John K. Jenkins Sr - Are You Jesus' Enemy?

Very quickly, grab your paper Bible, your iPhone, iPad, notebook, or computer-whatever you have -and return to Philippians chapter 3. It’s a New Testament book, specifically Philippians chapter 3, and I want to read verses 17, 18, and 19. Philippians 3: 17 says, «Brothers, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.» For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. Verse 18 reiterates: «For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ.» I want you to ask your neighbor, «Are you Jesus’s enemy?» Go ahead, look at them and ask, «Are you Jesus’s enemy?» Now ask the person on the other side, «Are you Jesus’s enemy?» You can be seated.

Two rather significant things happened this week that were broadcast around the world in the world of sports. The Golden State Warriors won 73 games in the regular season; I wish it were the Washington Wizards, but it was the Golden State Warriors, once led by a young man who is a devoted Christian, Steph Curry. Also, in the world of sports, another prominent thing happened — Kobe Bryant retired. Thank God for 20 years with the same team and five NBA championships. I stayed up to watch his final game. In fact, I was going back and forth between the Lakers' game and the Golden State Warriors' record-breaking game. During the Kobe game, they showed a commercial you might have seen; if you haven’t, look it up. It featured different players and fans standing in an arena, saying to Kobe, «We hate you.» You might have seen it; it’s hilarious and funny, with Kobe actually directing them as they sing. Look it up; you’ll see it.

But here are these people saying they hate Kobe. Now, I’m not a Kobe fan, but to say you hate somebody… I’m trying to figure out why they hate Kobe. Here 's why: they hate him because he would come in and defeat their teams. It’s not that the Lakers would defeat them; Kobe would defeat them, scoring 50, 60, or even 70 points. They hated him, so he became their enemy. They didn’t want to see him come to the game; they didn’t want to see him come to the arena to play because they knew the chances were he was going to lead the Lakers to a win. So, he was their enemy. «Enemy» is a strong word. When you say someone is your enemy, that’s a serious statement to make. Yet, Paul the Apostle, writing to the church in Philippi, says there are some people living their lives who fall into the category of being enemies of the cross. That 's a strong claim to make today, and it 's a weighty thing to say. I mean, an enemy-someone who opposes you- is a serious matter. The Apostle Paul writes to the church in Philippi and states there are some who are enemies of the cross of Christ. That word «enemy» means they are opposed to God; it means they are hostile. They are filled with hate; they are walking in demonic territory. When we say that someone is the enemy, that’s what it means.

Now, here’s what God said to me while I was preparing this message. I need to abbreviate my message; I’m a little behind schedule, but can y’all stick with me? Can y’all hang on for a few more moments? Here 's the deal: I’ve come to the conclusion that just because you have a Bible under your arm and a cross around your neck doesn’t make you God’s friend. In fact, the church is full of people who walk in with their Bibles, who raise their hands during praise and worship — all that is great and fine-but the real question is, what is your life like when church is over? What 's going on in your life once you walk off these grounds? As a matter of fact, before you get to your car, what’s your attitude like? The reality is that Paul is writing to them, saying there are people who are enemies of the cross.

Now, I want to be clear: God doesn 't want to be your enemy; He wants to be your friend. Matter of fact, Jesus said in John 15 on multiple occasions, " God wants to be your friend.» Even though you’ve got some practices in your life that aren’t right, He wants to be your friend; He loves us. Here 's what Jesus says: «If you love me, keep my commandments.» Then He adds, «You will be my friend .» See, if you love me, keep my commandments. He expresses this in John 15, saying, «If you lay down your life for someone, you are my friend if you do what I have commanded.» In fact, in John 15, He says, «I no longer call you servants; I want to call you friends.» So, we must examine whether we are God’s friend or whether we are God’s enemy. You fall into one of those categories.