Start today’s Daily off remembering that yesterday Kim emphasized how a “good example” of walking the walk as a Christ-follower is not merely being Paul, but rather that it is seen through one exemplifying the characteristics of Christ. This can be termed as the Greek word, Talmidim: Not just studying to see what the Teacher knows, but studying to become what the Teacher is. Becoming a true disciple.

In today’s passage, Paul jumps to the opposite end of the spectrum into a description of what a “bad example” of this looks like. It is important to note that here Paul is talking about those who verbally proclaim Christ, yet live with little-to-no conviction towards being transformed by the Word of God. The bad examples of Christ.

Furthermore, notice how the realization that these people were enemies to the truths of Jesus and His atoning blood poured out on the cross caused Paul to break into weeping. They denied God’s holiness and His call for us to be holy, or set apart. They promoted a ‘free-for-nothing’ (dis)graced gospel. They continued to serve themselves, instead of laying their lives down to serve Christ. This is what broke Paul, as it is not the Gospel of Christ that he was preaching.

This’ll happen when we willingly allow God to drift away from being at the center of our lives. We pursue focusing more on ourselves and the distractions of this world, rather than longing for our true citizenship that is inherited through Christ. I understand this is heavy to process…but do not be discouraged, for Paul never desires to leave us alone in conviction and despair, as he will always remind us of Jesus’ work on the cross for you and me! We’ll study tomorrow about why Philippians 3.12-21 is commonly titled ‘Straining Toward the Goal’ in our Bibles, and how that goal pushes us to live a motivated life to imitate Christ to the glory of God!

Philippians 3.18-19

18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Are these people Paul is talking about close to him? Have they heard his teaching of Christ?

+ Take the time to think about the tremendous agony this brought to Paul. Charles Spurgeon wrote something very eye opening on this particular account from Paul:

“I never read that the apostle wept when he was persecuted...though he was [ploughed and scourged] and cast into prison, we read of his singing, never of his groaning. I do not believe he ever wept on account of any sufferings or dangers…I call this [account] an extraordinary sorrow, because the man who wept was no soft piece of sentiment,”

+ Why did this ache his spirit so intensely?

+ What does Paul mean by each of those statements in v. 19?

+ What might it mean to be an ally to the cross? What truths would one believe as an ally?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ As an ally to the cross, what Gospel truths do I need to remind myself of today?

+ Do any of these statements in v. 19 bring conviction to us? 2 Corinthians 7.10 says:

10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.

Spend some time in prayer to be led by the Holy Spirit. Allow Him to convict where needed, but more importantly allow Him to lovingly guide us back to the straight and narrow towards Jesus!

+ Does our heart wrench in the same manner when we think of people defiling Jesus’ finished works on the cross?

+ Look up the meaning of ‘Maranatha.’ How is this term relevant? Do we cry this out everyday?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Can I be praying into a relationship where someone might be building their own destruction? How can I lovingly point them towards Christ?