The Book Philippians (3:1-11)

What is up Vertical. Week 4 of the Book of Philippians. We continue moving through this letter.

We all have played a “Would you rather game?” and usually those games will put you a thought place trying to decided which one is better but have you ever had a easy choice?

I often ask my daughter, do you want spanks or besitos (kisses,) guess which one she choses?

But let’s say you were given an easy choice:

Would you rather have a million dollars or $1 dollar?

Would you rather have free food or have to pay twice as much as everyone else?

Would you rather learn without any trouble or have a very difficult time memorizing your own name?

Would you rather everyone was kind and friendly to you or mean and distant?

Today, we will see how Paul is giving us a choice that is “easy.” Not easy as in there is no effort but easy as this is the smart decision.

We are on ch. 3 of the book of Philippians.

Paul writes:

Philippians 3:1 “1 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.”

Paul is about to share again something he has commonly shared before. This is not because he has nothing else to say but because the church needed to hear it again.

Think about it. Repetition is good for us because we learn and internalize things when we hear them over and over.

We are cheap, so we have Disney+ with ads… and they have super long commercials (2:30+ min) and always the same ones:

Grass Commercial

Credit Union

L.L Bean Clothing

Ring doorbell.

But there are a couple of reason why we need to hear something again:

We are not paying attention.

We are not ready to hear it.

So Paul is about to remind us that we have a choice. Here is my main point for today:

Main Point: When attending church you have an option to experience legalism or freedom. Which one will you choose?

Here is principle #1

Principle # 1- Have you experienced Legalism?

Philippians 3:2–6 2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put 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; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.”

Paul is writing to the church to remind them to be cautious. Inevitably there would be false teachers- dogs, evil doers (strong words)- that would preach legalism.

Got questions writes this:

The word “legalism” does not occur in the Bible. It is a term Christians use to describe a doctrinal position emphasizing a system of rules and regulations for achieving both salvation and spiritual growth. Legalists believe in and demand a strict literal adherence to rules and regulations. Doctrinally, it is a position essentially opposed to grace. Those who hold a legalistic position often fail to see the real purpose for law, especially the purpose of the Old Testament law of Moses, which is to be our “schoolmaster” or “tutor” to bring us to Christ (Galatians 3:24).

Galatians 3:24–26 24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. 26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith,”

Paul had experience legalism. In fact, he goes on to give his spiritual resume. I mean, this guy had every box checked when it came to who is the most spiritual in the people’s eyes.

Don’t miss that last phrase… “as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.” (Phil 3:6b) He basically is saying that he was the best jew there ever was. In fact, that is picture of legalism.

The problem with legalism is that it creates a trap- you become religious based on your own skill or discourage because you could never be that disciplined.

Legalism often fosters:

Pride: “I am good on my own.”

Arrogance: “I am better than you.”

Self-sufficiency: “I can do it on my own.”

However, this super jew turns the tables, which brings me ti principles #2

Principle # 2- Have you experienced Freedom?

Philippians 3:7–9 “7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, 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 is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.”

Paul uses accountability terms here. He is comparing what he thought use to be extremely valuable to him, now it was a detriment.

Those things that he thought got him closer to God, actually were an obstacle to freedom.

Story:

As you may know, I started a hobby of building furniture back in 2015. Here is a picture of my first dining table. You may think this looks cool and trust me when I built it, i thought too. I was super excited and proud of my skill. I thought it was super cool but then I begin to learn and realized that I could choose a nicer design, I could choose better materials, that I could put on a better finish. I could choose better. 5 years later I made this table. Now, when I look at the first picture I see trash and I would be embarrassed to give/sell that table but this other one, I am proud.

That is essentially what Paul is saying. I thought I was cool, I thought I had it but then I learn the “surpassing worth.” I did not just learn about Jesus but I understood the worth and the freedom came from knowing Christ.

Before I said that legalism foster, but the opposite is true

Freedom fosters:

Humility: I am good with God.

Gratitude: I am better with God.

Dependance: I cannot do it without God.

When you understand that worth, the value, the benefit of knowing Christ, everything changes!

Don’t miss the concept. Paul is still saying that we still need to become righteous. The point is not that our disciplines don’t matter. In fact, they matter greatly but why you set spiritual disciplines in your life should always be founded on your love for God.

Freedom is understanding that your relationship with Jesus is worth more than anything you could ever achieve on your own merit because He already achieved it.

Paul gives us the key too. We achieve this righteousness through faith in Christ.

Faith in Christ is:

Believing that you are a sinner in need of a savior

Trust that Christ’s sacrifice is the only way to be saved. You cannot add anything to your salvation

Working out what Christ has worked in you through spiritual disciplines.

Acknowledging Christ’s Lordship over your life.

Main Point: When attending church you have an option to experience legalism or freedom. Which one will you choose?

Finally Paul ends with this. If you choose freedom over legalism…

Principle # 3- Then you need to experience the Savior.

Philippians 3:10–11 “10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.”

This word “Know” refers to experiential knowledge.

For example everyone knows:

Everyone knows who is Tom Brady

But not everyone knows Tom Brady like his own Father.

In the same way, many of us know about Christ but we do not know Christ at a personal level.

Paul is saying:

I want Christ to be more than head knowledge “... I want to know Christ...”

I want Christ to be my savior “...yes, to know the power of his resurrection...”

I want Christ to be a personal and intimate relationship “...and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death...”

I want to be with Christ forever. “...attaining to the resurrection from the dead” (vs.11)

Let me end with this illustration. I want to emphasize that spiritual disciplines are a must in a believers life. I was talking to Pastor and he made the comment

What is the difference between a committed believer of Christ and a legalist Christian?

On the outside they look the same

Both will know and study Scripture

Both will pray

Both will fast

Both will give

Both will attend church

Both will serve

But their motivation will be different. One will do all this things our of duty, boasting in their ability to do it all. The other will do them to demonstrate the love and gratitude towards Christ, to learn and show others His goodness. One will put their confidence on the flesh, while the other places their confidence in Christ.

Let’s pray.