Enemies of the Cross

In every area of life, examples matter.

Athletes study great athletes. Students imitate great teachers. Children imitate their parents.

Whether we realize it or not, we are always following someone.

That is why Paul begins this passage with a call to imitation.

the Christian life is often caught before it is taught.

People learn what it means to follow Christ by watching other believers live it out.

But here is the danger: If there are good examples to follow, there are also dangerous examples to avoid.

And that is exactly where Paul takes the conversation next.

Philippians 3:17–19 NIV

17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.

The Importance of Godly Examples (Philippians 3:17)

Paul begins with a command: “Join in following my example.”

At first glance that might sound arrogant.

But Paul is not pointing people to himself instead of Christ. He is pointing people to a life shaped by Christ.

Earlier in this letter he already gave the ultimate example.

Philippians 2:5 says:

Philippians 2:5 NASB95

5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,

Jesus humbled Himself. Jesus served others. Jesus obeyed the Father even to death on a cross.

Paul’s life simply reflects that same pattern.

The cross is not only the means of our salvation. It is the pattern for our lives.

A Christian life should look cruciform. That means cross-shaped.

It is a life marked by:

• humility • sacrifice • obedience • love for others

That is why Paul tells believers to observe those who walk according to that pattern.

Notice something important.

Paul says observe them.

Christian maturity is often learned through watching faithful believers.

We need spiritual role models.

Men and women who show us:

How to endure suffering How to pursue holiness How to love others sacrificially How to keep our eyes on Christ

The church needs examples like that.

But Paul immediately warns that there are other examples as well.

The Danger of Enemies of the Cross (Philippians 3:18)

Paul says something very sobering:

“For many walk… as enemies of the cross of Christ.”

Notice the word many. This problem was not rare. And it still is not rare today.

There are many people who appear religious yet live in opposition to the very message of the cross.

Paul does something interesting in the Greek structure of this verse.

He delays telling us who these people are.

Before identifying them, he reminds the Philippians:

“I told you about them before.” “And now I warn you again with tears.”

Why?

Because Paul wants the church to feel the seriousness of the danger.

False examples can influence believers.

Bad models can distort the gospel.

So who are these enemies?

Scripture suggests several possibilities.

They could include:

• Judaizers who denied the sufficiency of the cross • False teachers who distorted the gospel • People who claimed Christ but lived for sinful desires • Even those who abandoned the faith

But the core issue is not their label.

The core issue is their relationship to the cross.

An enemy of the cross is someone whose belief or lifestyle contradicts what the cross represents.

The cross declares:

Salvation is by grace alone.

Sin must be crucified.

Self must die.

Christ must be Lord.

Enemies of the cross reject that message.

Some reject the cross doctrinally. They say Christ’s death is not enough. They add human works to salvation.

Others reject the cross practically. They profess Christ but live as though their desires are lord.

Either way, the cross is denied.

And Paul grieves deeply over it. He says he warns them even with tears.

This reveals something about Paul’s heart.

He is not attacking enemies with anger. He is mourning people who are lost and deceived.

The cross calls believers to truth and compassion at the same time.

The Conduct of the Enemies(Philippians 3:19)

Paul now describes these enemies with four shocking statements.

1. Their End is Destruction

“whose end is destruction”

This is the final outcome of rejecting Christ.

While believers are headed toward resurrection and glory, enemies of the cross are headed toward judgment.

Paul already used this contrast earlier in the letter.

Philippians 1:28 speaks of:

Philippians 1:28 NIV

28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.

• destruction for the enemies of the gospel • salvation for the people of God

The difference is not morality. The difference is the cross.

Those who reject the cross reject the only means of salvation.

2. Their God is Their Belly

Paul continues:

“whose god is their belly”

This phrase goes beyond simple gluttony.

The word “belly” refers to human appetites and desires.

These people live under the control of their cravings.

Pleasure rules them.

Desire directs them.

Instead of worshiping God, they worship their appetites.

This could include:

• sensuality • greed • self-indulgence • pursuit of pleasure • bodily gratification

The issue is idolatry.

Their god is not the Lord. Their god is their desires.

And the tragedy is that appetites can never satisfy.

They promise fulfillment but produce emptiness.

3. They Glory in Their Shame

Paul says: “whose glory is in their shame”

They celebrate the very things that should grieve them.

Sin becomes a badge of honor.

What God calls shameful becomes something they boast about.

This is not just ancient history. Our culture often celebrates what Scripture calls sin.

But Paul says this mindset reveals opposition to the cross.

Why?

Because the cross exposes the seriousness of sin.

Jesus had to die because sin is real.

To glory in sin is to ignore what the cross reveals about sin’s cost.

4. They Set Their Minds on Earthly Things

Paul concludes: “who set their minds on earthly things.”

Their perspective never rises above this world.

Their priorities are temporary.

Their hopes are earthly.

Their values are shaped by the culture rather than by Christ.

But Christians are called to something higher.

And Paul will say in the very next verse:

“For our citizenship is in heaven.” (Phil 3:20)

Enemies of the cross live for earth. Believers live in light of eternity.

Next Steps: Examine Your Loyalties

Paul’s warning leads to a very personal question.

Where are our loyalties?

Are our lives shaped by the cross?

Or by the values of the world?

The cross teaches us:

Die to self. Serve others. Trust Christ alone for salvation. Live for the kingdom of God.

But the world teaches the opposite:

Promote yourself. Indulge your desires. Seek status and comfort. Live for the present moment.

Paul is urging believers to examine their direction.

Not just what we believe.

But how we live.

Because the direction of our lives reveals the allegiance of our hearts.

Conclusion

Paul ends this warning with tears because the stakes are eternal.

There are two paths.

One path leads to destruction.

The other leads to glory.

One is shaped by earthly desires.

The other is shaped by the cross of Christ.

And the difference between those paths is Jesus.

The cross is not just a symbol.

It is the place where:

sin was paid for grace was offered and salvation was secured

Anyone who comes to Christ in faith can be forgiven.

But rejecting the cross leads to destruction.

So the question tonight is simple.

What shapes your life?

Your desires?

The world around you?

Or the cross of Christ?

Jesus said:

“If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

May we be people whose lives reflect the cross.

And may we follow the examples of those who live for Christ until the day we share in His glory.

Listener Notes

Philippians 3:17–19 Enemies of the Cross

Key Theme

Some live as enemies of the cross, consumed by earthly desires.

Key Application

Examine your loyalties. Do they reflect Christ or the world?

1. The Importance of Godly Examples

(Philippians 3:17)

“Join in following my example…”

Why examples matter:

• The Christian life is often caught before it is taught • We learn faithfulness by observing mature believers • The church needs visible models of Christlike living

Christ is the ultimate example:

Philippians 2:5 “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.”

The cross-shaped life is marked by:

• humility • sacrifice • obedience • love for others

Question to consider:

Who are the spiritual role models influencing your life?

2. The Danger of Enemies of the Cross

(Philippians 3:18)

“For many walk… as enemies of the cross of Christ.”

Paul gives this warning with tears.

Possible groups included:

• Judaizers denying the sufficiency of the cross • false teachers distorting the gospel • professing believers living worldly lives • people who abandoned the faith

An enemy of the cross is someone whose beliefs or lifestyle contradict the message of the cross.

The cross declares:

• salvation is by grace alone • sin must be crucified • self must die • Christ must be Lord

3. The Conduct of the Enemies

(Philippians 3:19)

Paul gives four descriptions.

Their End is Destruction

Rejecting the cross leads to judgment.

Their God is Their Belly

Appetites rule their lives.

Instead of worshiping God they worship:

• pleasure • desires • comfort • gratification

Their Glory is Their Shame

They celebrate what should grieve them.

Their Mind is on Earthly Things

Their focus never rises above this world.

Key Contrast (Next Week)

Enemies of the cross: • earthly minded • ruled by appetite • headed toward destruction

Believers in Christ: • citizens of heaven • awaiting the Savior • destined for glory

Philippians 3:20 “For our citizenship is in heaven.”

Personal Reflection

Ask yourself:

• Who am I following spiritually? • What truly controls my desires? • Do my priorities reflect eternity or this world? • Is my life shaped by the cross of Christ?

Discussion Questions

Why does Paul encourage believers to imitate godly examples in Philippians 3:17?

Why do you think Paul says he warns about enemies of the cross with tears rather than anger?

What are some modern examples of people denying the sufficiency of the cross?

What does Paul mean when he says “their god is their belly”?

How does our culture today celebrate things that Scripture calls shameful?

What does it look like practically to live a cross-shaped life?

How can Christians guard themselves from adopting worldly values?

What habits help keep our minds focused on heavenly things rather than earthly things?

Bibliography

Bentley, Michael. Shining in the Darkness: Philippians Simply Explained. Welwyn Commentary Series. Darlington, England: Evangelical Press, 1997.

Brown, Derek R. Philippians. Logos Research Commentaries. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2026.

Brown, Gregory. Philippians: Pursuing Spiritual Maturity. The Bible Teacher’s Guide. BTG Publishing, 2018.

Ebert, Daniel J. IV. Wisdom Christology: How Jesus Becomes God’s Wisdom for Us. Explorations in Biblical Theology. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2011.

Hayes, Doremus Almy. “Philippians, the Epistle To.” In The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company, 1915.

Johnstone, Robert. Lectures Exegetical and Practical on the Epistle of Paul to the Philippians. Edinburgh: William Oliphant and Co., 1875.

Keown, Mark J. Philippians. Evangelical Exegetical Commentary. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2017.

Melick, Richard R. Jr. Philippians. Christian Standard Commentary. Holman Reference, 2025.

Runge, Steven E. High Definition Commentary: Philippians. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2011.

Schmutzer, Andrew J. Divine Suffering: Theology, History, and Church Mission. Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, 2023.

Schreiner, Thomas R. Paul, Apostle of God’s Glory in Christ: A Pauline Theology. IVP Academic, 2006.

3–4 Day Bible Study

Enemies of the Cross – Philippians 3:17–19

Day 1

Following Godly Examples

Read: Philippians 3:17 Also read: 1 Corinthians 11:1

Paul invites believers to imitate his life because his life reflects Christ.

Christian growth often happens through observing faithful believers.

God uses mentors, pastors, and mature Christians to help shape our spiritual lives.

Reflection

• Who has been a godly example in your life? • What qualities in their life reflect Christ? • How can you become a godly example for others?

Prayer

Ask God to surround you with faithful believers who encourage you to grow in Christ.

Day 2

The Tragedy of Enemies of the Cross

Read: Philippians 3:18

Paul warns about enemies of the cross with tears.

His sorrow reveals his heart for both the church and those who are lost.

Rejecting the cross is not just a doctrinal mistake. It is a rejection of the only means of salvation.

The cross reveals:

• the seriousness of sin • the depth of God’s love • the cost of redemption

Reflection

• Why is the cross central to the Christian faith? • How do people today attempt to replace or minimize the cross? • How should Christians respond when others reject the gospel?

Prayer

Thank God for the sacrifice of Christ and the salvation made possible through the cross.

Day 3

When Appetite Becomes a God

Read: Philippians 3:19 Also read: Romans 16:18

Paul says enemies of the cross serve their “belly.”

This refers to people controlled by their desires.

Anything that controls us more than God becomes an idol.

Modern idols often include:

• pleasure • comfort • success • entertainment • approval

The gospel calls believers to surrender their desires to Christ.

Reflection

• What desires compete for control of your heart? • How can believers resist the pull of worldly appetites? • What spiritual practices help keep Christ first?

Prayer

Ask God to help you submit your desires and priorities to Him.

Day 4

Living with an Eternal Perspective

Read: Philippians 3:19–20 Also read: Colossians 3:1–2

Enemies of the cross focus only on earthly things.

But believers belong to a different kingdom.

Our citizenship is in heaven.

This changes how we live.

We pursue:

• eternal values • Christlike character • faithfulness to God’s mission

Reflection

• What earthly concerns most distract you from eternal priorities? • How does remembering your heavenly citizenship change your perspective? • What is one way you can live with eternity in mind this week?

Prayer

Ask God to help you live each day with your eyes fixed on Christ and His kingdom.

YouTube Description

Enemies of the Cross | Philippians 3:17–19 Philippians: The Pursuit of Joy

In this message from Philippians 3:17–19, we examine Paul’s sobering warning about those he calls “enemies of the cross of Christ.” With tears, Paul urges believers to follow godly examples and guard their hearts against worldly desires that pull them away from the gospel.

This sermon explores the danger of living for earthly appetites instead of Christ and challenges us to examine where our true loyalties lie. Are our lives shaped by the cross or by the values of the world?

As we continue our journey through Philippians, we are reminded that the cross is not only the source of our salvation but also the pattern for our lives.

Series: Philippians – The Pursuit of Joy