SATURDAY September 28, 2024

Set Your Mind on Heavenly Things

...whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.
Philippians 3:19

Paul became very descriptive when he spoke about the Judaizers among the believers in Philippi. He gave the end result of their false doctrine––destruction. Paul told the Philippians plainly, in easy-to-understand terms, these false teachers were going to end up in hell.

In reference to the phrase whose God is their belly, Paul draws attention to their carnal appetites. They were just satisfying themselves. In taking a self-righteous stance among the people, they loved getting all the glory, but it was to their shame. Finally, Paul reveals the focus of their minds: Their minds were set on earthly things, not heavenly things. Paul had uncovered their deception. He marked these men so they could be seen among true believers in the church.

What is your mind set on––earthly things or heavenly things? What are your appetites? Do you crave sexual adventures, drugs or alcohol? These earthly things have an end result––destruction. When you satisfy your worldly appetites, you will end up separated from God for all eternity––you will not be in heaven. Therefore, take heed to Paul’s exhortation in Galatians 5:19-21, and keep in mind, he is addressing Christians:

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Once again, Paul spoke plainly, in no uncertain terms. Those who practice such sins, as mentioned in these verses, are hell-bound. This is why Paul pointed to how we should be living in Galatians 5:22. As you abide in Christ, your mind will be set on heavenly things.

If you could work your way to heaven, you would said look what I did, I got myself here by my good works. The only way you are going to make it is to come to that Cross.
~Billy Graham~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!