“Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.”
— Philippians 3:17–19
When we think of the phrase “enemies of the cross,” our minds might jump to people who openly reject Jesus, mock Christianity, or persecute believers. But Paul, in this emotional part of his letter to the Philippians, isn’t talking about atheists or pagans. He’s talking about people inside the church — those who claim to follow Christ.
And it breaks his heart.
The Pattern Paul Lived
Paul just finished explaining the pattern he lived by — giving up all his flesh-based credentials, boasting, and accomplishments. Circumcised on the eighth day? Tribe of Benjamin? A Hebrew of Hebrews? A Pharisee? A zealot? Blameless under the Law? He threw all of that out the window. Why? Because knowing Christ was worth more than anything else.
He described his one pursuit: “That I may know Him, the power of His resurrection, the fellowship of His sufferings…”(Phil 3:10)
Paul didn’t just believe in Christ. He pressed on to experience Christ. That was the pattern he modeled — and now he urges us to walk the same way.
But Some… Walk Another Way
Then comes this sharp contrast: “For many walk…as enemies of the cross of Christ.”
These weren’t people throwing stones at churches. These were people in ministry, some of whom likely preached Christ — but not from love (Phil 1:15). Their god was their appetite — in other words, it was always about them: their comfort, their platform, their bank account, their approval, their brand.
Paul says they glory in their shame — they take pride in things that should actually humble them. You hear it in the subtle flexing:
- “I was discipled by [insert famous name].”
- “We’ve planted 12 churches in just 5 years.”
→ (Sounds like mission work, but the tone screams résumé building.) - “I’m connected with big names in the faith.”
Nothing wrong with influence or connections. But when our identity is tied to them, we drift. Our joy becomes rooted in applause, and our faith becomes performative.
In short, its all about us.
Their Minds Are on Earthly Things
Paul isn’t just talking about bad theology — he’s talking about a mindset. One where earthly status becomes the finish line. Prestige, visibility, clout… it starts small, but it’s sneaky.
These people aren’t thinking about the resurrection, or knowing Christ in suffering, or walking by the Spirit. They’re thinking about platforms, impressions, aesthetics, and influence. Their mind is horizontal — and slowly, subtly, they become enemies of the very cross they claim to preach.
Could This Be Me?
Here’s the kicker — this warning isn’t just for “them.” It’s for us too.
We all have moments where we drift into “me-first” territory. When serving God becomes more about our image than His. When we need recognition to feel valuable. When we place more weight on our resume than our relationship with Jesus.
Paul says: Look at those who walk the way we showed you. Forget what’s behind — those false trusts. Press on to the prize — not applause, but knowing Christ.
Final Thought
It’s easy to build a Christian-looking life that revolves around us. But the cross teaches us the opposite. And ironically, when we give up the need to be seen, we begin to really experience Jesus.
So let’s ask ourselves:
- Is my confidence in Christ, or in what I’ve achieved?
- Do I want to know Him or just use Him for a platform?
- Am I pressing on — or just coasting?
The cross isn’t just a symbol. It’s a way of life.
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