Contrasting Trust in God with Enemies of the Cross
Trust in God is a foundational aspect of biblical faith, often contrasted with the mindset of those described as "enemies of the cross." The Psalmist expresses this trust, stating, "In God have I put my trust; I will not be afraid what man can do unto me" [13]. This sentiment reflects a reliance on divine power and protection rather than human strength or worldly alliances [5, 6].
Conversely, the concept of "enemies of the cross" refers to those whose lives or beliefs stand in opposition to the central message of Christ's crucifixion. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:18 that "the word of the cross seems foolish to those who are on the way to destruction; but to us who are on the way to salvation it is the power of God" [2]. This highlights a fundamental divergence in understanding and valuing the cross: for some, it is a scandal or foolishness, while for believers, it is the source of God's power and wisdom [8, 9, 12].
The identity of these "enemies" can be multifaceted. They might include those who emphasize observant Judaism to the point of contradicting the cross, pseudo-believers living immoral lives, or professing believers who reject a cross-centered understanding of the Gospel [7, 8]. The crucifixion of Christ was considered scandalous and offensive to many in the ancient world [8]. The apostle James further clarifies that "friendship of the world is enmity with God" [3], suggesting that a worldly orientation inherently opposes divine will.
The cross itself is presented as the means by which God reconciles humanity, "slaying the enmity in Himself" [1]. Therefore, to be an "enemy of the cross" implies a rejection of this reconciliation and the path to salvation it offers [11]. Such opposition is not merely against human beings but can stem from spiritual evil [10]. The Bible warns against alliances and society with the enemies of God, as these can lead to idolatry and provoke divine anger [4]. Trusting in God, therefore, involves a conscious turning away from such worldly allegiances and a steadfast reliance on Christ's atoning work.
Sources
- Ephesians “Ephesians 2:16 (LITV) — and might reconcile both in one body to God through the cross, slaying the enmity in Himself.”
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 1:18 (BBE) — For the word of the cross seems foolish to those who are on the way to destruction; but to us who are on the way to salvation it is the power of God.”
- James “James 4:4 (LITV) — Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whoever, then, purposes to be a friend of the world is shown to be an enemy of God.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Alliance and Society With the Enemies of God — Forbidden -- Ex 23:32; 34:12; De 7:2,3; 13:6,8; Jos 23:6,7; Jdj 2:2; Ezr 9:12; Pr 1:10,15; 2Co 6:14-17; Eph 5:11. Lead to idolatry -- Ex 34:15,16; Nu 25:1-8; De 7:4; Jdj 3:5-7; Re 2:20. Have led to murder and human sacrifice -- Ps 106:37,38. Provoke the anger of God -- De 7:4; 31:16,17; 2Ch 19:2; Ezr 9:13,14; Ps 106:29,40; Isa 2:6. Provoke God to leave mean to reap the fruits of them -- Jos 23:12,13; Jdj 2:1-3. Are ensnaring -- Ex 23:33; Nu 25:18; De 12:30; 13:6; Ps 106:36. Are enslaved -- 2Pe 2:18,19. Are defiling -- Ez”
- OpenBible.info “Cross-reference: 2Chr.14.11 → Ps.37.5 (confidence: 10 votes)”
- OpenBible.info “Cross-reference: Ps.143.8 → Ps.30.5 (confidence: 20 votes)”
- Phil (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Phil 3:18: 3:18 The identity of the enemies is not known; they might have been (1) Jews or Jewish Christians proud of their circumcision (as in 3:2), whose emphasis on observant Judaism contradicted the cross of Christ; (2) pseudo-believers living a worldly, immoral life (cp. 3:19); or (3) professing believers who had rejected Paul’s cross-centered view of the Good News. Christ’s crucifixion as a criminal was scandalous and offensive to many (see 1 Cor 1:23; cp. Rom 9:33; 1 Pet 2:8).”
- Philippians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Philippians 3:18: 3:18 The identity of the enemies is not known; they might have been (1) Jews or Jewish Christians proud of their circumcision (as in 3:2), whose emphasis on observant Judaism contradicted the cross of Christ; (2) pseudo-believers living a worldly, immoral life (cp. 3:19); or (3) professing believers who had rejected Paul’s cross-centered view of the Good News. Christ’s crucifixion as a criminal was scandalous and offensive to many (see 1 Cor 1:23; cp. Rom 9:33; 1 Pet 2:8).”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 1:18: 1:18-31 Paul contrasts eloquence and human wisdom, which were highly valued by some of the Corinthians, with the foolish message of the cross—the expression of God’s wisdom. The followers of Apollos, in particular (see 1:12), were probably attracted by his rhetorical abilities and intellectual approach to ministry (see Acts 18:24-28). In contrast, Paul emphasizes that the real power lies in the simple message of the cross of Christ. 1:18 The message that God is saving the world through a condemned criminal is foolish to unbelievers, for their eyes are blind”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 6:12: 6:12 Believers should not consider human beings to be their enemies. Instead, the opposition they face comes from the unseen world of spiritual evil, and Christ has authority over that realm (see 1:21-22).”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 10:26: 10:26-31 The author interjects a strong warning concerning the danger of rejecting God’s Son and his authoritative word. The warning challenges hearers to respond with a commitment to follow Christ. 10:26-27 deliberately: Open rebellion against God’s laws was described as “sinning with a high hand” (see study note on Num 15:30-31). Here the author has in mind specifically a rejection of Christ and his work. Christ’s sacrifice for sins has done away with the sacrificial system of the old covenant (Heb 9:11–10:18). If a person rejects the Son’s sacrifice, there is”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 1:25: 1:25 What the unbelieving world considers foolish and weak—Christ and the message of the cross—is in reality wiser and stronger than anything the world has to offer. It solves the world’s greatest problem, the problem of sin, and overcomes all the powers of evil that oppose human beings.”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 56:11: In God have I put my trust,.... See Gill on Psa 56:4; I will not be afraid what man can do unto me; the same with flesh in Psa 56:4, and is opposed to God, in whom he trusted; and it suggests that he was not, and would not, be afraid of the greatest of men, as well as of the meanest; See Gill on Psa 56:4; Arama distinguishes between "flesh" and "man"; the former, he says, means the Philistines, and the latter Saul and his army.”