In Rom. 5:10, Paul plainly tells us that before one is reconciled to God through the death of His Son Jesus, he is His "enemy." Webster's defines enemy as "one that is antagonistic to another; especially one seeking to injure, overthrow, or confound an opponent." Enemies are easy to understand in war, and even in sports when seeing how some fans view the opposing team. When we think about being labeled an enemy of God, it should help us strongly appreciate our need for Christ and His gospel which saves us.
Someone may reason, "Well, that's not me. That may be somebody else, but I have never been that bad so as to be called 'God's enemy'" Oh, really?? How does one become God's enemy?
The same apostle Paul, writing by the same Holy Spirit, answers this question for us in Phil. 3:17-19. Earlier, in vv. 12-16, Paul urged the Philippian brethren in pressing on to the goal (v. 12), forgetting the past (v. 13). He also exhorted the brethren to look at the apostles as examples and "walk" after them. While teaching this, Paul also admitted that there would be others who walk a different way. These would be the "enemies of the cross of Christ." (v. 18). Who are they? Read v. 19.
"Whose appetite is their god"
This would be people who serve their own fleshly impulses or desires despite what God says about such behavior in His word. They have a god; it's just not Jehovah.
"Whose glory is their shame"
This refers to people who actually glory in and are proud of behavior the Bible calls "shameful." In a wicked society, these people are fast becoming the overwhelming majority.
"Who set their minds on earthly things"
This illustrates why such people serve their own bellies and glory in shameful behavior. All they live for is the present life, not life everlasting. They are worldly minded (cp. Col. 3:2).
What awaits such people? Their "end is destruction" (v. 19). If these points describe you, like it or not, you are an enemy of the cross of Christ.
