Philippians 3:17-20

Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.  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: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" Philippians 3:17-20


I read this, and I reread it, and by the third time I was also in tears.  I thought to myself 'Is this me?  Is my God my body?  Is my glory my shame?  Am I an enemy of the cross?'  I want you to ask yourself, at the end of this blog, the exact same thing.  But first, let me dig in.


The first part of this Paul is giving us some fantastic advice.  By this time Jesus had already risen and the people no longer had Him as a living example.  Paul is saying two things, pay attention to how people are living and if you see they are living right follow in there example.  We have a tendency to do the latter without first checking if the person is real.  Facebook masks are easy to put in place, you can make yourself out to be anything or anyone online.  Before you put your trust in someones guidance test them, make sure they are who they say they are.  No one is perfect, but if you catch your spiritual leader beating his wife obviously you missed something.  This is another great place to use discernment.  Pray about people before you put a piece of your walk with Christ in their hands.  This is serious, this is important.  Satan has many paths and sideways he can use to get you of course. 


'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'
I'm telling you this also with deep solemness, there are people in your church that are enemies of the cross.  There are people we love, people we trust, that are fooling us.  But they can't fool God, He is the searcher of hearts. Please pay close attention to the words Paul is using, he specifies that these people are walking.  He's referencing the walk of faith.  These people might even think they are walking with Christ, but instead they are a snare for the rest of us.


'whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things'
Can I tell you something you might already know?  Some people come to church, act super holy, raise there hands and Amen like the best of them, because they like looking spiritual.  These people aren't living lives of integrity, they aren't running any race, they just like fitting in.  They are worshiping themselves, their own image, they find glory in themselves.  The Bible tells us that the glory belongs to God, but these people keep that glory for themselves.  Like I said they may have no idea, they may be so blinded by the devil that they think what really matters is how they look on the outside.  They are wolves in sheep's clothing, they come in and gossip, create dissension in the Body of Christ, tear the pastors up, and leave feeling glorified.  It's the belief that by tearing someone else down you yourself will look better.  Guard yourself from these people, when the enemy uses them to confront you, to tempt you, rebuke them.  Stand up for what is right.  You don't have to be ugly, but you do have to step out of your comfort zone.  Remember that we don't fight against mere flesh, but against powers and principalities.  That person might hear you, your words might remove the blinders from their eyes, or they might get offended and never talk to you again.  Either way you did what was right.  Be more concerned about offending the Holy Spirit than the people around you.


'For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ'
Here's the answer, here's the way out of the devils snare.  Keep your eyes on the Kingdom.  This doesn't mean you'll never be tempted.  It doens't mean you'll never feel more like staying home and sleeping in than going to church, it just means when you are tempted by Satan you'll have an answer. 


I'm not worshipping myself, my needs, my wants, I'm worshipping a God who has provided for me.  I'm not finding glory in my shame, I GIVE the glory to the one who deserves it, God.  I will not set my mind on earthly things, I am in the world, not of it, I AM a citizen of heaven!


My heart hurts for the people Paul is talking about.  I know those people, I've seen those people, some of those people when I was younger made me not want to continue going to church.  They truely have no idea the damaging effect they have on others, on the image of Christ.  That's why they are considered enemies of the cross of Christ, they are deterants for others to go to church, to learn about Christ.  As bad as that is, as hurtful as they might be, no one deserves to go to Hell.  When you come across these people don't judge them, don't ignore them, pray for them, confront them, their souls are on the line.  Demand integrity from those who call themselves believers.  Above all, demand integrity out of yourself, you are an embassador of Christ, if His light can't shine through you who can it shine through?  Stand up, step out, and live a life of integrity.