17 Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. 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 [l]appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. 20 For our [m]citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will transform [n]the body of our humble state into conformity with [o]the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself. Philippians 3: 17-21 NASB
We notice in verse 18 that the “walk” or life of many is that of enemies of the cross. Paul is not concerned here with those who are outsiders and have never known Christ. And it is for this reason that he is grief-stricken because of their un-Christlike lifestyle.
The frightening part is that their “end is destruction”. The life we enjoy in Christ is not something to take for granted. It requires commitment and effort – and time and money – as we “work out our own salvation”.
– SSXG