The Enemies Of The Cross Of Christ

Philippians 3:1-21, 4:1

"Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 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 glory is in their shame - who set their minds on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved." (v.17-21, 4:1)

Who are these enemies of the cross of Christ? Could be those who have "confidence in the flesh". Paul writes, "if anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I (Paul) more so: (he was) circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things (all those things he listed from which confidence in the flesh ensues) and COUNT THEM AS RUBBISH, that I may gain Christ." Those "confidences" Paul listed became as rubbish compared to what every word of God has brought him!

Paul warns the Phillipians to "beware of evil workers". I doubt these "workers" would promote discernable demonic activity, but would not foster the cross of Christ in the the life of the "saints in Christ Jesus"(v.1). Their "god is their belly" and they "set their mind on earthly things". Philippians 3:1-21, 4:1 "And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it." (Matthew 10:38,39) An enemy would attempt to thwart, knowingly or not, what the cross of Christ works in us - becoming one with the Father and the Son Who are One! (John 17:20, 21)

According to Whom?

 

Ephesians 3:20,21; Philippians 4:4-7

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think ACCORDING TO THE POWER THAT WORKS IN US, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20,21)

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand (available). Be anxious for nothing but in everything, by prayer and supplication(humble and earnest request), with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which SURPASSES ALL (your) UNDERSTANDING (making your understanding fruitful in His), will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:4-7)

In the previous paragraph, third sentence, gentleness is well defined as forebearance: the refraining from taking action. Let your refraining from taking action be known to all men. Your requests should be directed by that which comes according to the power that works in us: the Holy Spirit Who awakens us to ONLY those things that Jesus Christ says. Anxiety in attaining anything is not from God. He ministers in peace that guards from Satan's temptation and our desire for what we think we want.

We have seen people excitedly discussing their plans for this or that, only to see much less enthusiasm later on. Everybody has done it. But He exceeds abundantly what we ask or think, ACCORDING TO THE POWER THAT WORKS IN US, binding us to His perfect will, and through our willingness to refrain from "our works", he looses the completion of it, manifesting it in the realm where we, and others, may see. That's how the elders of the faith obtained "a good testimony"!

Call For The Elders

 1 Corinthians 11:27-32; James 5:14,15

"Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner, eats and drinks judgement to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep (are dead). For if we would judge ourselves (discerning the Lord's will and acting accordingly), we would not be judged (Jesus Christ is the righteous judge!). But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world."(1 Corinthians 11:27-32)

"Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will SAVE the sick and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven." (James 5:14,15)

The elders of the church, by their understanding/willingness to walk in the Lord's inspiration, along with the anointing oil which calls our attention to all things in His name by the working of the Holy Spirit, pray for those who had been unwilling to hear, bringing them back to sanctification/consecration in Christ Jesus. Remember! The Lord's will for His body, the church, is to "be strong (in Him) and the power of His might" and "in health just as your soul prospers". So, when we are not strong, healthy and alive, call for the elders. The Lord's chastening goes to show us that we are partaking unworthily of communion with Him; and whom to call upon so we may understand and willingly act!