Note 5 at Phil. 3:19: As explained in note 1 at 1 Corinthians 1:18, p. 862, "the cross" is speaking of everything Jesus provided for us through His death, and specifically the grace by which everything was provided. Therefore, those who are enemies of the cross are trusting in themselves and their own goodness. They are their own savior and they live to satisfy themselves, not God. So, saying their God is their belly really is a very descriptive way of characterizing people who are enemies of the cross (see note 2 at Rom. 16:18, p. 851).

Note 7 at Phil. 3:19: Notice that verses 18-19 are a parenthetical phrase. This means that verse 20 is a continuation of the thought Paul was giving in verse 17. In verse 17 Paul told the Philippians to follow his example, and then in verse 20 he explains that his lifestyle was consistent with his heavenly citizenship. The parenthetical phrase contrasted the conduct of Paul's critics with his exemplary example.