THE VERSE
For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.~Philippians 3:17-18
THE THOUGHT
The way Paul talks and feels about unbelievers here is incredibly helpful as we strive to be faithful witnesses to the unbelievers in our own lives. Paul demonstrates both truthfulness and compassion. He doesn’t pull any punches in informing the Philippians that the unbelievers around them are headed to hell in a hand basket, running toward their own destruction and embracing their own sin and shame. That doesn’t sound very seeker-sensitive, does it?But look at Paul’s own response to this reality. He tells them this “with tears.” Paul doesn’t deliver the damning truth with angry hellfire and brimstone. Rather, he does it weeping. His heart breaks for the masses alienated from God. He sees them glorying in their shame on the way to destruction, and longs for God to open their eyes and bring them to repentance.
This should inform our own attitude toward unbelievers. The world must hear the truth of the gospel—which includes the bad news of sin and judgment—but they must see it in a way that puts the love of Christ on display in our lives.
THE PRAYER
Lord, Give me faith to believe both the good and bad news of the Gospel, in a way that makes me love unbelievers more.EXTENDED READING
Philippians 3:17-20THE QUOTE
"What we need is a desire to know the whole will of God, with a fixed resolution to do it." ~John WesleyTHROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Ezra 4-5Proverbs 3
Luke 13:22-35
1 Timothy 2
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