1. Philippians 3:18 Enemies of the Cross

2. Enemies of Jesus Christ Jesus had his enemies among the Jews The Apostles who preached Jesus had their enemies among the Jews and the Gentiles The Lord’s archenemy is the devil who sows the seeds of destruction (Mt. 13:39; Acts 13:10) Paul, one of the greatest enemies of Christ, was converted and became a friend of Christ

3. Enemies of the Cross Philippians 3:17-21 17 Brethren, be ye imitators together of me, and mark them that so walk even as ye have us for an ensample. 18 For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is perdition, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 who shall fashion anew the body of our humiliation, that it may be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working whereby he is able even to subject all things unto himself.

4. Enemies of the Cross Paul encouraged Christians to imitate and walk after the Apostolic example (v. 17) Paul spoke “often” and “weeping” about the enemies of the cross (v. 18) The enemies of the cross (vv. 18-19): – “many walk” (Mt. 7:13-14) – “whose end is perdition” (2 Thess. 1:8-9) – “whose god is the belly” (2 Tim. 3:2) – “whose glory is in their shame” (Eph. 5:12) – “who mind earthly things” (Phil. 2:21)

5. Enemies of Christianity Man-Made Religion The way of Christianity is the way of a unified body – one church of Christ (Eph. 2:16; Col. 1:20; 2:14) All who promote a religion other than that of Jesus Christ are enemies. All world religions (Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, etc.), Protestant denominations (Baptist, Methodist, etc.), Catholicism, pagan religions (Wicca, etc.) are enemies. Like Paul, we must be truly converted and become a Christian, a member of the Lord’s body (Acts 26:29; Phil. 3:7-10)

6. Enemies of Christianity False Teaching The way of Christianity is the way of the NT gospel – the word of the cross (1 Cor. 1:17-18,23; Gal. 5:11; 6:12) All those who teach something other than the NT gospel are enemies (Rom. 16:18; 2 Cor. 4:3-4). All errors taught are enemies: m-d-r errors, plan of salvation errors, work and worship of the church errors, false science, unbelief, ignorance, etc. Like Paul, we must preach nothing but the NT gospel (1 Cor. 2:2)

7. Enemies of Christianity Selfishness The way of Christianity is the way of self-denial, suffering, and sacrifice (2 Cor. 13:4; Phil. 2:8; Heb. 12:2; Mt. 10:38; 16:24; Mk. 8:34; Lk. 9:23) All those who are selfish are enemies (Phil. 3:19). All acts of selfishness are enemies: indifference, apathy, self-satisfaction, lukewarm, misplaced priorities, preeminence, etc. Like Paul, we must crucify self and act selflessly (Gal. 2:20)

8. Enemies of Christianity Worldliness The way of Christianity is the way of separation from the world (Rom. 6:6) All those who are worldly are enemies (Phil. 3:19; Jas. 4:4). All acts of worldliness are enemies: lust, sexual immorality, materialism, idolatry, improper language and dress, works of the flesh, strife and division, compromise, etc. Like Paul, we must crucify the worldly flesh (Gal. 6:14)

9. Enemies of Christianity The Cross of Christ One body (church) Word of the cross Self-denial Crucify the old man Enemies of the Cross Man-made religion False teaching Selfishness Worldliness

10. Enemies or Friends? Like Paul, all are enemies of Christianity prior to obeying the gospel (Rom. 5:10; Col. 1:21) All the Lord’s enemies will be put under his feet (Mt. 22:44; Mk. 12:36; Lk. 20:43; Acts 2:35; 1 Cor. 15:25; Heb. 1:13; 10:13) Like Paul, will you become the Lord’s friend by doing what he commands (Jn. 15:14)?