Who Can We Trust? – Philippians 3:17-21.

In this day and age, who can we trust? Mark continues with his exploration of Phillipians to share what the Bible teaches us about trusting.

Disappointment in Church Leaders

When Paul wrote to the church in Philippi he told the believers,

Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. 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. 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 3:17-21 the New Living Translation.

We live in a time when admiring someone for their ministry and work for the Lord could lead to much disappointment. Often, headlines and news reports shock the Christian community with allegations of misconduct by prominent ministry leaders, teachers, parents, and relatives.

It’s a grim reminder that even the most upright and respectable people are not perfect; we all have weaknesses and shortcomings. Sadly, it can be hard to know who to trust. When shocking reports emerge, we often find ourselves wondering, “Who can be trusted?”

Pattern Your Lives

The Apostle Paul encouraged the Saints in Philippi to “pattern their lives” after him.

That is a very bold instruction, isn’t it?

If we heard someone say that to us today, we would be very cautious of them. Paul says this many times in his epistles; instructing others to learn and grow from following his example: Philippians 4:9, 1 Corinthians 4:16, 1 Corinthians 11:1, and 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9.

History is filled with individuals who made similar claims—and the results were often disastrous. So, can we trust the Apostle Paul? He wasn’t perfect like Jesus; he was a sinner, just like us…

Jim Jones

A famous example in history of someone who claimed to be trustworthy was Jim Jones in the 1970’s. He formed a large following called “The Peoples Temple.” Jones was very charismatic and convinced his followers that he was a reincarnation of several divine personages. His reign ended when he ordered over 900 of his disciples to drink poisoned fruit juice to their death and he himself also perished in that event.

This is often the pattern seen in cults: influential individuals establish trust and present themselves as role models, drawing others into close-knit communities where followers feel valued and loved—though it’s often a façade that masks authoritarian control.

New Testament Apostles

Unlike others who may have appointed themselves, the Apostles in the New Testament did not establish their ministry by their own authority. Their calling came directly from the Lord.

As Ephesians 2:19–20 says:

“You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.” Ephesians 2:19–20

Christ the Cornerstone

Christ Jesus is the Chief Cornerstone—the central anchor of our faith. The Apostles and Prophets form the foundation, joined to Him. And upon their Spirit-inspired teachings, the universal Church is built, forming a spiritual house for all who believe.

All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching.. Acts 2:42

Apostolic Authority

The Apostles were given a very special role of God ordained authority. By the power of the Spirit of Truth, they taught the true fundamentals of the faith.

As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ. God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit, he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets. Ephesians 3:4,5

Apostolic Empowerment

The Apostles were empowered by God to set a standard, a point of reference to whom people looked to then and we today, as it is all recorded in the bible for us to read and learn.

Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people.  Jude 1:3

Apostolic Teaching

The Apostles did not speak on behalf of themselves, but according to the teachings of Jesus, which they understood, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:10,11

We never read of an instance in the Bible where the Apostles Lorded over the newly developing Church. They led as loving shepherds. They never forced or threatened. They lived exemplary lives, by the power of God. Unashamedly and blamelessly, Paul could confidently write to the churches, “follow my example.”

“You should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.”  1 Corinthians 11:1

Commitment and Integrity

In 1 Thessalonians chapter two, Paul highlights the commitment and integrity he and his colleagues demonstrated in their ministry:

You know how badly we had been treated at Philippi just before we came to you and how much we suffered there. Yet our God gave us the courage to declare his Good News to you boldly, in spite of great opposition. So, you can see we were not preaching with any deceit or impure motives or trickery. For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. Never once did we try to win you with flattery, as you well know. And God is our witness that we were not pretending to be your friends just to get your money! As for human praise, we have never sought it from you or anyone else.

Example to Follow

Paul urges the Philippians to follow his example, while warning them to be cautious of false leaders. Though these individuals may appear spiritual, their actions and words do not reflect the character and teachings of the Apostles, revealing them as enemies of the Gospel of Christ.

They are not true believers and lack the traits of those who focus on heavenly things. Their priorities are rooted in earthly life, bearing no resemblance to heavenly citizenship. They live without any longing to one day see Jesus and share in His glory—and that’s a serious warning sign.

The Apostles weren’t perfect—but consider Paul. He endured stoning, countless beatings, and confinement in Roman prisons. He rejected all the world had to offer, choosing instead to give his life as a living sacrifice for Christ and the saints he loved. So, when he said, ‘Pattern your life after me,’ he was either out of his mind—or his life truly embodied the truth he preached.

Should we imitate Paul? In fact, who can we trust? We would to hear from you. Comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.