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Philippians 3:18-19 BSB
[18] For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. [19] Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things.
For some time I read this passage as referring to those outside of the faith, but over time my understanding of this scripture has shifted. I now believe Paul is referring to believers, or people associated with the church, in this passage.
I guess my question for discussion here is:
What exactly is meant by "their minds are set on earthly things?" and how can we avoid that so as to not live as enemies ourselves?
Is he possibly referring to things Jesus Himself referred to in Matthew 6:25-34? Worrying about food, clothing, basic necessities of living.
Or is it referring to fleshly living? Such as found in Galatians:
Galatians 5:19-21 BSB
[19] The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; [20] idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, [21] and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Clearly I think it's the latter.
I think it goes right along with the call for Christians to live holy and godly lives. Flying in the face of the "hyper grace" crowd or any other sect of Christianity that claims we can live how we want because God's grace covers us.
Don't get me wrong, I dont believe its saying we have to live 100% sin free. But I do think there's an urging here to resist sin at every turn and if it happens, turn away from it immediately and return to the cross and the death of self.
But anyway, my mindless rambling is over, what do you think? Can Christians live as enemies of the cross?
[18] For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. [19] Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things.
For some time I read this passage as referring to those outside of the faith, but over time my understanding of this scripture has shifted. I now believe Paul is referring to believers, or people associated with the church, in this passage.
I guess my question for discussion here is:
What exactly is meant by "their minds are set on earthly things?" and how can we avoid that so as to not live as enemies ourselves?
Is he possibly referring to things Jesus Himself referred to in Matthew 6:25-34? Worrying about food, clothing, basic necessities of living.
Or is it referring to fleshly living? Such as found in Galatians:
Galatians 5:19-21 BSB
[19] The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; [20] idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, [21] and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Clearly I think it's the latter.
I think it goes right along with the call for Christians to live holy and godly lives. Flying in the face of the "hyper grace" crowd or any other sect of Christianity that claims we can live how we want because God's grace covers us.
Don't get me wrong, I dont believe its saying we have to live 100% sin free. But I do think there's an urging here to resist sin at every turn and if it happens, turn away from it immediately and return to the cross and the death of self.
But anyway, my mindless rambling is over, what do you think? Can Christians live as enemies of the cross?