Free Expression

Philippians 3:12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. 17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame--who set their mind on earthly things.

Last week we were talking in church about motivation, as in: What motivates you?

Paul continues that discussion here in chapter 3, and goes much further, revealing the dichotomy which exists between the Spirit of God and the world.

Isn’t it interesting to notice the Spirit of God never ever moderates His position when it comes to worldly things – and yet we do that all the time? The world holds nothing for the Spirit of God.

We are so prone to going back and forth responding to gravitational forces which present themselves to our bodies and our souls. You may have been saved in the first place by responding to the gravitational pull of the gospel. I don’t think that’s at all unusual. But once saved, the gravitational pull of the world does not disappear – in fact, it may actually increase.

Our “belly” is still our belly, and our belly still wants to be filled by fleshy things, ESPECIALLY if they appear spiritual.

This is why Paul so strongly advocates something other than a neutral position. When we stand still and wait for the next wave to strike us, we are more than likely going to be moved – and maybe even sunk. Even while standing in God’s grace? Yes. Even while standing in Christ? Yes. And the reason is we stand in a body made of flesh subject to fleshy desires.

Paul tells us to press toward and to prize of the upward call of Christ Jesus – even though we have already received it. Press toward it – even though you have it. The expression which comes of the freedom found in the grace of Jesus Christ only desires more of it. Those who truly understand Jesus’ grace are not content to stand still, they want more of it – and this is the expression of true freedom – not the slavery of the belly of the beast.

-  Pastor Bill