Yesterday I was watching a video that was showing clips of several (very familiar) contemporary Christian music artists on the church stage of a well-known false teacher. On that stage they sang the false teacher’s praises and joined in the false worship.
I was reminded of the first few verses and the several last verses of Philippians 3, where Paul tells us to beware. He tells us in those first few verses to “watch out for” dogs (biblical usage: a man of impure mind; an impudent man), evil workers, and for those that would turn salvation into a works-based accomplishment.
Then in the last few verses of the same chapter he clearly states that there are many enemies of the cross, whose God is their belly (we will unpack this phrase next), who glory in the wrong (evil) things, and whose minds are on earthly things.
What does Paul mean “whose God is their belly”? If you look up the Greek word for “belly” (Strong’s G2836) we come across this biblical usage–
the innermost part of a man, the soul, heart as the seat of thought, feeling, choice
So I think we can safely say that those whose God is their belly value their own feelings and choices above what pleases God. In essence, they follow their hearts. Doesn’t this sound so familiar? This is the theme song of not only Disney but of much of modern day religion that is called Christianity (but IS NOT).
What does Paul say? He says to watch out for and he says he weeps over these people. In Romans he tells us to avoid them (Romans 16:17) Please note that he does not tell us to unify or to join hands with or to ignore or to tolerate. True unity of God’s family is centered around belief of the Gospel as presented in scripture and is only possible through a united love for and a submission to God’s Holy Word. There is no other unity.
It is important to note here that Paul tells us in verse 17 to be sure to follow the proper examples. It is so important that the Christian examples we set before us are godly, holy men and women who love the Lord and His Word. I fear, all too often, we are beguiled and dazzled by popularity and charisma and leave our guards down.
False teachers (as well as “false” musicians” and false “authors”) are not going to announce their arrival. And, in fact, the really effective ones are going to be “almost” right, causing their followers to veer just a bit off that narrow path they seem to be traveling on.
I say “seem to be” because I think what we are seeing is the evidence that many people say they are traveling on the narrow path but really are not. Secretly, they, too, are serving their “bellies”. It’s a temptation for us all, but we find out in the middle of chapter 3 that true believers, while tempted and perhaps even deceived for a time, will never give up on seeking God. And God is faithful. In fact, later on in his books to the Thessalonians, Paul reminds us of this–
But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
How can we be sure we are seeking God and not our own desires? Let’s take a look at what Paul says in chapter 3–
–We recognize that our only merit to reconcile us to God is the blood of Christ shed for our sins. There is nothing I can do or be to be saved (v 9)
–We understand that all of the things we are tempted to value so highly (education, money, popularity) are but “dung” when compared to the excellency of knowing Christ. (v 8)
–We desire to know Him above all else and we are willing (or we want to be willing) to follow Him into discomfort and suffering (v 10)
–We PRESS ON toward the mark for the prize of our high calling, forgetting those things that are behind and reaching forth towards what lies before us (v 12-14)
–We choose godly examples who are of the same mind and on the same narrow path (v 16-17)
So, while Paul tells us to beware the many false teachers that are going to surround and do their best to invade the true Church, he also gives us much insight into how to avoid being deceived. May we beware and press on as we walk the narrow way.
AMEN!