MLJ Trust Logo Image
Search
Sermon #5609

Enemies of the Cross

A Sermon on the Enemies of the Cross from Philippians 3:18-19

Originally preached June 24, 1962

Share Share on Twitter Share on Facebook
Play Sermon
btn-play
Download Sermon Add to Queue Add to Playlist

Scripture

Philippians 3:18-19 ESV KJV
For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. (ESV)

Sermon Description

In this sermon on Philippians 3:18–19 titled “Enemies of the Cross,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses two common lies: works are all that matter or that works don’t matter at all. Furthermore, he discusses the traits that an enemy of the cross possesses. These are excellent tests to apply while listening to this sermon and examining the soul: “is my mind set on earthly things? Am I interested in spiritual realities? Does my appetite for food, sex, or material goods rule what I do? Am I proud of things that Scripture says are shameful?” Paul describes enemies of the cross in these ways and says that their end is destruction. Dr. Lloyd-Jones points out that the enemies of Christ are short sighted; they think about temporary things. They are given to temporary and fleeting desires, and don't have enough foresight to see that these things will come to an end in wrath and destruction. In contrast, the Christian is concerned with eternal realities and pleasing God rather than their fleshly desires. Moreover, their end is not destruction but vindication and fulfillment from Almighty God.

Sermon Breakdown

  1. The apostle Paul warns the Philippians about false teachers who claim to be Christians but live worldly lives.
  2. Paul tells them "even weeping" about these false teachers who are "enemies of the cross of Christ."
  3. Paul describes these false teachers in three ways:
  4. Their "end is destruction" - they will face eternal punishment.
  5. "Their God is their belly" - they live for worldly pleasures and indulgence.
  6. "Their glory is in their shame" - they boast about their sinful behavior.
  7. These false teachers "mind earthly things" - they are concerned only with worldly affairs and pleasures.
  8. True Christians focus on eternal, spiritual matters - not just earthly things.
  9. The false teachers misrepresent the meaning of the cross - they think it gives them license to sin without consequence.
  10. The cross actually delivers believers from sin and the world. The false teachers deny this by continuing to live worldly lives.
  11. The false teachers bring disgrace to Christianity through their ungodly living.
  12. Their "end is destruction" - like the people in Noah's and Lot's time, they will face judgment for ignoring warnings to repent.
  13. We must examine ourselves to see if we view the cross like the false teachers or like Paul - as delivering us from sin to live holy lives.
  14. If we see the cross as only providing forgiveness so we can live as we please, we are enemies of the cross.
  15. If we see the cross as enabling us to live holy lives through the power of Christ, we are true Christians.

Sermon Q&A

Understanding the Enemies of the Cross of Christ: Key Insights from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones identify as the main characteristics of "enemies of the cross of Christ"?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, there are three main characteristics of those who are enemies of the cross of Christ despite claiming to be Christians:

  1. "They mind earthly things" - Their thoughts, interests, and attention are completely focused on this world and temporal matters. They never think about their soul, God, or eternity.

  2. "Their God is their belly" - They live for sensual indulgence in various forms (food, drink, sex). They allow their instincts and appetites to control them rather than exercising spiritual discipline.

  3. "Their glory is in their shame" - They not only engage in sinful behaviors but boast about them, take pride in them, and even mock those who try to live morally upright lives.

Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say antinomianism is dangerous to Christianity?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that antinomianism (the belief that Christians are freed from moral law) is dangerous because:

  1. It misrepresents the true purpose of Christ's sacrifice by suggesting that once you believe in Christ, your behavior doesn't matter.

  2. It contradicts the essential teaching of the cross which is to "deliver us from this present evil world" (Galatians 1:4) and make us "zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14).

  3. It brings Christianity into disrepute when people claim to be Christians but live worldly lives, causing non-believers to ridicule the gospel.

  4. It gives people false assurance of salvation when in reality, their end is destruction.

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say is the ultimate fate of those who are enemies of the cross?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes repeatedly that "their end is destruction." He quotes several scripture passages including Matthew 7 and Luke 17 to show that those who merely profess Christianity but don't live it will face eventual judgment. He warns that many will say "Lord, Lord" on judgment day but will hear "I never knew you, depart from me."

The destruction he speaks of isn't annihilation but "everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord." He uses biblical examples like the flood in Noah's time and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah to illustrate how sudden and complete this judgment will be.

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones contrast true Christianity with worldliness?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones contrasts true Christianity with worldliness in several ways:

  1. True Christians set their minds on heavenly things; worldly people focus only on earthly matters.

  2. True Christians view the cross as something that crucifies them to the world; worldly people see religion as just a way to avoid hell while continuing to enjoy worldly pleasures.

  3. True Christians are zealous for good works and holiness; worldly people use grace as a license to sin.

  4. True Christians are grieved when they sin; worldly people glory in their shameful behaviors.

  5. True Christians take Christ as both Savior and Lord; worldly people want to accept Him only as Savior without submitting to His lordship.

What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say is the proper response to the cross of Christ?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the proper response to the cross includes:

  1. Thanking God not only for forgiveness of sins but also for deliverance from the power of sin in our lives.

  2. Seeing the cross as something that crucifies the world to us and us to the world (Galatians 6:14).

  3. Desiring to know Christ, "the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings."

  4. Saying "love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all."

  5. Taking Christ as both Savior and Lord, recognizing "You're not your own, you're bought with a price."

  6. Longing for holiness and seeking to be worthy of being called a child of God.

Other Sermons

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.