American culture in the Philipians
In Philippians 3:17-19 Paul talks about how we ought to live. He starts by telling the Philippians to imitate him. Oh if we only had more Christian leaders that could say that, “imitate me.” We desperately need that leadership. We need to all strive to be person that can say like Paul that we have laid it all down, that we die daily and that others should imitate us. ALL of us are called to live a life that pleases The Lord in that way.
Verse 19 is what struck me as most interesting this morning because it sounded like he was talking about 21st century Americans. There are three points he makes about these people who he says are enemies of the cross.
1. Their God is their belly
2. They glory in their shame
3. Their minds are set on earthly things
This is convicting to me because I have been guilty of some of these things. These errant qualities are timeless because the flesh is timeless. You and I might think that it’s so much harder now than it was 2000 years ago to not have our minds set on earthly things because of the age we live in. Or that the food we have now is so much more convenient or satisfying.
The reason that we see these same struggles in our culture today is because we are still waging war against the flesh. The counter to this way of thought is given to us in Colossians 3:1-2. “Seek the things that are above, where Christ is… Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (esv).
wow, this really speaks to me. I have also been guilty of some of these things – probably each of them at some point in my life. Thoughts to ponder. Thanks.
I think you hit on the key point there. Put on the New Self and think of things that are higher:
Colossians 3
Put On the New Self
1If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
5Put to death therefore what is earthly in you:b sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave,e free; but Christ is all, and in all.
12Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.