𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗦 𝗢𝗥 𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗘?

 

𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗦 𝗢𝗥 𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗘?
PHILIPPIANS 3:18

 

 

INTRODUCTION

Many sincere believers love Jesus—but love without right division leads to confusion.Jesus’ earthly ministry was to Israel under the Law (Matthew–John), while the cross and the gospel of grace were later revealed through Paul.

When believers try to imitate Christ’s earthly ministry instead of trusting Christ’s finished work, Paul warns they may unknowingly become “enemies of the cross”.
This message explains why the Church must follow Paul’s revelation of the cross—not Christ’s earthly program.

 

 

️1. PURPOSE OF CHRIST’S EARTHLY MINISTRY

Matthew 15:24

A. Promised to Israel – Christ ministered to the lost sheep of Israel Romans 15:8

B. Performed Under the Law – Circumcision, Sabbath, kingdom signs Galatians 4:4

C. Proclaimed the Kingdom – Not the gospel of grace Matthew 4:17
His earthly ministry was not directed to the Church.

 

 

️2. PROBLEM OF IMITATION WITHOUT DISPENSATION

2 Timothy 2:15

A. Confusing Programs – Israel ≠ Church 1 Corinthians 10:32

B. Corrupting Doctrine – Mixing law with grace Galatians 5:1

C. Creating Contradictions – Commands that don’t apply today Acts 15:24
Imitation without right division produces error.

 

 

️3.PROCLAMATION OF THE CROSS REVEALED LATER

1 Corinthians 2:7–8

A. Hidden Wisdom – The cross was a mystery Colossians 1:26

B. Hindered Understanding – Even apostles didn’t grasp it early Luke 18:34

C. Heavenly Revelation – Revealed fully to Paul Galatians 1:11–12
The cross doctrine was not preached during Christ’s earthly ministry.

 

 

️4. PAUL’S PECULIAR APOSTLESHIP

Romans 11:13

A. Appointed to Gentiles – Not Peter, James, or John Ephesians 3:1

B. Authorized by Christ – From heaven, not earth Acts 9:15

C. Assigned a Mystery Message – The Body of Christ Ephesians 3:6
Ignoring Paul means ignoring Christ’s heavenly ministry.

 

 

️5.PAUL’S PURE GOSPEL

1 Corinthians 15:1–4

A. Death for Our Sins – Substitution 2 Corinthians 5:21

B. Burial as Proof – Full payment Romans 6:4

C. Resurrection for Justification – Victory complete Romans 4:25
This gospel was unknown in Matthew–John.

 

 

️6.PERIL OF BECOMING AN ENEMY OF THE CROSS

Philippians 3:18–19

A. Depending on Works – Instead of grace Galatians 2:21

B. Despising the Finished Work – Adding rituals Colossians 2:16–17

C. Denying Sufficiency – Christ plus something else Hebrews 10:14
Anything added to the cross opposes the cross.

 

 

️7.POSITION OF THE BELIEVER TODAY

Ephesians 2:6

A. Seated in Heavenly Places – Not earthly kingdom Philippians 3:20

B. Saved by Grace Alone – No law involvement Ephesians 2:8–9

C. Secure Forever – No loss of salvation Ephesians 1:13
Our calling is heavenly, not earthly.

 

 

️8. PATH OF TRUE FOLLOWING TODAY

1 Corinthians 11:1

A. Follow Paul – As he follows Christ Philippians 3:17

B. Follow the Cross – Not miracles or signs 1 Corinthians 1:23

C. Follow Sound Doctrine – Rightly divided Titus 2:1
We follow Christ today through Paul.

 

 

️9. PROMISE OF REST IN RIGHT DIVISION

Romans 8:1

A. No Condemnation – Law removed Galatians 5:18

B. No Confusion – Clear doctrine 1 Corinthians 14:33

C. No Compromise – Grace magnified Romans 6:14
Right division brings peace, assurance, and clarity.

 

 

CONCLUSION
Jesus on earth preached: Law + Kingdom + Israel
Christ from heaven revealed: Grace + Cross + Body of Christ
To confuse the two is to dishonor the cross.

CALL TO ACTION

Believe the gospel of grace Study Paul’s epistles Stop mixing law and grace Glory only in the cross Rightly divide the Word of Truth
“God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.”Galatians 6:14 (KJV)

FINAL THOUGHTS

Christ’s earthly ministry ≠ our marching orders The cross is our foundation Paul is our pattern Grace is our standing Right division is our safeguard
Follow the CROSS — not the crowd.