ENEMIES OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST

Philippians 3:17-19 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (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: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

Immediately after his conversion, Paul was destined to become one of Jesus Christ's greatest of preachers, but he was also to become one of the best examples of what all Christians should be. What Paul said and did - his complete conduct, as an apostle of Christ, has been placed before us in inspired scripture as an example for us to follow. Being inspired in all facets of his life, that was completely given to Jesus Christ, Paul could safely recommend to the brethren at Philippi, and to all Christians throughout all ages, Brethren, be followers together of me. All are told by Paul to be like-minded and to walk as I walk.

Paul often referred to good Christian conduct as a "walk". As we journey through life, we demonstrate two things by the way we walk. We show the direction we are taking, as well as the goals of life, which we are attempting to achieve. And in doing so, our walk will influence others around us. It is seen by others; it is the outward evidence of our thoughts and character, as demonstrated by our conduct. Consider a few passages, written by Paul for our learning, that demonstrate how a child of God is to "walk." Christians are to walk in love (Eph. 5:2), walk as children of light (Eph. 5:8), walk circumspectly (Eph. 5:15), walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called (Eph. 4:1), (walk in) good works (Eph. 2:10), walk in wisdom (Col. 4:5), walk by faith, not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7), walk worthy of God (1 Thess. 2:12), walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16), and walk ye in Him (Jesus Christ) (Col. 2:6). Stated negatively, Paul tells us to (walk not in) fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry (Col. 3:5-7), (walk not in) dishonesty ...(and) craftiness (2 Cor. 4:2), (walk not) disorderly (2 Thess. 3:6 & 11), and walk not after the flesh (Rom. 8:1 & 4). What great lessons of righteous conduct can be gained by studying these passages. Indeed, Christians can, and should, teach God's word to the world around them by the way they "walk!"

In the lesson text, Paul tells Christians to pay particular attention to how others walk. Those that demonstrate good Christian characteristics, direction, and conduct, we are to use as examples, and emulate them in our lives. However, Paul warns us that many (others) walk demonstrating extreme evil in the way they conduct their lives. From the context of this passage, we are sure Paul is warning Christians about the consequences of following those that walk in error. Such are false teachers. Not only were false teachers prevalent at the time of Paul's writing, but also he assures us that they will be numerous and extensively deceitful to future generations (See 1 Tim. 4:1-3 & 2 Tim. 4:3-4). He identifies these as enemies of the cross of Christ.

Paul further identifies these false teachers by telling us that their end is destruction. The message they teach is worldly and not that of God. As such, they are traveling a path leading to the reward of sinners, which is eternal death. Those that "walk" after them will assuredly receive the same reward. Their god is their belly. Similarly, Paul wrote about false teachers to the Christians in Rome. They that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly (Rom. 16:18). Their motive for teaching is self-satisfaction; not for the spiritual benefit of the hearers, but for their own sensual gratification. Their glory is in their shame. They hold up their own covetous lives as examples, in order to create the same sensual desires in the hearts of those in their audiences. This they do in order to get financial benefits from followers who are willing walk as they do. False teachers mind earthly things. The path false teachers follow is one that will satisfy their sensual desires. Their desire is to gain wealth, self-glorification, and the pleasures of the world. In order to accomplish this, they must gain a following that is willing to render financial support - they need others to walk as they themselves walk. These, Paul identifies as, Enemies of the Cross of Christ!

The apostle John warns us that the world is full of many deceivers. Walk not after them. Rather walk in love and truth. Look into the word of God; look to Jesus Christ as our divine example of humanity; walk after His commandments (See 2 John 1-7).