The Product
Philippians 3:18-4:6
3:18
Philippians 3:18 HCSB For I have often told you, and now say again with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.
I have often told you, and now say again. Every preacher has a message given to him by God, something particular and peculiar to him. Each prophet has a message that he cries out over and over in the highways and byways. Paul's message was a warning against false teachers and bad doctrine. Constant danger warrants repeated warnings and it would be a poor shepherd indeed who warned his flock of wolves only once then left them to fend for themselves!
With tears. This is the only time that we are told that Paul ever cried and I want you to notice what it was that made him cry. It was the fact that many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Too few of us take the state of the lost so seriously that we cry over them. Perhaps this is why Paul was able to establish churches all across Europe and while many of us struggle just getting out of bed on Sunday morning!
Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Why? What made them so? We need to be able to discern truth from error (1 John 4:6).
On the other hand, James, the half-brother of Jesus referred to himself as as slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ (James 1:1), as did Peter (2 Peter 1:1), Paul and Timothy (Philippians 1:1 cp Titus 1:1) and Jude (Jude 1:1).
The one that Jesus Himself praised as the greatest in the kingdom repeatedly said,
I have often told you, and now say again. Every preacher has a message given to him by God, something particular and peculiar to him. Each prophet has a message that he cries out over and over in the highways and byways. Paul's message was a warning against false teachers and bad doctrine. Constant danger warrants repeated warnings and it would be a poor shepherd indeed who warned his flock of wolves only once then left them to fend for themselves!
With tears. This is the only time that we are told that Paul ever cried and I want you to notice what it was that made him cry. It was the fact that many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Too few of us take the state of the lost so seriously that we cry over them. Perhaps this is why Paul was able to establish churches all across Europe and while many of us struggle just getting out of bed on Sunday morning!
Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Why? What made them so? We need to be able to discern truth from error (1 John 4:6).
- In many cases it was an inflated view of their understanding (Romans 1:21-22).
- They called themselves "super-apostles" (2 Corinthians 11:5; 12:11)!
- These enemies may preach Christ, but out of envy and strife (Philippians 1:15).
- They boast in the law while dishonoring God by breaking His law, causing the name of God to be blasphemed among the Gentiles (Romans 2:23-24).
- They preach cleverly in such a way that the cross of Christ is emptied of its effect (1 Corinthians 1:17).
- They preach another "gospel", one that differs meaningfully from the one given to us by the apostles (Galatians 1:7).
- They set aside the role of grace in salvation, and teach that we can make it heaven by thinking well and doing good works (Galatians 2:21; 5:4).
- In the name of interdenominationalism, or simple "getting along", they compromise with the world but it's actually motivated by fear of persecution (Galatians 6:12). They are false prophets and teachers who sneakily bring in destructive heresies (like open theology). Because many follow them, the way of truth is blasphemed (2 Peter 2:1-2).
On the other hand, James, the half-brother of Jesus referred to himself as as slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ (James 1:1), as did Peter (2 Peter 1:1), Paul and Timothy (Philippians 1:1 cp Titus 1:1) and Jude (Jude 1:1).
The one that Jesus Himself praised as the greatest in the kingdom repeatedly said,
- John 3:30 HCSB He must increase, but I must decrease."
3:19
Philippians 3:19 HCSB Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory is in their shame. They are focused on earthly things,
Their end is destruction. The word used here is "apoleia" and indicates ruination. This is not teaching Annihilationism but everlasting punishment as we discussed at great length in Ironworks.
Their god is their stomach. On one hand he's riffing off their constant harping about Jewish dietary laws. On the other, he's referring to all philosophies that promote the sensual desires and views of the flesh. As John put it,
And as Paul put it to the Romans,
We'll discuss this further, below when we consider the phrase "focused on earthly things".
Their glory is their shame. Instead of praising and worshiping God, they heap praise upon themselves! And as Paul had already taught,
They are focused on earthly things. There's nothing wrong with being concerned about earthly things. We ARE earthly things and we have been given the task of being God's stewards of this planet. But there is a difference between being appropriately concerned with earthly things and FOCUSED on earthly things.
Instead,
Their end is destruction. The word used here is "apoleia" and indicates ruination. This is not teaching Annihilationism but everlasting punishment as we discussed at great length in Ironworks.
Their god is their stomach. On one hand he's riffing off their constant harping about Jewish dietary laws. On the other, he's referring to all philosophies that promote the sensual desires and views of the flesh. As John put it,
- 1 John 2:15-17 HCSB Do not love the world or the things that belong to the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. Because everything that belongs to the world-- (16) the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one's lifestyle--is not from the Father, but is from the world. (17) And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does God's will remains forever.
And as Paul put it to the Romans,
- Romans 16:17-18 HCSB Now I implore you, brothers, watch out for those who cause dissensions and pitfalls contrary to the doctrine you have learned. Avoid them; (18) for such people do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattering words they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.
We'll discuss this further, below when we consider the phrase "focused on earthly things".
Their glory is their shame. Instead of praising and worshiping God, they heap praise upon themselves! And as Paul had already taught,
- Romans 1:22 HCSB Claiming to be wise, they became fools
- Hosea 4:7-8 HCSB The more they multiplied, the more they sinned against Me. I will change their honor into disgrace. (8) They feed on the sin of My people; they have an appetite for their transgressions.
- Habakkuk 2:15-16 HCSB Woe to him who gives his neighbors drink, pouring out your wrath and even making them drunk, in order to look at their nakedness! (16) You will be filled with disgrace instead of glory. You also--drink, and expose your uncircumcision! The cup in the LORD's right hand will come around to you, and utter disgrace will cover your glory.
- Romans 6:20-23 HCSB For when you were slaves of sin, you were free from allegiance to righteousness. (21) And what fruit was produced then from the things you are now ashamed of? For the end of those things is death. (22) But now, since you have been liberated from sin and become enslaved to God, you have your fruit, which results in sanctification--and the end is eternal life! (23) For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
They are focused on earthly things. There's nothing wrong with being concerned about earthly things. We ARE earthly things and we have been given the task of being God's stewards of this planet. But there is a difference between being appropriately concerned with earthly things and FOCUSED on earthly things.
- We must not be slaves to the elemental forces of this world (Galatians 4:3, 9).
- We must not succumb to the allure of asceticism (Colossians 2:21-23).
- Nor should we succumb to hedonism (Romans 6:1-2; Exodus 32:6-7).
- While delighting in God's blessings (Proverbs 5:18; Ecclesiastes 2:24), we must not be devoted to pleasure (Proverbs 21:17; 23:1-3, 20-21).
- When God says to mourn and fast, we must not rebel (Isaiah 22:12-13).
Instead,
- We should take what we need, be satisfied, and give of our excess to the poor (Proverbs 25:16; Galatians 2:10; Ephesians 4:28 cp Ezekiel 16:49).
- We acknowledge the availability of excess and luxury but deliberately choose spiritual, mental and physical health over decadent sensualism (Daniel 1:8, 12, 15; 1 Corinthians 10:23).
- Though we take care of our families, we don't succumb idolatry of our appetites (Matthew 6:31-34).
3:20
Philippians 3:20 HCSB but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Our citizenship is in heaven.
From which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Small wonder that all Bible-believing and obedient saints
Our citizenship is in heaven.
- We will be seated with the King in heaven (Ephesians 2:6)
- We are no longer foreigners in God's kingdom but fellow citizens and saints, members of God's household (Ephesians 2:19).
- We have a hope reserved for us in heaven (Colossians 1:5).
- Our true life is hidden away with the Messiah in heaven with God (Colossians 3:3).
- We have a better and enduring possession waiting for us (Hebrews 10:34; 1 Peter 1:4).
- Like Abraham we are looking forward to the city whose architect and builder is God (Hebrews 11:10).
- Like the Old Covenant saints we confess that we are foreigners and temporary residents on earth and we are seeking our heavenly homeland (Hebrews 11:13-14).
- Like Moses we don't fear the government and its godless laws. We turn our backs on the wealth and power of this world because our attention is on our reward, our eyes see Him who is invisible (Hebrews 11:23-27).
From which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
- There will come a day when our King will return (1 Peter 1:7)!
- It will be a time of refreshing (Acts 3:19).
- It will be a time when all things will be restored (Acts 3:21 cp Romans 8:21)
- It will be the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior (Titus 2:13), the Day of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:8).
- He will come in clouds of glory (Matthew 16:27; 24:30; 26:64; Revelation 1:7) and flaming fire (2 Thessalonians 1:8).
- We will hear the shout and the trumpet of an archangel (1 Thessalonians 4:16) and those of us who have already died or been raptured will return to earth with our master accompanied by the holy angels (Matthew 16:27; 25:31; Mark 8:38; 1 Thessalonians 3:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:7; Jude 14)
- At that point our salvation will be complete (Hebrews 9:28; 1 Peter 1:5).
Small wonder that all Bible-believing and obedient saints
- Wait and look for that day (1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Titus 2:13).
- We don't just wait around! Instead we pray for that day to come (Revelation 22:20) and work to speed its coming (2 Peter 3:12)!
3:21
Philippians 3:21 HCSB He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of His glorious body, by the power that enables Him to subject everything to Himself.
He will transform. He will "metaschematisei", or change the outward form of, our bodies.
Into the likeness. They will be "symmorphon" or identical in the essential character of His body. Paul's goal of knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection will at last be fulfilled.
Of His glorious body. Every saint will be made to have a body like Jesus' ( 1 John 3:2). We will no longer be limited by these disease ridden, weak and powerless husks. Finally, the sanctification that instantly transformed our spirits, and that we tried so hard to bring into our souls, will finally be complete with the transformation of our bodies!
As Paul said to the Thessalonians,
He will transform. He will "metaschematisei", or change the outward form of, our bodies.
Into the likeness. They will be "symmorphon" or identical in the essential character of His body. Paul's goal of knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection will at last be fulfilled.
Of His glorious body. Every saint will be made to have a body like Jesus' ( 1 John 3:2). We will no longer be limited by these disease ridden, weak and powerless husks. Finally, the sanctification that instantly transformed our spirits, and that we tried so hard to bring into our souls, will finally be complete with the transformation of our bodies!
As Paul said to the Thessalonians,
- 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 HCSB (16) For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel's voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. (17) Then we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will always be with the Lord. (18) Therefore encourage one another with these words.
