👉🏼 (Reading: Philippians 3:17-21)

📜 ""For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ.""
Philippians 3:18 (NIV)

📋 It is a matter of grave concern that there are some who claim to be God's children, but are living as enemies of the cross of Christ. In today's anchor text, the Apostle Paul bemoans the ungodly conduct of such people: "For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ."

Those who live sinful lives are enemies of the cross of Christ because Christ died for our sins on the cross to "free us from every kind of sin ." (Titus 2: 14). The enemies of the cross "brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth" (v.19).

Being earthly-minded, they engage in various worldly practices such as lying, sexual immorality, cheating, bribing and receiving bribes. Some of these people are lovers of money and use deceitful ways to dupe others. This way of living doesn't glory God.

We need to imitate Paul's godly lifestyle by heeding his admonition: "...pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example" (v.17).

Are you living as an enemy of the cross of Christ? If yes, repent!

🔑 Key Lesson: There are many who live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

🛐 Meditation and Prayer: Lord, give me the wisdom not to live as an enemy of the cross of Christ.

📚 Further Reading: 2 Peter 2:1-22.

◼️ The Bible in One Year: Mark 8-9.