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.”  (Philippians 3:18,19)

The Lords cause was no different in the days of the early church as it is today. It had its elements of false teachers who posed a threat to the security of the saints. Paul wishes for the church at Philippi to know the true character of these individuals.

The object of every false teacher is some kind of personal gain. Thus, they worship their belly rather than God. These “holy hucksters” will pedal their goods to gratify their fleshly appetites. Those who follow them will go down the same path of seeking satisfaction in carnal pleasures that will never satisfy.

Instead of blushing, they are proud of their shameful activity. They turn liberty into license and proudly promote their sensual and carnal ambitions. Self-righteousness, libertine disobedience, and false security are fruits of their doctrine.

The reason for this path is because they focus on earthly things. They promote the philosophy of living for the present - worldly honor, riches, and power. Their ultimate happiness is what they get out of this life, rather than heaven.

Paul is saddened by the destiny of these false teachers. They and their followers are headed toward destruction. When fools mock at sin, true disciples weep because God's word is not exalted, and eternal souls are lost.

These same warnings are needed today. We need to carefully measure the spirit of the churches to the spirit of Christ. To truly convert the world we must be truly converted to him.

By George Slover

For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor,”  (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4)
 
God does not want his people living impure lives, for God did not call us to uncleanness, but to holiness.  Such sanctified lives include abstinence from sexuality immorality.  From the context of the above verse consider three reasons for abstaining. 
 
First, it is a sin against God.  It is plainly God’s will to abstain!  Joseph also regarded adultery as a sin against the Lord (Genesis 39:9).  God’s desire is our holiness and purity!  He who rejects (vs5)  Paul’s admonition, does not reject man, but God!  These matters are extremely grave!
 
Second, it’s a sin against my neighbor.  Paul says,  “no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified.” ( vs. 6)  To “defraud”  is to rob, or gain the advantage.  Again, Joseph refused to sleep with Potiphar’s wife because she didn’t belong to him!  (Genesis 39:10)  He had a sense of obligation to others.  Sin can have a devastating impact on others, thus we need to have respect for our neighbor.  We must recognize this important moral responsibility!
 
Third, fornication is a sin against self.   Paul says, “each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor,” (vs. 4)  This sin dishonors the body, causes shame (Proverbs  6:33), wars against the soul (I Peter 2:11), entails poverty (Proverbs 6:26), and excludes one from the kingdom of God (I Corinthians 6:9,10)  Surely no one would wish such harm to themselves.  
 
Thus, Christians must exercise self-control.  We must avoid sinful passions and honor God with holy lives!
 
By George Slover
 

By George Slover    |    Visit www.smcofc.org or www.ibiblestudy.net

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By George Slover    |   

And He was teaching daily in the temple. But the chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people sought to destroy Him, and were unable to do anything; for all the people were very attentive to hear Him. (Luke 19:47-48)

A parallel passage to the above is recorded in John 12:17-19.  Both John and Luke report events close to the time of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  These were the last few days of Jesus.  The controversy surrounding him was increasing.

The reaction to his powerful teaching and work was varied.  Many “hung on his every word” and others wanted to destroy him.  The pure and simple truth of Jesus usually gets one response or the other.  There is no neutrality with Christ!

At least four features of Christ’s message prompts the above reaction.  First, Christ’s message is personal.  To call one a “sinner” will cause some to seek a solution, but cause others to “take it personally”.  Second, the height of his message must be considered.  Jesus points to an everlasting heaven which is attractive to some, but to others, it is mundane and boring. Third, Jesus’ message is sustained by his remarkable character.  Some are angered or intimidated by his purity of life, but others are drawn to his stability and graciousness.  Fourth, the message of Christ is truthful.  Jesus did not indulge in hair-splitting arguments and vague generalities.  The message was real and backed by abundant evidence.

Today, the word of Christ is received in the same way - either joyfully or with hatred.  His precepts flow on like a mighty river in the midst of those who seek to discredit. Some reject them and others accept them finding hope and consolation.

By George Slover