What is the meaning of Philippians 3:18?

For as I have often told you before

Paul is no stranger to repeating vital truths. Repetition is his way of building a safeguard into the Philippians’ faith (Philippians 3:1).

• Acts 20:31 shows Paul warning “night and day with tears” for three years; consistency matters.

• 2 Peter 1:12-13 likewise reminds believers “though you know them, and are established in the truth,” because reminders prevent drift.

Here, Scripture underscores that the gospel never changes, yet our hearts need continual anchoring to it.

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and now say again even with tears

The apostle’s emotion is real; doctrine is never detached from compassion.

• Romans 9:2-3 reveals Paul’s “great sorrow and unceasing anguish” for those outside Christ.

• Acts 20:19 notes he served “with many tears,” modeling a shepherd’s heart.

His tears warn us that truth without love hardens, while love without truth deceives. Genuine grief flows from valuing souls as God does (Ezekiel 18:23).

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Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ

Paul’s burdened heart turns to blunt reality. “Enemies” are not merely indifferent; they oppose the saving work Jesus accomplished. In context they include:

• legalists who add works to grace (Philippians 3:2-3; Galatians 5:4)

• libertines who claim Christ yet indulge the flesh (Jude 4; Titus 1:16).

Marks of such living:

– Boasting in human effort (Galatians 6:12-14)

– Rejecting the cross’s call to self-denial (Luke 9:23)

– Treating sin lightly, thus cheapening grace (Hebrews 10:29).

The cross divides all humanity (1 Corinthians 1:18). To embrace it is life; to oppose it is ruin.

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summary

Philippians 3:18 highlights a pastor’s repeated, tear-stained warning: beware those who undermine the cross. Scripture’s unchanging message must be rehearsed, felt, and defended. Our response? Hold fast to Christ’s finished work, walk in humble gratitude, and let tears move us to pray and witness to any still living as enemies of His cross.