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)