As Paul winds up the third chapter of Philippians, he finishes his description of those enemies of the cross of Christ, and a beautiful depiction of those who believe in him.

You can see this passage for yourself in Philippians 3:19:

Verse 19 is a very discouraging verse, and is negative in almost all respects. The final two verses of this chapter, which we will look at next week, are much more encouraging.

These very enemies of the cross probably thought that they were good people, educated and wise, perhaps even godly. This is a common occurrence. Those who oppose often do so not even knowing that they are in opposition. The wolves in sheep’s clothing often do not realize that they are wolves to begin with.

The old maxim still rings true: You can be sincere, and still be sincerely wrong.

Paul’s description of such people is disheartening and encouraging at the same time. Disheartening because many are lost in such a fashion and may not even know it. But it is encouraging in the fact that we have our work cut out for us, living the gospel in everyday life, and watching its power work in the lives of those around us. All hope is not lost for these people.

In light of that, Paul gives four descriptors of such a person. Let’s look at each in turn.

Their destiny is destruction

These enemies of the cross of Christ have cut themselves off from the only hope of salvation, that which is found in Christ. They have nothing before them except their doom, unless they repent and turn to Christ, just as it is will all sinners.

Their god is their stomach

This is very likely a reference to the Jewish dietary laws, distinguishing between clean and unclean foods. This was a common stumbling block for early Jewish Christians, and Paul see this as deification of such practices, setting them as an object of worship, rather than Christ. But Paul also uses this to address worldly Christians, those who display a lack of control of their appetites, both for food and other excesses.

Their glory is in their shame

This is also a reference to Jewish customs, this time the practice of circumcision. These enemies have chosen to worship that which is not worthy of worship. But again, Paul uses this to address worldly Christians as well as the Jews. This, too, points to a lack of control, especially those of a carnal, sexual nature. We have a tendency to place our pleasures above all else, don’t we?

Their mind is on earthly things

This phrase aptly describes our own culture as well as that Paul is addressing. We have reached a point where we believe we “deserve” to be happy, to pursue our own wants and desires, to live as we see fit, and do as we please without anyone telling us what we can or cannot do. We cannot focus on the heavenly if our minds are caught up in the earthly.

As we keep our gaze focused intently heavenward, we will stand out from those who fit this description. We will set a clear example and shine the light of Christ into the darkness of our world. That is what Paul turns to in the next two verses.

Question: What do you do to keep your gaze fixed heavenward? How do you shine in your world? You can leave a comment by clicking here.