Ungodly Examples

3:17b-18 observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ...

God wants us to take special note of the people around us. He wants us to notice and observe how people live. The ones who live according to the pattern of Christ we are to esteem and imitate. The ones who live in a way that is in conflict with the pattern of Christ we are to reject as worthy of imitation:

"I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them." (Rom.16:17)

"If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame." (2Thes.3:14)

The folks Paul is speaking of in these three passages (Phil.3:18; Rom.16:17; 2Thes.3:14) are not whom we might suspect. They are not the evil people of the world. They are those who claim the name of Christ but who live their lives in a way that disproves their profession:

"I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler — not even to eat with such a one." (1Cor.5:9-11)

The ones we are supposed to distance ourselves from and consider to be enemies of the cross of Christ are those who have professed Christ and been a part of His church and who then proved by their fruit that they were Christ’s enemies, not his friends. It is the church’s duty to see that such people are lovingly but firmly put out of the church according to the procedures of Scripture (e.g. Matt.18:15-17).

"...take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother." (2Thes. 3:14-15)

"Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the wicked man from among yourselves." (1Cor.5:12-13)

Father in Heaven, I know it is only Your grace that has rescued me from being an enemy of the cross. I do not exalt myself over those who are so inclined. And I pray for those who have been put out of my church that You would grant them repentance and restore them again to fellowship with Your people. And Lord, if there is any way that my life is at enmity with the cross of Christ, please reveal that to me and change me by the power of Your Spirit.