We are finishing our time in Philippians, considering Philippians 3:7-20 in relation to Conditional Security. There are some very difficult verses within this passage and I make no claim to have come to settled conclusions on any of them.
With this thought, and with some trepidation, I would like to offer my thoughts, and an opportunity for my readers to comment, correct or condemn my simple ruminations.
Let us continue with Philippians 3:17-20 and take a minute to read through this short passage.
Philippians 3
17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.
18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.
19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.
20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
Who is Paul talking about when he refers to some group “walking as the enemies of the cross of Christ”?
A couple of things to note.
Paul is writing to a church, and he has just encouraged the church to keep an eye on, and mimic those who walk as he does. Just a few verses before, he mentioned the mature, and those who do not think in a mature manner.
Might he be defining a distinct group within the church again, this time as enemies of Christ. No no – he didn’t say enemies of Christ, he said enemies of the cross of Christ.
There may be no difference, yet he refers to the cross of Christ, a symbol of death and self denial, not the person of the Christ, and then describes the enemies destiny, their idolatry, their shame and their mind set.
Their mind set!
At this point, it is apparent (in my mind) that the Christian has two possible goals, that of the upward call of God, or the lower call of earthly things.
Paul provides a sober description of those who have a different mind set.
Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.
Where is your mind set?
There are two destinies Paul provides. Earthly or heavenly. It is a choice we can make daily as we set our minds aright.
May your mind be on the Christ!
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2 responses to “Conditional Security – Philippians 3:7-20-C”
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Thank you for sharing your reflections on Philippians 3:7-21. You’ve provided a thought-provoking perspective on the contrast between those who are aligned with the cross of Christ and those who are focused on earthly things. The imagery of the ledger is particularly insightful, illustrating the exchange Paul describes between worldly gains and spiritual pursuits.
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