What practical steps can we take to avoid becoming "enemies of the cross"? Understanding the Warning Philippians 3:18–19 sets the tone: “For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their stomach, their glory is in their shame; their minds are set on earthly things”. Paul writes with tears; the danger is real, not theoretical. To live as an enemy of the cross is to oppose the very work that rescued us. Spotting the Marks of an Enemy of the Cross • Appetite-driven: “their god is their stomach” — dominated by cravings rather than by Christ (cf. Romans 8:13). • Shameless glory: celebrating what God calls shameful (Isaiah 5:20). • Earth-bound thinking: fixed on temporary gain instead of eternal reward (Colossians 3:2). Seeing these traits helps us build safeguards before our hearts drift. Practical Steps for Staying Faithful 1. Cultivate a Cross-Centered Mindset • Daily remember what happened at Calvary. Galatians 6:14: “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…” • Start prayers and devotions by thanking Jesus for His sacrifice; gratitude softens the pull of worldly glory. 2. Crucify Fleshly Appetites • Fast periodically (Matthew 6:16-18). Saying no to legitimate food reminds the body it is not in charge. • Practice immediate obedience in small choices—turning off questionable entertainment, refusing gossip, limiting online scrolling. Romans 6:12: “Do not let sin reign in your mortal body…” 3. Set the Mind on Things Above • Memorize passages that point heavenward (Philippians 3:20; 2 Corinthians 4:18). • Schedule regular times to serve others; earthly thinking shrinks when we invest in eternal souls. 4. Glory in What God Calls Glorious • Celebrate holiness, humility, and sacrificial love rather than achievements that draw applause (James 4:10). • Share testimonies of God’s faithfulness, not personal “brag reels.” 5. Embrace Suffering Rather Than Evading It • Luke 9:23: “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” • When loss or ridicule comes because of faith, receive it as fellowship with Christ (Philippians 3:10). 6. Choose Godly Examples • Philippians 3:17 urges, “Join one another in following my example…” Seek mentors whose lives display the aroma of Christ, not the scent of worldliness. • Read biographies of faithful believers; living or dead, they keep our imagination tethered to costly discipleship. 7. Stay in Accountability • Meet regularly with a trusted friend or small group to confess struggles (James 5:16). • Invite honest questions about spending, media, relationships—areas where appetites hide. 8. Guard Doctrine Vigilantly • Enemies of the cross often downplay sin or redefine grace (Jude 4). Compare every teaching to Scripture; what contradicts the Word contradicts Christ. • Keep a steady diet of whole-Bible reading to develop discernment (Acts 20:27). Keeping the Cross Central Each Day • Begin mornings by reading a Gospel paragraph—keep Jesus’ sufferings and victories fresh. • Place a physical reminder (a small cross, a verse card) where you work or study. • End each day asking, “Did my choices honor the cross or ignore it?” Confess, receive cleansing (1 John 1:9), rest in grace, and start fresh. Encouragement to Press On Philippians 3:20–21 lifts our gaze: “But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ…”. Citizens imitate their King. As we keep eyes fixed on Him, appetites lose power, shameful glories fade, and earthly trinkets seem small. Walking this path, we will not drift into the ranks of “enemies of the cross,” but stand joyfully as its friends, followers, and lifelong beneficiaries. |
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