians, he finishes his description of those enemies of the cross of Christ, and a beautiful depiction of those who believe in him.

You can see this passage for yourself in Philippians 3:19:

Verse 19 is a very discouraging verse, and is negative in almost all respects. The final two verses of this chapter, which we will look at next week, are much more encouraging.

These very enemies of the cross probably thought that they were good people, educated and wise, perhaps even godly. This is a common occurrence. Those who oppose often do so not even knowing that they are in opposition. The wolves in sheep’s clothing often do not realize that they are wolves to begin with.

The old maxim still rings true: You can be sincere, and still be sincerely wrong.

Paul’s description of such people is disheartening and encouraging at the same time. Disheartening because many are lost in such a fashion and may not even know it. But it is encouraging in the fact that we have our work cut out for us, living the gospel in everyday life, and watching its power work in the lives of those around us. All hope is not lost for these people.

In light of that, Paul gives four descriptors of such a person. Let’s look at each in turn.

As Paul continues to encourage the Philippians, he gives a stark contrast between disciples and those who reject Christ.

You can see this week’s passage in Philippians 3:17-18:

First off, Paul encourages the Philippian believers to follow the example set for them by himself and his coworkers when they were in Philippi. Paul gave the believers there an example and a pattern. Both of these terms express the same idea. Paul lived what he taught, and he expected the churches he started to do the same. Take for example, his admonition to the Corinthians in chapter 11, where he states: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”

For Paul, the ultimate example was that of Christ. And his urging to the Philippian believers was set to follow those who followed that perfect example. He is not setting himself as the final example. He has already deferred that authority, and shown himself to be worthless on his own. His ego is not emerging here, nor is his pride. He is merely setting an example to be followed, and encouraging the believers in Philippi to do so carefully.

In contrast, he shows those on the opposite side of this example. In the following verses, he gives a bleak description of those who oppose Christ, which will be looked at in more depth next week. Here however, here in verse 18, he shows just how heartbreaking it is to see some turn their backs on Jesus.