Scripture | “For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.” Philippians 3:18–19
Observation | The first lesson from our text is what it means to “walk.” This is the image of living. Not a stationary image but one of moving forward. For our life, on whatever path we walk, continuous on and on until we come to the end. Therefore here to “walk” includes both what we believe and the actions our belief produces in our life. For instance, the lives of those who are in view in our verses are in opposition to true faith in Jesus. In opposition in their “end” destination, their desire and “appetite,” their making much of what ought to be shameful living and focus their thoughts on the temporal “earthly things.” In contrast, Paul called us to “walk” in his steps (16-17) and watch out for those who do not.
Second, if we were to see someone walking on the side of the road, it would be clear which path they were on. Unless of course they went astray from the right way and traveled in the wrong direction by mistake. So too, faith bears fruit that is evident in our living. In this way our deeds and our belief are inseparably tied together. Our “walk” reveals both. Jesus spoke of this reality when He said, “You will know them by their fruits (Matt 7:16).”
There is an unspoken and nonnegotiable rule of tolerance in the ways of our modern society. We must be careful as this thinking creeps into our minds too, and into the church. For example, if we see someone living in sin or error, do we lovingly hold them accountable as Jesus commanded (Eph 6:1-)? Because of the rule of tolerance, this is more difficult today both do hold accountable biblically and gently and to respond with the same grace.
Think of this using Paul’s imagery. You were to see a man “walking” on the wrong path and its end was destruction. Like a blind man walking toward a cliff. Is the unloving thing to let him enjoy the day? To smile while listening to the bird’s song and the heat of the sun? Or is the loving thing to interrupt his ignorant bliss and warn him of the impending doom? So too it is loving to gently and kindly warn those in error and sin that they will answer to God for on the day of judgement.
Paul often told about those walking in this way (v.18) and find himself to the point of tears for them. These apathetic, or lukewarm, or apostate so called “believers” 1) are actually enemies of Christs sacrifice. How are these “Christians” enemies? Either they abuse grace in ungodly living or destroy grace in self-righteousness. 2) They will claim Jesus’ name, but are unknowingly “walking” on the broad way that is deceptively labeled with the road sign “heaven.” They think they are on the way to heaven, but are on the way to hell (Matt 5:5-9). 3) They do not follow the Jesus Christ of the Word. They do not follow the Word of Christ, but their fleshly desires and selfish hunger. 4) Their interpretation of the things of God is seemly logical and rational, but based on the wisdom of men instead of scripture alone. Based on their desires and not submitting to God’s. So, like the serpent of old they use scripture for how they walk, but it is twisted form of it’s plain meaning
Application | Those who truly believe the Word of God and trust in Jesus Christ, they love to obey the commands and will of their heavenly Father. Because of our love for God, His commands are not a burden (1 John 5:3). So, those who eagerly and joyfully follow the scriptures way of walking, the ancient paths, walk in godly living (piety) and confident faith. With Paul they too then sorrow over those who are astray. However, scripture does also call us to “avoid such men as these (2 Tim 3:5).” As well as to be on the watch and guard against wolves in the flock (Act 20:28-31). Such active protection of the church and our own walk goes against the rule of tolerance today. Yet we must remember that bad company corrupts good morals (1 Cor 15:33) and “a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough (1 Cor 5:6; Gal 5:9). Which is why true believers need to pray for discernment in such compromising times. This is why study with diligence and zeal are so essential. So, that those who “walk” according to scripture and those who do not “walk” so are discerned clearly, corrected when needed and repenting.
Prayer | Father, let me walk in your will and your ways. Open my eyes to the deception of “walking” on ways contrary to your ancient paths, as if they are Your ways. Break my heart for those who fall into the same. Give me discernment from Your word and wisdom to clearly see thos who teach error or compromise in their walk. That I might lovely hold them accountable, and guard my life. Lord, grow my love for Your ancient paths no matter how far they are removed from the modern ways. That my greatest treasure and desire would be to walk in a way that pleases You. All for your glory alone. Amen.
