Their God is Their Belly

Philippians 3:17-21

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.  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.  But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Verse 19 states four truths about those who walk as enemies of the cross of Christ:
1. Their end is destruction (final judgment)
2. Their god is their belly (themselves)
3. They glory in their shame
4. Their minds are set on earthy things (worldliness)

Their god is their belly (themselves):
In the conclusion of Paul's letter to the Roman church he warmly greets those he knows in Rome who are involved in ministry, showing the love that existed among Christians.  Just after his detailed and loving greeting he turns to warn the Roman church "watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them" (16:17).  His specific description of these divisive men is that, "such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites [their own belly], and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive" (v 18).  These men who serve their own appetites are lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:4).  They seek personal fulfillment and self-worship above all else.  Therefore, their lives are spent in pursuit of satisfaction rooted in selfish and empty desires.

Paul's wording "their god is their belly" might sound crazy - but it's widely prevalent in the lives of the lost and the sins of the saved.  What are you spending your life pursuing?  How far will you go for the sake of personal pleasure?  If necessary, will you turn against God to get your 'fix' and 'fulfillment'?  Who or what is your god?  Is it Jesus Christ?  Your mouth might say one thing... but your actions could say another.  Does a desire for comfort and pleasure prevent you from doing what you should do?  Do you live as if your personal pleasure is separate and more rewarding than God?

To be satisfied with your god as your belly is the fruit (evidence) that you walk as an enemy of the cross of Christ.  To be satisfied loving pleasure more than you love God is a big deal.