WITH TEARS

There is so much to chew on in the latter half of the 3rd chapter of Paul's letter to the Philippians. And it's what I get to preach tomorrow morning. 

Since I don't get 90 minutes for my sermon, I am forcing myself to focus on verses 17 to 19:

17Join one another in following my example, brothers, and carefully observe those who walk according to the pattern we set for you. 18For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things.

It took me a while to notice that when Paul speaks here of "enemies of the cross of Christ", he is not speaking of heathens - he is actually speaking of professing Christians, and leaders at that! (It's just that they end up looking and acting like heathens.)

He begins verse 17 by warning the church to watch and follow Christian leaders who walk according to a particular pattern that Paul has laid out previously. The fact that he follows this up with a warning about "enemies of the cross of Christ" is what should clue us in that he is speaking about Christian leaders - ones who just don't get the whole crucifixion thing. 

These professing Christians end up looking just like the world:

• Their end is destruction - not eternal life
• Their god is their belly - not the Holy and Righteous One True God
• Their glory is in the very things that should bring them shame
• Their minds are set on earthly things, not spiritual things

But it's so important to see Paul's heart in calling these people out. 

He is not full of self-righteousness. He does not wish to see their destruction. He does not revel in their waywardness. 

This warning does not come with a pointing finger, or with laughter, or with contempt.

This warning comes with tears.