Phil. 3:18-19 - Many Enemies of Christ

18 For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ,
19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.

Belligerent Pride

Vs. 18 - “For many... are enemies of the cross of Christ. ” - What a contrast from the previous verses! Rejoicing with believers in Christ versus weeping for those who are enemies of Christ. (Verses are parenthetical, in that Paul has been encouraging the church to think of “the incredible value of knowing Christ” and “living to the high standard” mentioned in previous verses, contrasting with the “dogs, and evil workers”.)

Vs. 19 - “Whose end... whose god... whose glory... who set their minds... ” The enemies of Christ: Paul leads with their ultimate end, and shows why in the next three phrases.

“ whose end is destruction” - Our souls and spirits are eternal, and there are only two (2) possible eternal options: Eternally in the presence of our Holy God, or eternal separation from Him. There are no good and pleasant descriptions of Hell. Some people who say that when we die there is just cessation of existence. So, the reasoning goes: if we don’t go to heaven, what’s the big deal?
A different scene is presented in the “great white throne” judgment in Revelation. All of creation stands before God, and those whose names are not in the Lamb’s Book of Life are cast into Hell where there is weeping and wailing. Part of the wailing and weeping in Hell is because people have seen the glory of God, and realize that forever they will never experience that again. Oh, the horror. (See: John 3:36; Psa. 73:15-17; Eze. 33:11; Rev. 20:11-15)

“whose god is their appetite” - We cannot serve God and our flesh at the same time. When we let our personal wants and desires drive our actions, we let love of the world control us. (Matt. 6:24; Rom. 1:15-23; Jam. 1:13-15; 1 John 5:12-15; Rev. 18:9-19) This is not a screed against being rich. It is a warning that money cannot buy salvation or eternal life with God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit,

“whose glory is in their shame” - Committing sin, and proud of it! I’ve heard it said, “I would rather be playing cards and drinking in Hell than being bored in heaven.” (BTW: No, neither heaven nor hell will be like that!) This belligerent pride is what produces “Give a shout out for your abortion”, promoting “Nude Bike rides”, or “Gay Pride Days”, or advertising a “Swinging Lifestyle”. Because people are not crushed the moment they sin, they begin to believe no one - especially God - has seen, and they will get away with it. (See: Rom. 1:15-23)

“who set their minds on earthly things” - Working at ignoring God and His appeals to us. This may be in relation to riches and acquiring possessions. (See: Luke 12:15; Matt. 6:31-34; Col. 3:2; 1 John 5:12-15)

***