Untitled Sermon (9)

Philippians 3:1–10 (ESV)

1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.

2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

If God was to ask you “why should I let you into MY kingdom” what would you say? What would you have to offer?

Paul is talking to the Philippians here about Jewish people who are pushing Christ along with the ritualistic circumcision, but they themselves did not push faith. They held traditions closer than they held Christ. They were good at keeping the laws, but when you remove Christ from the laws you have nothing.

Circumcision means to cut around. Those who experience spiritual circumcision cut off the unnecessary weight of the world and of sin (When you cut the world off, you protect yourself from sin, which avoids unnecessary baggage.)

Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

You cannot earn salvation. We discussed that last week, but Paul offers these things as an argument:

If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.

Jews were circumcised on the 8th day of their lives. Interesting fact, do you know what happens when you cut yourself? You bleed. What stops the blood? Clotting. What clots the blood? Vitamin K. How long are you alive until vitamin K begins to show up in your system? 8 days. See why God told the Hebrews to wait 8 days before circumcising? And people say that God is not a God of science. But Paul was circumcised according to law. He had the fleshly mark of God.

He is of the people of Israel therefore he is on of God’s chosen people

He is from the tribe of Benjamin

As to the Law? A Pharisee. Which meant that he held every law to the highest standard. So much that he persecuted Christians when they pursued Jesus. The so called blasphemous prophet.

He was blameless according to the laws. If anyone deserved to go to heaven by the standards of the laws of Old Testament, it was Paul.

Heres the deal though. The laws were given to keep people in line. Do you get a reward for following the speed limit? NO. Do you get a reward for not robbing banks when you enter them? NO. Following rules allows us to live in a peaceful society. Following rules allows society to function properly.

Works does not save you. Jesus does. Place your faith in Him, and receive salvation. Paul discredits works when he says:

Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith

When you let go of works, and you take hold of salvation in Christ alone, you gain freedom. Think about earning your salvation. Trying to do everything perfectly. Failing, and then trying harder the next day only to fail in some way then too. Day in and day out trying to chase something you will never catch. But when you realize that you will never be enough, but Jesus is, and you throw all that you have onto Him and trust Him for your salvation, then you will have freedom.

But here is what you gain when you obtain spiritual freedom. The pleasure of sin begins to weigh you down. The desire to run to sin fails you. Filthy conversations detest you. Immoral acts eat at you. Everything that the worldly, sinful people delight in, you find repulsive. You see, when you give your life to Christ, He takes it and makes it something new. You no longer belong to this world, but you belong to God. What He hates, you hate. What brings Him happiness, cause you to be happy.

My primary goal is for you to be happily free of trying to please God on your own, and fully relying on Christ for your salvation. Next secondary goal is to see that you walk in Christ in a manner that pleases God. Though this walk can be difficult at times, it is achievable.

If you want help out of sin that your in, come talk to me. I assure you I have seen it all.

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