Living as Friends or Enemies of the Cross
Summary
In Philippians 3:18-19, Paul warns the Philippians about those who live as enemies of the Cross of Christ. These individuals are characterized by their focus on earthly things, their indulgence in sensual pleasures, and their pride in shameful behaviors. Paul’s deep concern for the Philippians is evident as he weeps over the potential influence of false teachings that distort the true essence of Christianity. He emphasizes that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only path to salvation, both in this life and the next. The Apostle Paul’s message is a call to vigilance against teachings that either add to or take away from the Gospel, leading believers astray.
Paul identifies three main characteristics of those who are enemies of the Cross: they are preoccupied with earthly matters, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame. These individuals live for the present world, neglecting the eternal significance of their souls. They indulge in sensual pleasures, prioritizing bodily desires over spiritual growth. Moreover, they boast about their sinful lifestyles, viewing them as a form of liberation rather than recognizing them as shameful.
The Apostle warns that such a lifestyle ultimately leads to destruction. He stresses that the Cross of Christ is not a license to sin but a call to holiness and transformation. The Cross delivers believers from the present evil world, enabling them to live godly lives. Paul urges the Philippians to follow his example and the examples of other saints who have lived faithfully, rather than being swayed by false teachings that promise salvation without the responsibility of righteous living.
The message is a solemn reminder of the importance of examining our lives in light of the Gospel. It challenges us to consider whether we are truly living as friends of the Cross, embracing its call to holiness and transformation, or if we are inadvertently living as its enemies by prioritizing earthly desires over spiritual growth.
Key Takeaways:
- The Cross of Christ is not merely a means of escaping hell but a call to live a transformed life, free from the bondage of sin and worldly desires. It demands a commitment to holiness and righteousness, reflecting the true essence of the Gospel. [16:57]
- True Christianity involves a deep concern for the eternal state of our souls, not just a superficial adherence to religious practices. It requires a focus on spiritual growth and a desire to be conformed to the image of Christ. [21:07]
- The danger of false teachings lies in their ability to distort the Gospel, either by adding unnecessary burdens or by offering a false sense of security without the call to righteous living. Vigilance and discernment are essential to safeguard our faith. [17:26]
- The Apostle Paul’s tears for the Philippians reflect the seriousness of the threat posed by false teachings. His example challenges us to be equally concerned for the spiritual well-being of others, warning them against the dangers of living as enemies of the Cross. [11:13]
- The ultimate end of those who live as enemies of the Cross is destruction. This sobering reality calls us to examine our lives, ensuring that we are truly living in accordance with the Gospel and not merely professing faith without genuine transformation. [41:56]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Philippians 3:18-19
- [01:08] - Context of Paul's Warning
- [02:04] - The Gospel's Power and Urgency
- [03:12] - The False Teachings in Philippi
- [05:01] - The Reality of Life and Death
- [06:30] - Misunderstandings of the Gospel
- [08:32] - True Christianity Defined
- [09:39] - Examples to Follow
- [11:26] - The Danger of False Examples
- [12:13] - Antinomianism Explained
- [14:26] - Characteristics of Enemies of the Cross
- [19:34] - Earthly Mindedness
- [25:45] - Sensual Indulgence
- [28:41] - Glorying in Shame
- [33:00] - Misrepresentation of the Cross
- [38:44] - The End of Enemies of the Cross
- [44:46] - The Final Warning and Call to Examine
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Philippians 3:18-19
- Galatians 6:14
- Titus 2:11-14
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the three main characteristics of those who live as enemies of the Cross according to Philippians 3:18-19? How does Paul describe their end? [00:32]
2. In the sermon, what false teachings were troubling the early church, and how did Paul address them? [02:40]
3. How does the sermon describe the Apostle Paul's emotional response to the false teachings affecting the Philippians? [11:13]
4. What does the sermon say about the relationship between the Cross of Christ and living a transformed life? [16:57]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon interpret the phrase "their god is their belly" in Philippians 3:19, and what does this reveal about the priorities of those who are enemies of the Cross? [26:04]
2. What does the sermon suggest is the danger of misrepresenting the Cross of Christ, and how does this misrepresentation affect the perception of Christianity? [33:13]
3. According to the sermon, how does the Apostle Paul use his own life as an example for the Philippians, and what does this imply about the role of personal example in Christian teaching? [09:39]
4. How does the sermon explain the concept of "glorying in their shame," and what does this indicate about the values of those who are enemies of the Cross? [28:41]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be prioritizing earthly desires over spiritual growth? How can you realign your priorities to better reflect the call to holiness? [19:34]
2. The sermon warns against false teachings that distort the Gospel. How can you cultivate discernment to recognize and resist such teachings in your own faith journey? [17:26]
3. Consider the Apostle Paul's example of living a transformed life. What practical steps can you take to follow his example and live out the true essence of the Gospel in your daily life? [09:39]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of examining our lives in light of the Gospel. What specific actions can you take this week to ensure that you are living as a friend of the Cross rather than an enemy? [41:56]
5. How can you actively engage with others in your community to share the true message of the Cross, countering any false representations you encounter? [33:13]
6. Reflect on the concept of "glorying in their shame." Are there behaviors or attitudes in your life that you might be wrongly proud of? How can you address these in a way that aligns with the Gospel? [28:41]
7. The sermon calls for a commitment to holiness and righteousness. Identify one area in your life where you can make a tangible change to better reflect this commitment. What steps will you take to implement this change? [16:57]
Devotional
Day 1: The Cross Calls for Transformation
The Cross of Christ is not merely a means of escaping hell but a call to live a transformed life, free from the bondage of sin and worldly desires. It demands a commitment to holiness and righteousness, reflecting the true essence of the Gospel. The Cross is a powerful symbol of redemption, but it also serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with being a follower of Christ. It is not a license to continue in sin but a call to a new way of living that aligns with the teachings of Jesus. This transformation is not just about outward behavior but involves a deep, inward change that affects every aspect of life. [16:57]
Galatians 5:24-25 (ESV): "And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit."
Reflection: What specific worldly desire or habit do you need to crucify today to live a life transformed by the Cross?
Day 2: True Christianity Focuses on Eternal Significance
True Christianity involves a deep concern for the eternal state of our souls, not just a superficial adherence to religious practices. It requires a focus on spiritual growth and a desire to be conformed to the image of Christ. This means going beyond mere rituals and traditions to cultivate a genuine relationship with God. It involves a continuous process of sanctification, where believers strive to grow in their faith and become more like Christ in their thoughts, actions, and character. The eternal significance of our souls should be the driving force behind our daily decisions and interactions. [21:07]
Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: In what ways can you shift your focus from earthly concerns to eternal values in your daily life?
Day 3: Vigilance Against False Teachings
The danger of false teachings lies in their ability to distort the Gospel, either by adding unnecessary burdens or by offering a false sense of security without the call to righteous living. Vigilance and discernment are essential to safeguard our faith. False teachings can subtly lead believers astray by presenting a version of Christianity that is either too lenient or too legalistic. It is crucial to remain grounded in the truth of the Gospel and to test all teachings against the Word of God. This requires a commitment to studying Scripture and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit to discern truth from error. [17:26]
2 Timothy 4:3-4 (ESV): "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."
Reflection: How can you actively guard your heart and mind against false teachings today?
Day 4: Concern for the Spiritual Well-being of Others
The Apostle Paul’s tears for the Philippians reflect the seriousness of the threat posed by false teachings. His example challenges us to be equally concerned for the spiritual well-being of others, warning them against the dangers of living as enemies of the Cross. This involves not only personal vigilance but also a responsibility to support and guide fellow believers in their spiritual journey. It is an expression of love and care to help others stay on the path of righteousness and to encourage them to grow in their faith. [11:13]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Who in your life can you reach out to today to encourage in their faith journey?
Day 5: The Sobering Reality of Destruction
The ultimate end of those who live as enemies of the Cross is destruction. This sobering reality calls us to examine our lives, ensuring that we are truly living in accordance with the Gospel and not merely professing faith without genuine transformation. It is a reminder of the consequences of living a life focused on earthly desires and neglecting the call to holiness. This reality should motivate believers to live with intentionality and purpose, striving to align their lives with the teachings of Christ and to avoid the pitfalls of a worldly lifestyle. [41:56]
2 Peter 3:10-11 (ESV): "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness?"
Reflection: What changes can you make today to ensure your life reflects the holiness and godliness that the Gospel calls for?
Quotes
The Apostle Paul knew that there is only one message in the world that can save a man, put him right in time and for eternity. He knew that that was the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He reminds them of his own experience in this very chapter, how he, as a persecuting Pharisee, one who hated Christ and his gospel, was laid hold of, apprehended, arrested on the road to Damascus. [00:03:07]
The Apostle takes it up in the way that we've seen, and he ridicules it, a kind of legalism, a Doctrine which tells us that you make yourself a Christian by living a good life and by your good works you justify yourself, you save yourself in the sight of God. There were people then teaching that that's Christianity, and there are people still teaching that that is Christianity. [00:07:09]
The Apostle Paul’s tears for the Philippians reflect the seriousness of the threat posed by false teachings. His example challenges us to be equally concerned for the spiritual well-being of others, warning them against the dangers of living as enemies of the Cross. [00:11:13]
There is nothing so dangerous as to add to the scripture; there is nothing so dangerous as to take away from the scripture. You do either, and you're wrong. Put anything into this, it's wrong. Take anything out of this, it's no longer the message, and the Apostle puts it before us in this way. [00:17:26]
The Apostle Paul’s message is a call to vigilance against teachings that either add to or take away from the Gospel, leading believers astray. He stresses that the Cross of Christ is not a license to sin but a call to holiness and transformation. [00:19:34]
The ultimate end of those who live as enemies of the Cross is destruction. This sobering reality calls us to examine our lives, ensuring that we are truly living in accordance with the Gospel and not merely professing faith without genuine transformation. [00:41:56]
The Apostle Paul’s message is a solemn reminder of the importance of examining our lives in light of the Gospel. It challenges us to consider whether we are truly living as friends of the Cross, embracing its call to holiness and transformation. [00:44:46]
The Apostle Paul’s message is a call to vigilance against teachings that either add to or take away from the Gospel, leading believers astray. He stresses that the Cross of Christ is not a license to sin but a call to holiness and transformation. [00:19:34]
The Apostle Paul’s tears for the Philippians reflect the seriousness of the threat posed by false teachings. His example challenges us to be equally concerned for the spiritual well-being of others, warning them against the dangers of living as enemies of the Cross. [00:11:13]
The Apostle Paul’s message is a solemn reminder of the importance of examining our lives in light of the Gospel. It challenges us to consider whether we are truly living as friends of the Cross, embracing its call to holiness and transformation. [00:44:46]
The ultimate end of those who live as enemies of the Cross is destruction. This sobering reality calls us to examine our lives, ensuring that we are truly living in accordance with the Gospel and not merely professing faith without genuine transformation. [00:41:56]
The Apostle Paul’s message is a call to vigilance against teachings that either add to or take away from the Gospel, leading believers astray. He stresses that the Cross of Christ is not a license to sin but a call to holiness and transformation. [00:19:34]
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