Who Are The Enemies Of The Cross?
Philippians 3:16-19 (NKJV) Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained,
let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. {17} Brethren, join
in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.
{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: {19} whose end is destruction,
whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame; who set their mind
on earthly things.
Introduction
There are enemies of the cross of Christ.
It seems like there are enemies of the cross of Christ everywhere.
While we expect them to be atheists, Muslims, and other religious bodies,
Sadly there are many enemies of the cross that come from the rank and file of
those claiming to be Christians.
It could be that you are an enemy of His cross.
Enemies refers to those opposed or against a person or object or principle or
thing.
Whether by hatred, choice or even ignorance.
They will use any method to disrupt, attack, ridicule, or even kill to silence
or destroy their opposition.
The cross is mentioned several ways in scripture.
STAUROS; cross from word which means "to stand“; A stake for execution;
an instrument for torture for punishment.
There are several meanings found in the Bible associated with the word “Cross”..
A Roman cross consisting of a straight and erected piece of wood fixed in the
earth with a transverse beam fastened across its top and another piece of wood
projecting from the upright piece nearer the bottom on which the crucified person's
feet were nailed as the cross on which the Lord Jesus suffered.
Matthew 27:32 (NKJV) Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by
name. Him they compelled to bear His cross.
Matthew 27:40 (NKJV) and saying, "You who destroy the temple and build it
in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross."
Matthew 27:42 (NKJV) "He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the
King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him.
It refers to the whole passion of Christ and the merit of His sufferings and death.
Galatians 6:14 (NKJV) But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of
our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the
world.
Ephesians 2:16 (NKJV) and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body
through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.
It also stands for the doctrine concerning these
1 Corinthians 1:17 (NKJV) For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach
the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made
of no effect.
1 Corinthians 1:18 (NKJV) For the message of the cross is foolishness to those
who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Galatians 6:12 (NKJV) As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these
would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution
for the cross of Christ.
It denotes that portion of affliction which is endured by pious and good men as
a trial of their faith and to conform them to the example of their crucified Master.
Matthew 10:38 (NKJV) "And he who does not take his cross and follow after
Me is not worthy of Me.
Matthew 16:24 (NKJV) Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires
to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
Mark 10:21 (NKJV) Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One
thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and
you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me."
Luke 14:27 (NKJV) "And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me
cannot be My disciple.
The expressions of taking up or carrying the cross allude to the Roman custom
of making the criminal carry the cross on which he was to suffer.
John 19:17 (NKJV) And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place
of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha,
Some authors in the New Testament speak of this action as a sacrifice. Paul seems
to indicate that it was not the sacrifice alone but that the blood shed was of
Holy origin, thus producing the redemption that God could accept.
Colossians 1:20 (NKJV) and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him,
whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood
of His cross.
Philippians 2:8 (NKJV) And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself
and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Colossians 2:14 (NKJV) having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was
against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having
nailed it to the cross.
Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV) looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,
who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame,
and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Some sections of scripture that refer to the cross just mean the wooden instrument
used in the death of Jesus Christ.
But we will see that the cross means even more.
Some of the more important uses deals with the cross as the doctrine or system
that it represents.
The figure of speech called “synecdoche” is in play here. It means
a part for the whole by using one part to represent it all.
The usage here is the cross represents the whole of sacrifice, death, and resurrection
to enact God’s plan of salvation.
Enemies Of The Cross
Let's look at the characteristics of the enemies of the cross.
v.19 whose end is destruction
Whose god is their appetite
Whose glory is in their shame
Who set their minds on earthly things.
Let us notice some categories of people who fit this description.
Atheist are enemies of the cross---they deny the existence of God or anything
associated with Him, including redemption, salvation, and righteousness.
Religions that do not recognize the Lordship of Jesus the Christ.
That includes those that might recognize the Lord Jesus as only a good person
or prophet.
Religions that might accept His Lordship, but not His doctrine.
Religions that might accept His Lordship and His doctrine, but are unfaithful
to His word.
Those people who claim a good relationship but do not meet the qualifications.
Those who ignore the Bible as the Word of God.
False teachers that promote any doctrine contrary to the Word of God.
Humanist who try to manipulate people into denying God.
Humanist who try to change our standards and ideals to suit their feelings.
False teachers who rely on feeling instead of book chapter and verse.
Religions that wear names not found in the Bible.
Religions that have their own headship (governing body) convention, council, papacy,
or any human body of leadership that decides laws and doctrinal practices.
Religions that use rules not found in God's Word. (manuals, creeds, disciplines,).
The sad things is that they are not aware that they are enemies of the Cross.
Believers who are not faithful. (attendance, speech, action).
Believers who are not united in practice or doctrine or actions.
Believers who wrest or twist the scriptures to promote their own thoughts or to
soothe their own conscience.
Believers who do not accept all of the Truth.
Believers who are stumbling blocks to others.
Believers who cause division among the brethren.
Believers who are not spiritually minded.
These people are enemies and do not even know it.
Another word we could call these people is hypocrites.
How NOT To Be An Enemy
Therefore we must make certain about His calling, We must pay the more earnest
heed to His words. We must stand fast in our faith and practice and teachings.
We must make every effort to maintain unity without compromise of the truth (Ephesians
4:1-3).
How does one come to find out they are enemies of the Cross?
By the knowledge of the Son of God.
By study to be able to rightly divide the meanings of the scriptures (2 Timothy
2:15).
By prayer (Philippians 4:6).
By effort (Ephesians 4:1-3).
By godly leaders and faithful brethren to help each other (1Peter 5:2-3).
By denying themselves and taking up their own crosses (Matthew 16:24).
By casting all our care on Him (1 Peter 5:7).
By obedience to all His word (1 Peter1:22).
By faithfulness in living (Revelation 2:10).
Conclusion
There are many in our world who are enemies of the Cross.
Enemies of everything the cross represents.
We saw the usage of the words in the scriptures.
We learned the characteristics of these enemies.
We learned how NOT to be an enemy
Have you the courage to repent of this sin of being an enemy of the cross?
By Carey Scott
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