Philippians 3:18-19; More Enemies – 2.25.2015

“For, as I often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.  Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is their shame.  Their mind is set on earthly things.”

This is such a rich passage, I had to have another day with it.  Last week we talked about how many live as enemies of the cross.  The news continues to illustrate that: since last week, ISIS has abducted up to 100 Christians in Syria, including the elderly, women, and children.  There are enemies of Christ.

And about these enemies, Paul says four things:

First, their destiny is destruction.  Regardless of how it may appear, enemies of Christ will not prevail. They will not escape, they will pay for their actions, and that is guaranteed by God himself. 

While I think it is okay to take comfort in that, we should also be saddened and hopefully spurred to action because of it.  I don’t wish an eternity separated from God on anyone – even persecutors of Christ.  We need to pray that Christ will reveal Himself to those who persecute the church – because that is what Jesus did.

Second, their god is their stomach.  This means that these folks worship their own appetites and desires.  They live not to honor God, but for self-indulgence and to gratify sensual desires. 

As is always the case with the Bible, before you say, “Shame on those people – that is terrible.”  Take a look at yourself and see where you live according to your desires instead of God’s.  Yes, shame on them, but shame on us when we do the same thing.  The Word of God always has something for us!

Third, their glory is their shame.  This means that instead of being ashamed of their un-Godly, disgraceful acts and attitudes – they flaunt, boast, and brag about them. 

In today’s culture, shameful behavior is celebrated instead of condemned and God’s Word is ignored when it goes against public opinion.  If you claim to be a follower of Christ – you must know the Bible and do what it says – even if you don’t like it.  Truth is truth regardless of personal or public opinion.

Fourth, their mind is set on earthly things.  These enemies of Christ are concerned only with the here and now, they have no thought or hope for eternity.  Imagine living with no hope.  What a horrible existence.  In Christ, we have the assured hope that this world is the only hell we will ever face.  Eternity with Christ is promised and it is as real as the chair you are sitting in.  Set your eyes up there instead of down here.

Never be surprised when un-believers act like un-believers – how else should they act?  They are deceived and blinded to the Truth.  The best thing we can do is to spend our lives making sure there are fewer unbelievers out there.

“Suffering, failure, loneliness, sorrow, discouragement, and death will be part of your journey, but the Kingdom of God will conquer all these horrors.  No evil can resist grace forever.” – Brennan Manning