“Oh, the Blood of Jesus” by New Jersey Mass Choir
Enemies of the Cross
Phil 3:18-19 (KJV)
(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 God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
Falling away from faith is Jesus is a tragedy. To turn one’s back on the sacrifice of Messiah Jesus, and deny the greatest love in all the universes is foolishness and depravity without measure. Yet despite the penalty of eternal damnation, many trade eternity with God in exchange for the opportunity to dance long at Vanity Fair. Believe it or not, many do so gladly.
The Resurrection of Christ (Kinnaird Resurrection) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Phil 3:18 begins “For many walk” in the ways of denying the cross. According to Strong’s Talking Greek and Hebrew Dictionary (Strong’s), the original Greek word translated as “walk” is “peripateō,” meaning to “tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figurative to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary) :- go, be occupied with, walk (about).” The image here is of someone who is moving about freely to do what they do. Their posture is one of pride in the ability to be at large doing what they do.
These people are identified as being “enemies of the cross of Christ.” The original Greek word translated as “enemies” is “echthros,” meaning “hateful (passive odious, or active hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially Satan) :- enemy, foe” (Strong’s Talking Greek and Hebrew Dictionary). We learned in the lesson in “Works of the Flesh Part V: Hatred” that Satan is hate, which is the opposite of God Who is love. (1 John 4:8) Here we learn further that the echthros means “adversary, especially Satan.” So those who seemingly fall away, are energized by Satan, whether they know it or not. The cross represents the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus. It is the means by which the sin debt of mankind was “paid in full,” as stated by Jesus when He said “It is finished.” The enemies of the cross are anti-God, anti-Trinity, anti-resurrection from the dead, anti-saved by grace, anti-faith in God, anti-love, anti-peace, anti-sacrifice…anti-anything of or related to God and goodness. It is pro-works of the flesh-all of them.
So how does one not be an enemy of the cross? The answer is simple yet deep: Have faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Mind the things of God, and not the things of men. Faith in Christ Jesus is the bridge that allows you to cross over away from the enemy’s camp and into the Kingdom of God and Heaven. Will you do so today?
Prayer: Heavenly Father forgive me my sins. Accept me into Your Kingdom Lord, and guide me in Your righteousness. Help me to find a church home. Grant me a desire to study Your word and know You more each day. These things I ask in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10)
– Verneda
Twitter handle: @vlights
© 2012 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.
“Oh, the Blood of Jesus” by New Jersey Mass Choir, was uploaded on Youtube.com by erastusbean on Mar 13, 2009. Verneda Lights and E-graphX Omnimedia have no ownership in this video. It is used for educational purposes only.
