ENEMIES OF THE CROSS

INTRODUCTION

Enemies of the cross are revealed by Apostle Paul, who gave a startling revelation, with there being an enlargement in these latter days. The cross, the ensign of the Christian religion, represents the suffering of Christ on the Cross bringing atonement from sin that was conceived in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:11).

Apostle Paul wrote: Many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping (in sorrow), that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ (Philippians 3:18).  It was noted that enemies of the cross refers to those who, despite being classified as a Christian, live in a way that is contrary to God’s Word, by focusing on worldly desires, sensual indulgence, and earthly pursuits overriding spiritual matters. The term is also used to describe those who push for adherence to humanistic laws and traditions that contradict the core message of salvation though Christ.

Enemies of the Cross
Focus on Temporal Things

Many professing Christians prioritize worldly pleasures, material possessions, and earthly gain over spiritual life, with their thoughts and interests being centered on temporal matters.  We are witnessing many Christians, especially of a younger generation, who in their lifestyle and speech are advocating a progressive social gospel that allows what is condemned in the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God.

Apostle Paul wrote: Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable (rational) service.  Be not conformed to this world but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind; that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:1-2).  It was noted that be not conformed means to resist being poured into the mold of present thinking, value systems, and conduct of this world.  

Identification of Sin

The identification of sin is being sadly neglected in the preaching and teaching of God’s Word; resulting in embracing the characteristics of a sin-filled world with pride, in a gleeful manner, rather than exposed and identified for what it is.  Apostle Paul wrote: The wages of sin is death (physical and spiritual); but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23). 

It was noted that that sin will do three things in one’s life:  It will take you where we you intended to go; it will keep you longer than you intended to stay; and it will cost you more than you intended to pay. Sin is costly business that separates people from God.  However, genuine repentance brings forgiveness and restoration with God. 

Three Spiritual Enemies

Three spiritual enemies of the cross are: The world, the flesh, and the devil.  These are considered the primary foes of the soul, described as an external enemy (the world), an internal enemy (the flesh or sinful nature), and a supernatural enemy (the devil). It was noted that the world signifies the evil desire and sin so much a part of human existence; the system of human culture, values, and structures that are in opposition to God’s will. It includes the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16).  Apostle John wrote: the world passes away, the lust thereof; but he that does the will of God abides (remains) forever (1 John 2:17).

The flesh refers to an individual’s internal, sinful nature or old sinful desires inherited from birth; after Adam and Eve opened the door by yielding to temptation (Genesis 3:6).  The devil, the last of the three spiritual enemies of the cross mentioned, utilized the serpent as his instrument of deception. The Devil is an external, supernatural enemy, also referred to as Satan, is a spiritual foe who works through demons (and others) to tempt and deceive.

Warning Concerning Our
Adversary

Apostle John issuing a warning: Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea; for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has but a short time (Revelation 12:12). The devil (also called Satan) is just as active, or possibly even more so, in the hour in which we live.

Apostle Peter wrote: Be sober (aware), be vigilant; because your adversary the devil; as a roaring lion, walks about seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8); but also identified in whom our hope remains: The God of all grace, who has called unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered awhile, make you perfect, establish (confirm), strengthen, settle you (1 Peter 5:10)

Deception and Distraction

Our adversary (Satan) is aware of who you (the believer) are.  It was noted that he knows of your divine heritage (through Christ) and seeks to limit your earthly and heavenly potential by using deception and distraction.  Deception is in the foreplay in the political realm, religious sphere of operating, and other venues that hamper spiritual growth through deception. 

The biggest utilization of deception is the electronic means embraced in the lives of the youth; a prime target towards deception utilizing devious methods towards acceptance of ungodly ways.  Youth, in their prime age of learning, are being used as puppets, by the puppeteer towards desired implantation.

Distraction is engineered by our adversary, the devil, to walk one away from God’s Word towards a more pleasurable pursuit of embracement. It began in the Garden of Eden; when Eve was distracted from obedience to God’s Word, in stating, concerning partaking of the forbidden fruit, God has said, you shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it lest you die.  The serpent, a tool of the devil, countermanded with the deceptive words: You shall not surely die (Genesis 3:3-4).

Worldly Lifestyles

Many professing Christians have corrupted themselves by failing to live in accordance with God’s Word.  It was noted that they are considered enemies of the cross; by allowing ungodliness to intercede rather than strict adherence to the Unadulterated (Pure) Word of God, being unaware of the fact that the end or destiny of such is destruction that is eternal punishment (Hell); unless realization of the error of their way comes to the forefront promoting repentance.  Apostle Paul wrote: That they may recover (come to their senses) out of the snare of the devil, which are taken captive by him, at (or to) do his will (2 Timothy 2:26).

The enemies of the cross are those submitting to and controlled by fleshly values, adhering to sensual desires by surrendering to sexual immorality, licentiousness, and all manner of unbridled lusts; if not forsaken, can lead one to the pathway of destruction. One of the largest pollutions of the mind, body, and spirit, is the Internet which can place one in jeopardy, if restraining devices are not in place. When there is no fear of God, or godly living a reality, one can play on fleshly desires without restraint or concern towards their destructive nature.

Marxism and Socialism

Enemies of the Cross include influence rising from names as Socialism and Marxism, cousins to Communism; Critical Race Theory (CRT), the Great Reset Plan, instituted by the World Economic Forum; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Transformation; to name but a few, that would upset the normality of life.  Included in the spin-off of evil is a drive to maintain legalized abortion, homosexuality, same sex marriage, and transgenderism as a way of life.

It was noted that goals include: Discredit family as an institution; control of the schools to use as tools for promoting ungodly agenda; eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them violation of free speech and free press; break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography in books, magazines, motion pictures, and TV; infiltrate the press, gain control of key positions in government, radio, TV, and motion pictures; infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with progressive social religion, and discredit the Bible.

This is being witnessed in many nations of the world; with the threat of freedom, long enjoyed, being taken away not so much from an enemy without as within.  Apostle Paul noted such a nature infiltrating unawares:  Those who came in privily (secretly) to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus; that they might bring such into bondage (Galatians 2:4).  Is it not the same with Socialism that is gaining popularity, by a younger generation who does not realize the implications for having embraced and encouraged such?

Success Denied

Thank God for those who recognize the enemies of the cross and will oppose them rather than embrace their methods towards control and domination.  Apostle Paul revealed that Christ loved the church (His believers), and gave himself or it (on the cross); that he might sanctify (cleanse) it with the washing of water (baptism) by the word (Word of God), that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish (Ephesians 5:25-28).

Assurance of victory from the enemies of the cross came though Jesus’ own lips: You are Peter (His disciple), and upon this rock (foundation) I will build my church; and the gates of hell (forces of evil) shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18).  The Psalmist said: God’s Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105). We can stand on God’s Word when all else fails.

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