An enemy is someone who stands in opposition to someone or something that you are for. Sometimes the enemy is vocal, sometimes they are sneaky, acting as if they agree with you until they see the moment to destroy. It is much easier to handle a known enemy than one who is subtle. If you’ve ever experienced a true enemy, someone who sought every way possible to put a mark on your character, to cause others to question your integrity, then you know what I’m talking about. These enemies usually seem pleasant to you in front of others, but it’s all part of their plan to cause you grief. It’s hard sometimes to come to grips with them as your enemy because as a Christian, you are to love everyone. You’ve been taught to see the best in people, to not judge others, yet the more you are around them the more you feel you need to keep your guard up.
In Philippians 3:18, Paul begins to teach us about such enemies of the cross of Christ. He begins by reminding the Philippians of how he has warned them before. He sees the danger of enemies in the church. His message is so important it consumes his emotions, and he begins to weep. It may also bring emotions of sorrow because it reminds him of how he was once an enemy of all Christians.
Philippians 3:18 “(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:”
In verse 19, Paul talks about their outcome from living as an enemy to Christ. It is destruction. They have lived their lives to fulfill their own sinful appetites. They are self-indulgent individuals seeking physical pleasures. For some, it is the indulgence of food, sex, power, beauty, or anything else that makes them feel good about themselves, or puts up a good front to others. Paul speaks of those who have their hearts set on earthly things. Their joy comes from the activities or luxuries they can enjoy. If I didn’t know better, I would think Paul was living now, not a couple of thousand years ago. How many are in churches now simply because it is a “good habit?” They appease their conscience by attending church once a week and go on their merry way as soon as the last amen is said. They care nothing for prayer meetings, study groups, Sunday School, or anything spiritual beyond an hour on Sunday morning. They are an enemy because they refuse to allow the truths of the Bible to transform their lives to be sold out for Christ. Their lives show no godly fruit, no evidence of a life that loves God above all else. They deceive others and themselves! They serve themselves!
Philippians 3:19 “Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)”
Romans 16:18 “For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.”
He changes the direction of his instruction again in verse 20. He reminds the Philippians of a Christians’ desires. They are to be looking for the Savior. We may be living in this world, but our focus is Heaven. Our desire is to be with the one who died for us, who gave us the ability and opportunity to gain Heaven as our eternal home. One day those who are obedient to Him will be changed to be like Him. Then, we will no longer be plagued by our sinful nature. Our enemy, the great deceiver, the tempter, and all those who do his bidding, will be destroyed in the lake of fire.
Philippians 3:20-21 “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”
Where do you stand? Are you following the world, yet you proclaim to be a follower of Christ? Does your life give clear evidence you are different from those of the world that don’t know Him? Are the things you wear, the places you go, the words you say, or the interest of your heart, very much like those who do not profess Jesus as their Lord? In the world we live in, if you don’t stand out as different then you probably are not! It’s time for some self-evaluation, a time to examine what you are living for. It may be that you have deceived yourself and you are not truly saved. You have said a prayer, and followed some rules, but you have never fully surrendered to the lordship of Jesus Christ. If so, now is the time to repent, surrender, and follow. If you are saved, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you anything in your life that is not pleasing to God. Determine with God’s help you will turn away from those things and be counted as a friend of God, not an enemy.
You are exactly right and I think you will find that statement in the first paragraph. While we love them, we still need to be aware of those who are against the cross of Christ. Not because we hate them or want to destroy them but so we can protect the love that Christ died for. Sorry you are opposed to the writings of the Apostle Paul.