Philippians 3:17-4:1

Philippians 3:17-4:1

The life of self leads to destruction; a life in Christ leads to glory.

I have always been amazed by the fashion staying-power of camouflage. Certainly, in the last 30-40 years, as military camo has evolved, it has become a mainstay in many a wardrobe.

I always “Dad joke” that I can’t see someone’s legs or torso if they are in public wearing camo!

But don’t think I am hating on anyone’s fashion sense.

This morning’s study is not one of fashion per se, but one of contrast. Achieving the opposite of camouflage.

The purpose of camo on the battlefield is to blend in, making the material or personnel indistinguishable from their environment.

There is, however, an inclination among those who profess faith in Jesus to live in metaphorical camouflage, embracing the priorities, values, and perspectives of the world around us to blend in and lose their distinctiveness. Eventually trapped by idols grasping so tightly as to choke out our hope and abundant life.

Paul in Philippians is inviting the church to be adorned in bright red – or, better, pure white – so as to stand out, distinct, in contrast to the environment we are in.

Following Jesus is a race, running against the prevailing winds of our flesh, Satan, and the world, and we wear a distinctive uniform as we run.

It is a race that has been won, and we are empowered for it if we will set our minds and hearts in the right direction.

A life of contrast with lasting confidence.

The life of self leads to destruction; a life in Christ leads to glory.

Chapter 3 has been packed with direction for a life of following Jesus, all motivated by being made Christ’s own.

“From this section (3:1–4:1) one may note a number of crucial applications: (1) the nature of true Christian worship—by the Spirit, glorying in Christ, putting no confidence in the flesh (3:3); (2) the need to count as loss and rubbish all religious privileges and accomplishments outside of faith in Christ (3:5–9); (3) the demands of identification with Christ in order to know the depths of Christian experience (3:10–12); (4) the obstacle that past failures and even successes can be to progress toward the goal of Christian growth (3:4–14); (5) the reality that no believer ever arrives at perfection in this life, but must continue to grow (3:12–14); (6) the continual responsibility to apply what is learned, to practice what is known of the Lord (3:16); (7) to avoid a materialistic, worldly life-style (3:18–19); (8) to live expectantly, as a citizen of heaven and an ambassador for Christ, eagerly awaiting the return of Christ and the accompanying transformation of our bodies (3:20–21); and (9) the constant vigilance needed for the church to stand firm against threats to the gospel like legalism and licentiousness (3:1–4:1).” A. Boyd Luter Jr.

Transitioning to close the letter. All directed toward the hope we have in Christ.

What develops is something far greater than all the promises the world makes for happiness or satisfaction.

Lives of Contrast

Our text begins with an invitation to stick with Paul, his way of life, and those running the same course as we are.

There are many, however, living for something different, taking other paths, choosing other goals, and they may entice you to join them.

As Paul has warned, these are enemies of the cross of Christ.

This is strong language. In a libertarian or libertine age, “to each their own” is the mantra. You do you, and I will mind my own business. But this is significant. There are no innocents. You are with Christ or his enemy.

Already, Paul has warned against “the dogs,” the Judaizers teaching that to be real covenant people, you need to accomplish ceremonial law. Instead, we put no confidence in the flesh (our ability to earn salvation), and are the true covenant people.

Now, Paul takes on what appears to be another group that sees themselves as gods or treats the gospel as a license to embrace lawlessness. Either side despising the cross; despising the humble confession of our need for forgiveness and Christ’s blood-bought redemption.

Philippians 3:19 “Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.” (ESV)

Paul doesn’t make clear specifically who these are. Was it generally anyone yet to believe in Jesus, or those who used to profess faith in Christ but now are skipping down the wide road that forsakes the grace of Christ and elevates self as supreme? Paul’s tears may suggest a relationship, but we don’t know for sure.

Scholars hold both perspectives, but without clarity, this truth applies to both categories.

Four distinctives:

Their end is destruction. The wages of sin is death. The destination of this path of life is always destruction, always fails, always crashes.

John 3:17–19 “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. [18] Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. [19] And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.” (ESV)

Their god is their belly. There used to be a common phrase that said: “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Cook for a guy, and he will fall in love!

This belly does not necessarily refer to food but to the self. This is the one with an inward focus, a life of navel gazing, going after what “my gut” says is good.

This is the human story.

Romans 1:22–25 “Claiming to be wise, they became fools, [23] and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

[24] Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, [25] because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.” (ESV)

They glory in their shame. Claiming identity in opposition to what God says is good and true.

Finding affirmation for the worst parts of us and making that our highest prize. Easily witnessed in our social media world - pastors saying vile things, receiving an abundance of “likes”, and determining that is their path forward. Instead of an audience finding teachers to itch their ears, a teacher finds an audience to scratch.

Boasting in it.

Romans 1:28–32 “And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. [29] They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, [30] slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, [31] foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. [32] Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.” (ESV)

Their minds are set on earthly things. The pursuit of priorities of the prevailing culture. The sacralize worldly values. Greed cast as the “American dream.”

Prevailing winds - those that blow consistently in a single direction. Propping up the self as god and rejecting their Creator. Cultural pressures (earthly citizenship).

Winds that are blowing to destruction.

Where all of this leads is eternal separation from God, the opposite of what we are meant for.

“They hate Christ’s Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites.”

The warning is clear: “Don’t walk this way.”

“Paul’s message to us is this: the way we live, our walk, our appetites, the things in which we revel, the set of our inner disposition all tell whether we are Christian or post-Christian. We should note that Paul, who had much to say about the nature of authentic faith in other places (cf. Ephesians 2:8-10; Romans 3:21, 22, 28; 10:5-13), did not say a word about faith here. Here lifestyle revealed the authenticity of professed belief. Taking this warning to heart is essential if we are to stand firm.” Kent Hughes

It is striking to think how much of what passes for “Christian” today is actually post-Christian rebranding done in pursuit of self.

“This integration between what we believe and what we do lies close to the center of Paul’s thinking. He expressed it beautifully in writing to Titus: some ‘profess to know God, but they deny him by their deeds’; Christians must ‘adorn the doctrine of God our Savior’ by the way they live.” J. A. Motyer

Paul gives a full and accurate warning.

Think of going on a hike in a wilderness that is new to you. If at the trailhead, there is a sign suggesting you “walk one foot after the other with your eyes up, and be warned, there is danger on this path.”

But no description of the danger or how to avoid it and respond to it. The warning wouldn’t be of much use!

If the warning says there is the potential you will encounter cougars ahead, and if you come across one, you should “get as big and loud as you can and stand your ground, don’t run away.” We would find it of much greater use.

This is what Paul gives us.

The contrast here is between making the self and making Christ the moral authority for life.

Don’t live as an enemy of the cross but take confidence in Christ.

Lasting Confidence

Philippians 4:1 “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.” (ESV)

This is the second time he has exhorted the church to stand firm. He is using sailor language.

Has me thinking of Homer’s Odyssey. How Odysseus ties himself to his ship’s mast to hear the irresistible, fatal song of the sirens without crashing his ship. He orders the crew to plug their ears with beeswax and keep him bound, even if he begs to be released, so they can pass safely.

Being tied to the mast is latching ourselves to something more secure than the self. For Paul, it is “in the Lord” against the prevailing winds that lead to destruction.

We are not on our own in it; we are not without a vision for getting through any storm.

We are given confident hope in our future.

Philippians 3:20–21 “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, [21] who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” (ESV)

As those who belong to Christ, we are not to grow too comfortable on earth. Nor are we to be distracted by the pleasures of the earth. Our citizenship is in heaven, where Christ has been exalted (2:9–11). With Paul, we eagerly strain toward our heavenly prize.

Awaiting Jesus, who will transform our busted-up bodies to be like his, he will make us beautiful.

With power, the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.

“This is an allusion to Psalm 8:6, which speaks of God’s intention to subject all creation to mankind. So here Christ fulfills mankind’s destiny, and in doing so he makes the universe subject to himself. Everything is of Christ!” Hughes

While our greatest hope is future-focused, Christ’s power is not just for the future; he is “subjecting all things to himself” right now. And because this is true, we can face all that is subjected to him!

And because our destination is secure, we are emboldened to live for Christ; we can resist earthly winds.

Our identity as citizens of heaven should shape our values and actions. It gives us freedom from living for what all the other voices claim we should.

We have moved from the earthbound focus of the enemies of the cross to the heavenly realities of the followers of the cross, which provide mighty reasons to stand firm.

Satisfied in Jesus, and anticipating what is promised in him.

This call encapsulates the call to perseverance, to be steadfast. Grounded in our identity as followers of Christ, empowered by his promises.

Standing firm in the Lord, then, is maintaining an unwavering commitment to the core spiritual convictions Paul has proclaimed, despite external pressures and opposition.

The word provides the means to stand; this is more than stubbornness, it is a willingness to learn and listen while refusing to compromise sound doctrine, guarding the essential truths passed down by the likes of Paul.

Being anchored. God’s promises are certain; you will experience his resurrection power.

Hebrews 6:19–20 “We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, [20] where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” (ESV)

Paul is using sailing language likely due to his own experience at sea. In Acts 27, we are told that during a voyage to Rome, Paul’s ship was struck by a hurricane-force wind off Crete. The vessel was driven helplessly across open seas for fourteen days. Neither sun nor stars appeared, and hope was nearly abandoned.

Then, as they neared rocky shores in the dark, fearing they would be dashed against the rocks, the sailors dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight. The anchors held them through the night, and every one of the 276 people on board survived.

Paul is writing from prison; he knows storms.

When he says “stand firm,” he’s not speaking from a comfortable harbor. He’s the man who prayed in the dark with anchors out, waiting for dawn.

Pushing the sailing imagery, life is living through storms, deeply anchored to a holding ground strong enough to keep you.

One couple going through a similar situation made this reflection: “Jesus doesn’t always remove the storms from our lives, but he is the holding ground to which our anchors are attached. We may not see him, but he is protecting us, even when the storms of life rage.”

An anchor works precisely because it grips something you cannot see from the surface - this is our citizenship, being in Christ, as our holding ground.

We don’t stand alone.

The church at Philippi is Paul’s anchor community, the ones he call his “joy and crown.”

“After the admonition that his Philippian friends should walk by the same rule that they have already followed, Paul now calls them to be united in imitating his own example and that of others like him. He has in mind particularly his burning ambition to know Christ fully in the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, together with his determination to press on so as to finish the race and win the prize.” Peter Thomas O’Brien

He says to imitate those with eyes on heaven, “according to the example you have in us.”

A life of sacrifice for others, resilient trust in Christ, even in the face of persecution, and a faith that flows out to others in discipleship. He cares for their souls, not just his own.

The community of faith are each other’s anchors, and Christ beneath them all is the ground that holds.

Paul wants the church to have the same hard-charging pursuit, a life of running after Jesus. Humble, radical dependence on Christ.

Much Christian growth comes through imitation of other Christians.

1 Corinthians 11:1 “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” (ESV)

2 Thessalonians 3:7–9 “For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, [8] nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. [9] It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. (ESV)

1 Timothy 4:11–12 “Command and teach these things. [12] Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. (ESV)

Hebrews 13:7 “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. (ESV)

1 Peter 5:3 “not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. (ESV)

Finding a “formation friend” as iron sharpens iron. Mentor to be an example (it is a high call!) And interaction among the generations - young look to the old, old to the young.

Tapping into the power of Christ on our way to the day we experience glory with him.

1 John 3:1–3 “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. [2] Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. [3] And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. (ESV)

The life of self leads to destruction; a life in Christ leads to glory.

Where will you go?

Stand Firm - Repent of the ways we have run after our bellies – after self as god. Cling tightly to Christ, his finished work on the cross, and his resurrection power for life.

“Paul wants the Philippians to stand firm without fear, for the outcome of the war between earthly citizens and heavenly citizens is sure. It is easy to forget that God is in control because at times it looks like the church is losing, not winning. But we must not lose heart. The opponents of the church will be destroyed, while believers will be saved. The gates of hell will not be able to withstand the advance of the gospel (Matt. 16:18). The whole “earth will be filled with the … glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Hab. 2:14). Life is short. Eternity is long. Hell is hot. Heaven is real. The battle is won. Jesus is Lord. And he is coming soon. Stand firm (Phil. 4:1).” Jason Meyer

Look Around - Anchor one another in Christ. Spur each other on to love and good works, to a life of contrast with the world.

We can shed the camouflage and trade it in for the vibrant colors of life in Christ. It’s how we stand firm, citizens of heaven awaiting our Savior.

May it be so in us.