Daily Devotional
December 1
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: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) (Philippians 3:18-19 KJV)
Paul didn’t say who he was speaking of in this verse, but he expressed his sadness at them being enemies of the Cross, meaning that they didn’t adhere to the teachings of Jesus in doctrine or in actions. This could have been referring to the legalistic Jews that were still teaching the law had to be followed, even if they believed in Jesus being their Savior. Many pastors still teach that Jesus is necessary for salvation, but that you have to still do many works of the law to be right with God, like going to church, tithing, praying, living holy, etc. This is just not true, and those that teach this way, are enemies of the cross of Christ. It truly broke Paul’s heart for the legalistic Jews to miss Christ, and be damned to go to hell, as he was a Jew also. It was sad that the Jews sought God in all their actions, yet missed Him altogether in the spirit, and in their hearts. Paul was willing to be damned himself, if it would save the Jews, but of course it would not (Romans 9:3).
Those that teach legalism, and are enemies of the Cross, are in danger of hell, as the scriptures make it clear that you can not mix legalism and grace together (Romans 11:6), as Jesus taught that you can’t put new wine in an old wineskin, as it will break (Matthew 9:17). The phrase “God is their belly” is referring to them just being carnal in all their senses, and not being spiritual at all. Those that live only in the physical world, and can not understand the things of God, are minding only earthly things, and this sure is true in this world today. People glory in the things they have, instead of in who Jesus is, and the Spiritual things of God. Living only as a carnal man will lead to death and eternity in hell (Matthew 16:26). Living a life for Jesus is much better, and is the only way to truly experience life to the fullest. If a person could just know what peace there is in letting Jesus live through you, then they would want that peace to be in their life. People don’t realize that this is what they truly desire, and keep trying to find peace, and satisfaction, through their possessions, and carnal means. Let your light shine for Jesus (Matthew 5:16) and reap the rewards He wants you to have.
Devotional by Pastor Joe W. Green, www.Infinite-Faith.com
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[–] InfiniteFaith [S] ago
Love you guys - God Bless!
[–] ratsmack ago
Life is more than religion... religion is just the guide.