TEXT: Philippians 3:1-2 (CSB) – “In addition, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. To write to you again about this is no trouble for me and is a safeguard for you.
Watch out for the dogs, watch out for the evil workers, watch out for those who mutilate the flesh.”
So far in this letter, we have viewed the philosophy on our purpose in life – “To Live Christ.” We have viewed the pattern for living – “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.”
Now we will view the prize of living as Paul summarizes its meaning in his life. In this chapter, Paul changes his bookkeeping system of the past, he changes his purpose for the present, and his hope for the future. We must start in this chapter with the factor that Paul is writing a thank-you note to the Philippian believers.
He is not writing as he had to other churches. Here there are no burdens, no corrections. He calls it a joy to write this letter. They had been a joy to him – and now he literally commands them to “rejoice in the Lord.”
In fact, his whole letter is one of joy in spite of the circumstances around him. He warns them to be alert to things that would destroy their joy. He gives them a warning about three personalities that could steal their joy.
“Watch out for the dogs….” What a statement to start this section. This was not a warning to the mailman. He is warning them (and us today) to watch out for those whose comfortable, non-convicting teachings lull us to sleep. They make us “feel good.” We are wrapped in a blanket of affluence – with holes sprouting everywhere. Beware of those who will keep us from salvation and from serving by the “feel good” messages that do not challenge or convict us about our lifestyles.
Then, he calls out to them to watch out for “the evil workers ….” These are those who will abuse and use other believers for their own personal gain. It could be monetary, prestige, or anything that makes them stand out about the crowd (for their glory, not God’s).
The third personality he warns about are “those who mutilate the flesh.” He is not talking about tattoos or body piercings (that is a whole different subject). He is speaking of circumcision, and those who made it a way for salvation. We have a term for that today - Legalists! A legalist is anyone who adds anything to the Cross of Christ to get saved, and those who add anything to the Cross of Christ to stay saved. Salvation is plainly taught in the New Testament that it is not the outward rituals, but the internal change – a new heart attitude toward God.– we can’t work our way to heaven.
In verse 3 Paul reminds them (and us) that we “do not put confidence in the flesh….” Not what we do, but what has been done.
Today, ponder over the teachings that Paul gives in these verses. Paul tomorrow will show us a pedigree that should fill the bill – but doesn’t.
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