Daily Scripture Reading Philippians 3:18 - 4:23
As Christians, we tend to assess people based on their outward actions. If people go to church, listen to religious music, and appear to be religious, then we credit them with being righteous people.
However, Paul focused on the internal motivation of people. Today, we will read about enemies of the cross of Christ, The sign of an enemy is not outward actions, it is internal motivations.
At the beginning of chapter three, Paul told the Philippians to beware the dogs and evil workers. This referred to bad people within the church. In the middle of chapter three, Paul wrote that he was pressing forward, striving for the prize to be received in heaven. Then he told the Philippians to follow his example.
Phil. 3:18 For many walk—of whom I often told you, and now tell you even crying—as enemies of the cross of Christ,
Look at the word “walk”. Now look at the phrase “enemies of the cross of Christ”. There are people within the church who are actually enemies of Christ.
Phil. 3:19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their stomach and glory is in their shame, who set their thoughts on earthly things.
Think about what Paul included and did not include. Paul was writing about enemies of Christ, and one sign of an enemy of Christ is people whose stomach is their god. He didn’t say murder, adultery, or theft are signs of being an enemy. He said lack of self-control in regards to our stomach is the sign of being an enemy. It is possible that Paul used the word “stomach” to refer to all internal impulses. In other words, he was referring to people whose god is their fleshly desires.
As Christians, we tend to assess people based on their outward actions. If they go to church, listen to religious music, and appear to be religious, then we credit them with being righteous people.
However, in this verse Paul focused on the internal motivation of people. People who are driven by their stomach or their internal, fleshly desires are actually enemies of the cross of Christ, regardless of their outward appearances of piety.
Phil. 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
Notice that Christians are citizens of heaven. In the 21st century, due to technology, the world has become a global village. Nations compete with each other in sports, culture, trade, and war. People root for their home country to be successful. There is nothing wrong with Christians being patriotic, but at the same time we have to remember that our true citizenship is in heaven. The bond we have with Christians in other countries should be more important than the bond we have with non-Christians from our own country.
Phil. 3:21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by His working through which He is able to even subject all things to Himself.
Phil. 4:1 ¶ Therefore my brothers, loved and longed for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
Phil. 4:2 ¶ I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to think the same way in the Lord.
Phil. 4:3 Indeed, I ask you also, genuine companion, help these women who have contended together alongside of me in the gospel, with also Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Phil. 4:4 ¶ Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!
Phil. 4:5 Let your considerate spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.
Phil. 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
This is a command that Christians are not to worry or be anxious. Notice the word “nothing”. Nothing should make us anxious.
One of the realities that was exposed by COVID is the amount of worry and anxiety that exists within the church. Many Christians were very anxious about COVID. That should not be. God is in control. Christians should not allow a so-called pandemic or a real pandemic to bring anxiety into our lives.
Phil. 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil. 4:8 ¶ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is dignified, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, consider these things.
It is normal for Christians to get caught up in everything we should not do. Some people accuse Christianity of being a list of don’ts. This verse gives us something positive to focus on. These are the things we Christians are in favor of and should promote.
Phil. 4:9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Phil. 4:10 ¶ But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived thinking about me; indeed, you were thinking about me before, but you lacked opportunity.
Phil. 4:11 Not that I speak from want, for I learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
Don’t miss the word “content”. Paul had learned to be content in any circumstance.
Phil. 4:12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in abundance; in any and all things I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
Humans naturally want more and more. Once we have something, we think we can’t live without it. However, Paul had learned to be content both with what he had and with what he didn’t have.
Phil. 4:13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Phil. 4:14 Nevertheless, you have done well to fellowship with me in my affliction.
Phil. 4:15 ¶ And you yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church fellowshipped with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone.
Look at the phrase “first preaching” and “after I left Macedonia”. This refers to the first time Paul visited Philippi and Macedonia, which took place during Paul’s second missionary journey.
Phil. 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs.
Acts 16 and 17 tells us that during his second missionary journey, Paul visited Philippi, then he went to Thessalonica. When Paul was in Thessalonica, the Philippians sent money to support Paul.
Phil. 4:17 Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek the fruit which increases to your account.
Phil. 4:18 But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I have been filled, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
Verse 25 of chapter 2 tells us the Philippians sent Epaphroditus to Paul to minister to Paul. This verse in chapter 4 tells us Epaphroditus had brought a gift for Paul.
Phil. 4:19 And my God will fulfill all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Phil. 4:20 Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Phil. 4:21 ¶ Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you.
Phil. 4:22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.
Note the phrase “Caesar’s household”. This indicates Paul wrote this letter from Rome.
Phil. 4:23 ¶ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Humans tend to assess people based on outward appearances, but Paul taught us the sign of an enemy of Christ is an internal motivation. Those whose stomach is their god are enemies of the cross of Christ.
To what extent is your stomach your god?
Do you have a stronger affinity for believers from an enemy country, or non-Christians from your own country?
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“Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.com.”