OUTLINE
I. Imitating mature christians is a great help in following Christ
(v. 17)
II. Rejecting the example of false christians is a great help in following Christ (v. 18)
III. You must reject imitating those whose end is destruction
(v. 19a)
IV. You must reject imitating those whose god is their belly (v. 19b)
V. You must reject imitating those who glory in their shame (v. 19c)
VI. You must reject imitating those who set their minds on earthly things (v. 19d)
DISCUSSION
I. According to verse 17, what is one of the means of grace in Christian sanctification? Are there mature men or women in your life that you can look to as examples and guides? Why is it important to have godly examples, according to verse 18?
II. In verse 19, how does Paul define those that “walk as enemies of the cross of Christ”? Work backwards in verse 19 and write down the progression, starting with “minds set on earthly things.”