Beware the Stomach God!
Philippians 3:17-21

1.       Open

Ø     When are you most likely to eat too much?

2.       Beware the Stomach God, 3:17-21

For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.  Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.

Ø     Why does Paul say their god is their stomach?  Does that even make sense?  Is this just about food?

Ø     How else does he describe them and what do you think he means?

Ø     What percentage of people do you think live this way?

3.       Imitate the Godly, 3:17-21

Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.

Ø     Why look at Paul and others as examples?  Why not just look to Christ, or just look to the Bible?

Ø     Who are some of the best examples you know of Christ-like living?

4.       Be Eager For Christ’s Rule, 3:17-21

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Ø     Others serve the earthly stomach god, but who does Paul say we serve; how does he say it?

Ø     Why does he add that our God is in heaven but coming?  How might that add to the contrast with the stomach god and his servants?

Ø     Is it realistic to expect anyone to live without pursuing their own pleasure?  How does one come to be able to make change like that and stick with it?

5.       Apply

Ø     (Cause I know you love ‘em) On a scale of 1-6 with 6 being perfect, how well do you resist serving the stomach god?

Ø     Who is a good model for you to imitate, and if you did what life changes might that suggest for you?

Ø     Does it seem to be growing easier or harder lately for you to bow you will to Jesus?  Why?

Ø     Do you draw a lot or not much comfort in day to day life from knowing that one day our struggles will end in heaven or Jesus’ return?

6.       Pray & Praise

Ø     We may have to make decisions about a possibility for a new building this week.  Pray for wisdom and direction.

Ø     Pray for CCC finances.