Built Different

Let me ask you something this morning…Have you ever followed someone who looked like they knew where they were going? I mean,

• They were confident.
• They looked the part.
• They acted like they had it all figured out.

So you followed. But the longer you followed them, the more things didn’t feel right.

• Turns didn’t make sense.
• The direction seemed off.

And before you knew it, you realized you were completely off track and found yourself somewhere you never intended to be.

Now here’s simple truth I want to share upfront: Who you follow determines where you end up. And that’s not just true on the road – it’s true in life. Because whether you realize it or not, everybody is following something.

• Some people are following culture.
• Some are following social media.
• Some are following friends.
• Some are following their own desires.

But here’s the danger…If you follow the wrong direction long enough, you’ll end up in the wrong destination.

Paul has just told us in verses 12–16 to press on, to pursue Christ. Now in verses 17–21, he answers a critical question: “If we are going to press on, who should we follow, and how should we live?” It’s important that we answer that question, because as Christians, we are Built Different, and who we follow and how we live matters! So let me give you 3 simple things I see in these verse.

THOSE WHO ARE BUILT DIFFERENT FOLLOW GODLY EXAMPLES (v.17)

Paul says, “Brethren, join in following my example . . .”

Now don’t miss this. Paul literally says, “Follow me.” That’s bold. But it’s not out of pride, but out of accountability. Because Paul knew his life lined up with Christ. And he’s saying: “If you want to know what this looks like, watch me, imitate me, pattern your lives after mine.”

And then he says, “. . . and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.” The King James Bible says, “Mark others who walk the same way.” In other words: Pay attention to people who are living it right.

• Study them.
• Learn from them.
• Follow their example.

Let me put it in biker terms: When you’re on a group ride, you don’t just follow anybody. You follow someone who knows the road.

• Someone who’s steady.
• Someone who’s been there before.
• Someone who won’t lead you off a cliff.

Because if you follow the wrong rider, you’re going down with them.

Same thing spiritually. Who you follow shapes who you become. So let me ask you:

• Who are you following?
• Who are you watching?
• Who is influencing your decisions?
• Who is shaping your mindset?

Because if they’re not walking with Christ, they’re not leading you to Christ. But let me take it one step further…

• Can anybody follow you?
• Are you living a life worth modeling?

Because Paul isn’t just calling us to follow, he’s calling us to live in a way worth following, worth imitating.

THOSE WHO ARE BUILT DIFFERENT REJECT WORLDLY EXAMPLES (vv.18–19)

Now Paul shifts, and his tone gets heavy. Paul tells the believers at Philippi that he has told them before, and now he’s telling them again with tears in his eyes, “For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ.”

Don’t miss that.

• They are not just misguided.
• They are not just confused.

These are professing Christians who live like they are Enemies of the cross. Since Paul is writing this letter to Christians, he is most likely referring to Judaizers who were trying to add the Laws of Moses to the redemptive work of Calvary’s Cross. And then he describes them: “Whose end is destruction…” That’s where they’re headed.  “And whose god is their belly…”

• They live for their appetites.
• Their desires.
• Their comfort.

“Whose glory is in their shame…” They celebrate what should break them.

“Who set their mind on earthly things.” That’s the focus.

• This world.
• This life.
• The here and now.

Let me say it like this: They’re living for what feels good – not what is right. And we see that everywhere today. People chasing Pleasure, Comfort, Image, Popularity – And calling it life. But Paul says, that road leads to destruction. Let me put it in biker terms:

That’s like riders chasing speed with no direction. Wide open throttle…but headed straight for a crash. And here’s the danger…They aren’t always obvious.

Paul says, “many walk…” That means they’re common. They’re all around you. They’re influencing you. And if you’re not careful, you’ll start drifting in their direction.

So let me ask you: What patterns are shaping your life?

• Is it the Word of God?
• Or the world around you?

Because if your life looks more like the world, than it does the Word – something’s off. Because real faith doesn’t blend in – It stands apart.

THOSE WHO ARE BUILT DIFFERENT, LIVE AS CITIZENS OF HEAVEN (vv.20–21)

Now Paul brings it all home. “For our citizenship (our conversation) is in heaven…” In other words:

• This world is not your home.
• You might live here – but you don’t belong here.

You are a citizen of heaven. Let that sink in.

• Your identity…
• your allegiance…
• your future…

Is not tied to this world – It’s tied to Christ.

Paul says we are “looking for the Savior… the Lord Jesus Christ.” That means we’re expecting Him. Waiting for Him. Living in light of His return.

And then he says something powerful: “Who will transform our lowly body, that it may be conformed to His glorious body…” In other words: This isn’t the end of the story.

• This broken world…
• this broken body…
• this struggle…
• This cancer. . .

All this is temporary. But, there’s something better coming. Let me put it like this:

That’s like riding through rough terrain, knowing there’s a better road ahead. You don’t get stuck in the struggle, because you know what’s coming. And that changes how you ride.

• It changes your perspective.
• It changes your priorities.
• It changes your focus.

So let me ask you: Are you living like this world is your home? Or are you living like you’re just passing through? Because real faith says:

“I’m not settling here – I’m headed somewhere far better.”

• A place with no more tears;
• No more sorrow,
• No more suffering,
• No more sickness;
• No more death;
• No more pain;
• No more divorces;
• No more addictions.

Because by the power of His resurrection, this mortal will put on immortality, and this corruption shall put on incorruption!

So here’s the challenge this morning: Check your direction.

• Who are you following?
• What is shaping your life?
• Where are you headed?

Because Church, you weren’t made for this world – You were made for eternity, we were built different! So, live like it. Ride like it and Go Full Throttle with Jesus.