Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. (Philippians 3:17–19 ESV)
We are in a series this year where we are considering the cross of Jesus. The New Testament teaches us about the importance of the cross of Jesus and what the meaning of the cross is to be for us. Philippians 3 is another place where we see the importance of the cross. I want us to focus our attention on the fact that Paul does not say that these people are enemies of Christ. These are people who would claim to be Christians. Paul is not talking about the people of the world because it is not a surprise that they are enemies of Christ. Paul is speaking about those among them who claim to be Christians. But Paul does not call them enemies of Christ, though ultimately they certainly are. Rather, they are enemies of the cross of Christ.
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