Enemies of the cross of Christ

March 11, 2022 (Friday)

 

Paul is constantly warning the church, because even in its infancy, there were many errors and dangerous. Some of this was due to immaturity. Some of it due to demonic influence. In Philippians 3:18, he warns, “For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.” [ESV]

 

Generally, Paul’s warnings were dealing with those inside the church. This is painful for Paul. He is watching people mislead and destroy what he and others have worked hard to build. (Considering there is an enemy of the human soul at work, what else would he, or we, expect?) This warning is in contrast to, “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” [Philippians 3:17 ESV] While urging the church to imitate the faithful, he endures deep sadness over those attracted to a lifestyle that he describes as “enemies of the cross of Christ.”

 

Documenting the practices of people who LIVE (knowingly or unknowingly) as enemies of the cross of Christ, Paul claims, “Their lives end with destruction. Their god is their stomach, and they take pride in their disgrace because their thoughts focus on earthly things.” [Philippians 3:19 CEB] Here’s the idea: while we may not see them end in destruction, their eternal destiny is “destruction.” Paul uses this concept in a way the reaches into eternity, as in eternal Hell.

 

Before we enter Hell, there is a lot of misery. The idea that “their god is their stomach,” from the Greek, indicates more than just food and drink. These people worship at the altar of “gratifying their sensual appetites” (Wesley, Barns, among many). Instead of straining for eternal value, they end up serving what satisfies them at the moment. The focus is on earthly things. These “gods” end up determining, dominating, and depriving them of choice.

 

The image of those who “take pride in their disgrace” is horrifying. One idea is the exercise of liberty is flaunted, but in reality, it is a disgrace. The demand to satisfy any and every physical desire stems from a selfish perspective (“god”). When a human places their immediate individual desires over God’s healthy design; they will boast, glory in, and celebrate destructive, unhealthy, and ungodly behaviors.

 

Notice the Devil’s strategy. If he cannot lure us into theological error or drive us to “open hostility” toward Jesus, then we are invited into “practical worldliness” (MacLaren).  

 

Paul reminds us, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” [Philippians 3:10 ESV] In the Greco-Roman world, citizenship is a pattern of thought and behavior. Citizenship is who we are, which explains what we do.

 

If you want to pursue, celebrate, or settle for the things of this world; understand, it will not end well for you. Your only escape is through a “Savior.” That Savior is the Lord Jesus Christ. For the record, He’s the only one (see John 14:6).