Philippians 3:1-10

Introduction

Today we are continuing in our study through Philippians

Turn with me in your Bibles to Philippians 3. We’ll be in verses 1-11 today

Scripture

Philippians 3:1–11 CSB

1 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. 2 Watch out for the dogs, watch out for the evil workers, watch out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 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—4 although I have reasons for confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised the eighth day; of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; regarding the law, a Pharisee; 6 regarding zeal, persecuting the church; regarding the righteousness that is in the law, blameless. 7 But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. 8 More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them as dung, so that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God based on faith. 10 My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death, 11 assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead.

Main Point/Context

Quick recap for those who those who have forgotten/those who are new to this series

Philippians is a letter written by Paul to the church at Philippi, a city within the Roman Empire - an empire trying to figure out what to do with the “new sect, Christianity”

In chapter 1, he talks about Biblical relationship, Biblical suffering, and Biblical purpose

notice the order - expound

Then in chapter 2, he talks about the humility of Christ - which is necessary to do the things he talked about in chapter 1

And finishes chapter 2 by reminding them to work out their salvation - which is the process of living out everything discussed prior

That brings us to today, chapter 3 - which teaches caution of the things of the world

We’ll see this in more detail as we go verse by verse

Prelude - Verse 1

Philippians 3:1 “1 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.”

Writing from a place of rejoicing, but gives warning

Rejoicing with safeguards, why?

The only pure rejoicing is in heaven

Watch Out - Verses 2-6

Philippians 3:2 “2 Watch out for the dogs, watch out for the evil workers, watch out for those who mutilate the flesh.”

Three descriptors to watch out for:

dogs - outsiders, non-believers of the world (don’t know)

evil workers - word play, “workers” (know, but lean into it)

mutilate the flesh - wolves in sheeps clothing (try to fool people)

Philippians 3:3 “3 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—”

We are the circumcision, not we have been circumcised - why?

It’s the Spirit within that makes us pure

Philippians 3:4-6 “4 although I have reasons for confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised the eighth day; of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; regarding the law, a Pharisee; 6 regarding zeal, persecuting the church; regarding the righteousness that is in the law, blameless.”

Paul was the epitome of celebrity and status

Still wasn’t enough

In the following verses he speaks of how to watch out

Goal of knowing Jesus - verses 7-11

Philippians 3:7 “7 But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ.”

expound

Philippians 3:8 “8 More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them as dung, so that I may gain Christ”

expound

Philippians 3:9 “9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God based on faith.”

expound

Philippians 3:10 “10 My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death,”

FBI counterfeit training illustration

Begin invitation

Philippians 3:11 “11 assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead.”

“somehow” what a marvelous mystery

Closing Thoughts/Invitation

Holy Spirit led