TEXT: Philippians 3:3-6 (CSB) – “For we are the circumcision, the ones who worship by the Spirit of God, boast in Christ Jesus, and do not put confidence in the flesh—although I have reasons for confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised the eighth day; of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; regarding the law, a Pharisee; regarding zeal, persecuting the church; regarding the righteousness that is in the law, blameless.”
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.” We are now viewing 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 saw three warnings that he gave them (and us) about personalities who could steal our joy. He is wanting us to know that to truly know Christ – it is not what we do, but what He has done that provides the means.
Now, Paul uses himself to illustrate what he means.
Paul says – “Wait a minute! You want earthly credentials – boy do I have them! Work your way into heaven? Wow, could I ever have done that – if it were possible.” He then goes on to list seven things that he had trusted in – at one time. They are important for us to meditate upon because people today foolishly still try to cling to these same things to try to get right with God
Look quickly at Paul’s list – you could call it his pedigree that by human standards should open the gate of Heaven for him:
1. “Circumcised on the eighth day,” – Paul declares that he had godly parents.
a. They made sure that they followed the law to the letter.
b. Some people rely upon “My mother’s religion…. My father’s religion…”
c. However, your parents can’t get you into heaven. They can take you to church, clean you up, show you the way – but they can’t bring you in.
d. No matter how good, no matter how close they were to God –
e. In addition, the reverse – ungodly parents are NO excuse for rejecting the Way.
2. “Of the nation of Israel,” – Paul could have claimed that he came from the right background
a. He grew up in all the right places.
b. He had status or social standing.
c. He was from the right bloodlines.
d. However, your social standing won’t get you in OR keep you out.
3. “Of the tribe of Benjamin,” – hey, Paul said that he went to the right Church or denomination
a. People are asked, “Are you saved?” And they answer by saying “I’m a ____”
b. It is not the breed or the creed – it’s the deed of Christ that opens Heaven’s gates.
c. Not the denomination, but the application – of the blood of Christ personally to our hearts.
d. The church won’t get you into heaven. It can lead the way – but it can’t do it for you.
4. “A Hebrew born of Hebrews;” - Paul declares that he was a leader in his religion.
a. Again, it is not WHAT you do, but WHO He is that opens the gates.
b. Being a Pastor, teacher, deacon, singer, etc. – won’t get you into heaven.
5. “Regarding the law,” – Paul in his day was very highly educated. He was full of knowledge.
a. How much you know won’t get you into heaven.
b. Knowing all the facts won’t get you in, knowing the person will.
c. Not the precepts, but the person!
6. “Regarding zeal, persecuting the church;” – Paul was one who was abundant in working for his religious beliefs. He had zealous works.
a. Not HOW much you do. (How many times do we need to hear this?)
b. A busy life is not necessarily a converted life. In fact, busyness can keep us from a full relationship with God.
c. You can quit your job – devote 18-20 hours a day to church work and still be lost.
7. “Regarding the righteousness that is in the law, blameless.” – Paul states that he lived a good moral lifestyle.
a. Not sincerity – you can be sincere and be sincerely wrong.
b. Not good ethics – by whose standards?
c. Not good morals – the world’s or God’s?
None of these will do it. Paul before his conversion was a highly respected religious man – a super-saint in the world’s eyes. But, when he met Jesus on the Damascus Road, he realized that it was not what he was – but who Christ is that makes the difference.
Today, ponder over what it is that you are counting on, holding on to, using to try to get into Heaven. If it isn’t Christ alone, by Grace alone, then pray that God will open your eyes to the truth and you will surrender to Him that has done what is needed for our Salvation.
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