As you read these Bible verses remember that Paul was in prison when he wrote this and it is breaking his heart that false teachers had come into this church in Philippi. Being in prison he can’t confront them only by the written Word.
Philippians 3:18
‘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:’
Despite sharing some similarities with Paul’s teachings, these false teachers have twisted the Gospel message, resulting in their own condemnation and enmity against the cross of Christ. While they may believe they are proclaiming the Gospel and leading others in the right direction, the apostle’s words reveal the truth and evoke deep sorrow in him. Now, turning to verse 19, one would expect this to instill fear in some of them.
Philippians 3:19
‘whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame— who set their mind on earthly things.’
!! whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly… is this not crystal clear? It is their appetite for physical things that are most important to these or any false teachers. And what does it take to acquire “things”, money!
Today, we see it everywhere in “almost” every church. The body of Christ was never meant to have gigantic campuses with coffee bars, pools, basketball courts, a constant drive to gain more YouTube subscribers (under the guise of spreading the word), the neverending push to build a platform for “your church”, again under the guise that we can reach more people with the truth. Beloved, don’t believe it for a second. The gospel of grace does not need a platform, it needs faithful men proclaiming the good news. ‘And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. II Timothy 2:2’.
There are men, who sound great on “YouTube” or some other platform that fall in line with this warning from the apostle Paul in Philippians 3:18, 19. Because their god is their belly.
Just to clarify, there is nothing wrong with having nice things or even being wealthy. But when it comes to the body of Christ, which is His church money spent on anything other than preaching the gospel and edifying the saints falls under “whose god is their belly”. You can figure out for yourself what it cost and whats needed to spread the gospel.
To clarify, the Lord makes it crystal clear what He expects of men who preach and teach His Word, and what they are to expect in doing so. Read the verses below (and there are many more verses but these are explicit and so clear) and tell me if this lines up with massive church facilities, coffee bars, basketball courts, swimming pools, game rooms, and media centers for Christ.
‘And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.’
II Timothy 2:2-5,7
Takeaway
These passages by the apostle Paul highlight the pervasive presence of false teachings and the imminent danger they pose to the church. They serve as timely reminders for believers to stay vigilant, rooted in sound doctrine, and discerning of the deceptions that can lead to the falling away from the truth; the gospel – the death, burial, and resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. As the return of the Lord draws nearer, we must hold fast to the unchanging truths of Scripture and be diligent in guarding against false teachings that can erode our faith.
100% Unashamed of the gospel of grace.
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