Chapter One: Doctrine: There is a great difference between a wicked man and a godly man. The one
Chapter One:
Doctrine: There is a great difference between a wicked man and a godly man.
The one minds the earth; the other's conversation is in heaven The passage is a commentary on Philippians 3:19 which states,
"...they mind earthly things...". This Scripture provides insight into the different attitudes and behaviours of wicked and righteous individuals, particularly those who oppose the Gospel. The apostle
Paul specifically refers to those who are enemies of the cross of Christ and seek to hinder the success of his ministry.
The phrase "mind earthly things" refers to those who are focused on the material and worldly things of life, such as earthly beauty, glory, and pleasures. This applies to both the actions of the understanding and the will, but primarily to the actions of the will and affections.
Wicked individuals are preoccupied with these things to the point of inordinacy.
Conversely, those who are righteous and citizens of the city of Heaven, as the original text suggests, are concerned with heavenly things. They conduct themselves as free citizens of the heavenly city, with their conversation revolving around heavenly things. Paul uses this as an argument against following the example of wicked individuals who make their belly their god and are wholly focused on earthly things.
The primary difference between the wicked and the righteous is that the former mind earthly things, while the latter have their conversation in heaven. The author intends to explore both of these concepts further.
One of these individuals focuses on earthly things. This verse parallels Romans 8:5, which says, "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh." The word "set their minds on" is the same in both verses. The first part of this point is a description of wicked individuals who are enemies of the cross of Christ and godliness. They are people who have their minds set on earthly things, and the most depraved among them are described as worshipping their bellies. Some of them are very sensual, drunk, unclean, and entirely given to satisfying the fleshly desires of their bodies. However, there are others who do not appear to be so debased, yet their minds are fixated on earthly things, and these are the individuals who are secret enemies of the cross of Christ, and sometimes it will become apparent. Such an individual, whose mind has been consumed by earthly things for a long time, will ultimately appear to be an enemy of Christ's cross. Now, in the discussion of this point, I will present five things:
Firstly, let us understand what it means to be excessively focused on earthly things in a sinful manner. In other words, how can we identify someone as having an earthly-minded disposition? This is important to establish before we can move on to the rest of the discussion.
Secondly, we will delve into the significant harm that comes with being preoccupied with earthly things. There is a greater evil involved in this practice than one might think.
Thirdly, we will provide evidence to help those who believe they are free from this sin realise that they are, in fact, individuals who are excessively focused on earthly things.
Fourthly, we will examine the reason why people are so inclined to concentrate on earthly things.
Fifthly, we will attempt to divert our hearts away from earthly things.
These are the five essential components of the initial section of this