Phil. 3:5-6 - Paul’s Personal

5 circumcised the eighth day, of the nation 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 the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.

You Want Credentials? I Have ‘Em!

Paul expands this theme more fully in the letter to the Galatians 1:13-2:21.

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Vs. 5 - “Circumcised... Israel... Benjamin... Hebrew... Pharisee.” In Paul’s mind, there are no better credentials than those listed here:

• He is from the same tribe as king David and Jesus - Benjamin.
• He was born in Bethlehem, just as was king David and Jesus (1 Sam. 17:12; Matt. 2:1).
• He is a descendant of Jacob (a.k.a. “Israel” ) (Gen. 32:28). The twelve tribes rescued from Egypt were descendants of Israel.
• He is a descendant of Abraham - the ancestor of the promise (Gen. 14:13).
• And he was a Pharisee - someone who closely associates himself with strict observance of the Law in order to avoid influences of Greeks or other pagans. (“Pharisee” - means, at least in part, “separated”.)
• His “badge of honor” - circumcised, as commanded by the Lord. (See: Gen. 17:10-14; Exo. 12:48; Lev. 12:3; John 7:22, 23) The Jews were very proud of being circumcised, even to the point of ‘looking down’ on those who did not observe or practice this ritual. (Judg. 14:3, 1 Sam. 14:6; Isa. 52:1.) Conquering nations tried to prevent them from observing it. Guess what, the Jews refused to submit!

Vs. 6 -“as to zeal” - Paul was not content to rest on his ancestry (Take that “23-and-me”! In your face!). This man was driven to live his life according to his beliefs. One of our pastors mentioned in a sermon, “How you conduct your life shows what you believe, not just what you say you believe.” Paul believed the church of Jesus Christ was blaspheming against the Holy God of Israel. This could not stand! (See: Acts 7:59-60; 8:3; 9:1-2; 22:4,5; 26:9-11) He was not content just to denounce these blasphemers. He went after them! (See: Gal. 1:13, 14)

“As to righteousness... in the Law” - See Phil. 3:5, Paul was a Pharisee, a strict follower and keeper of the Mosaic Law. If anyone - in Judah or the rest of the known world - anyone, could claim to have attained righteousness through the Law, it would be Paul. Blameless! And proud of it.

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Phil. 3:2-4 - Beware

2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision;
3 for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,
4 although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more:

Put No Confidence in the Flesh

Vs. 2 - “Beware of the dogs” - We are thinking, “Awww. That’s not a nice thing to say about pets.” In those times, in that area, dogs were not pets. Dogs were mostly feral, running in packs, and were scavengers. The dogs ate dead things, dead bodies and therefore were unclean. One famous incident concerned King Arab and Jezebel (a truly evil king and queen). She was killed and her body was thrown off the wall of the city. They went out later to get her and bury her (she had been queen, after all), and all they found was her skull - the dogs had picked her clean! (See: 1 Kings 14:11; 16:4; 21;23; 2 Ki. 9:33-35). The Jews treated Gentiles like they were dogs. This may be part of the reason they could see no reason to share the gospel with Gentiles - why waste this message on dogs, on the unclean? (See: Matt. 15:26).
Paul draws on that imagery. False teachers are unclean in Paul’s estimation - no better than the carrion eating dogs. Following false teachers prevents you from joyfully following Christ, just as being unclean meant you could not come into the temple and do sacrifices.
We are to be pure, just as Christ is pure. Christ and Christ alone provides that purity, (See: Jude 24). His blood purifies us of all sin. (1 John 1:7) 

“beware of the false circumcision” - This is the first mention of the problem they are facing. The first and second chapters are reminding them of their salvation and joy, of Paul’s love and concern for them. This warning is not as severe as that given in the letter to the Galatians.
Circumcision is similar to Christian baptism in that it is a physical announcement, or symbol to the world that you belong to God and Jesus. Circumcision did not save the Jew, but it showed the world their life was committed to God. Baptism does not save. Being baptized tells the world you have made a commitment to Christ as your Lord and Savior. It is faith in Christ, His sacrifice and resurrection, that will give you the inheritance of eternal life.
Adding circumcision to the requirements to be ‘saved’ will NOT save you from your sins. This means false hopes. Basing your life on false information takes you further away from certainty and hope.

Vs. 3 - “We are the true circumcision” - What is Paul writing about, “True circumcision?” Physical circumcision has no impact on your salvation, just as it did not save the Jews. It is therefore “false” if you place your hopes on it.
So, what is “true circumcision?” Paul addresses the effectiveness of circumcision in Rom. 2:25-29. The outward evidence is of little value if the inner quality of the man is not centered on Christ. He reminds us that Abraham’s righteousness was accorded him before Abraham was circumcised. His faith that was rewarded. (See: Rom. 4:10-12.)
Our bodies are dead to eternity. We are literally “The Walking Dead.” God does not repair these bodies, but provides us with new bodies that will be just like Jesus. - we will be just as He is. (1 John 3:1-3) The flesh, the old nature, means death. (Rom. 8:10, 13; 1 Cor. 15:42; 1 Pet. 1:15) Living in the Spirit means life. (2 Cor. 3:16) The difference between the flesh and the Spirit is that of death and life. (See: Rom. 7:5, 8:6,13; 1 Pet. 3:18) Compare Rom. 7:4 with Rom. 8:13.

“Worship in the Spirit of God...” - Christ said, “But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:23-24) The Jews gloried in their relation with Abraham - they were his ‘children’, and so by extension they were ‘children of God’ because of the promise made to Abraham. The personal physical evidence of that was circumcision. Apparently no other nation or tribe did this. The Jews were unique in this matter.
However, this claim has no more validity than a person claiming they are ‘Catholic’ because they are born to Catholic parents. Each person is responsible for their own decisions. (See Ezek. 18:20)
What is the key to being the ‘true circumcision”? Jesus said,”If you abide in My word, then truly you are disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” See Rom. 10:9,10; Acts 16:31. His word: confess that “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” (Matt. 16:15). Love God. Love others - just as God in Christ has loved you.

Vs. 4 - “might have confidence in the flesh.” - In verse three above, Paul puts “no confidence in the flesh.” He says that if anyone, anywhere, anytime could be confident in personal performance and accomplishments, it would be Paul. If anyone is going to boast, it would be him. (See: 2 Cor. 11:18) He explains in the next two verses.

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Phil. 3:1 - Rejoice in Jesus

1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.

Rejoice!

Vs. 1 - “Finally” - You would think Paul is summing up, and closing the letter. (This would be a really long closing - 46 verses.) I think Paul is saying, “After all the things I have told you and shared with you, remember to rejoice in the Lord! Don’t worry about me. Your confidence is in Christ Jesus.” This applies to us as well. Our salvation is in the Lord. Our hope is based on Him, and His resurrection. Heaven awaits, no matter what is happening to us! Don’t worry about circumstances! Focus on Christ!

“To write the same things again is no trouble” - He didn’t mind sharing the gospel message. He didn’t mind helping them focus on Jesus. Paul’s reason for existence is to share Christ and make disciples. He also knows the more they seek Christ in their lives, the more abundant their lives will be. (John 10:10b)

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Phil. 2:25-30 - Return to Sender

25 But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need;
26 because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.
27 For indeed he was sick to the point of death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, so that I would not have sorrow upon sorrow.
28 Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you.
29 Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard;
30 because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me.

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Our Friend, Epaphroditus!

Vs. 25 -“I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus” - Until Timothy is available, Paul is going to have Epaphroditus return to his home church in Philippi.

“who is also your messenger” - Epaphroditus was sent from Philippi to Rome with aid for Paul.

Vs. 26 -“he was longing for you all” - Homesick. Also, we do not know how long Epaphroditus was in Rome serving Paul for the church.

“(he was)... distressed” - He did not want the church to be worried about him.

Vs. 27 -“he was sick to the point of death” - There is no information about what ailed him. Remember, there were no doctors, no modern medicine - almost any illness could be fatal. Also, news travelled slowly - no telephone, no internet, no 24-hour news service. News sent from Rome to Philippi may take days or weeks. The request for more info would require even more weeks. All the while, worry and concern mounts. Epaphroditus was a valued member of the church - they trusted him enough to send him to Paul in Rome with whatever aid they had gathered.

Vs. 28 -“when you see him again you may rejoice” - Now that Epaphroditus has recovered, Paul is overjoyed to be able to send him home. He will bring news of Paul’s ministry.

Vs. 29-30 - “Receive him then in the Lord with all joy” - Honor Him because he risked his life on your behalf.

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End of Chapter
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Phil. 2:19-24 - Help is on the Way

19 But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition.
20 For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare.
21 For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus.
22 But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father.
23 Therefore I hope to send him immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me;
24 and I trust in the Lord that I myself also will be coming shortly.

Timothy!

Vs. 19 - “so that I also may be encouraged” - Paul is concerned for the welfare of the Philippian church no matter his circumstances. He ‘knows’ it is more important for him to remain on earth to minister to their spiritual needs rather than be in heaven with Jesus! (Phil. 1:23-24) He understands they are being buffeted by false teachings and opponents of the gospel (1:27-28) They need additional encouragement and instruction, as do we all, so he is going to send Timothy to lead and teach them. Timothy would report back to Paul about the spiritual condition of the church.

Vs. 20 - “no one else of kindred spirit” - When I first read this, my reaction was, “Whoa! The only one?” Some of Paul’s fellow workers included Silas, Mark, Luke, Titus, and Epaphroditus (2:25-30). None of these guys had the same desire for the well-being of the church? Timothy appeared to be a very capable young man and devoted to evangelism, whether due to the teachings of his mother and grandmother, or the leaders of his home church. He also got along splendidly with Paul.
According to Unger’s Bible Dictionary, Paul sent Timothy to churches several times to minister, or to deal with issues and report back to Paul. Eventually, Timothy ended up in Ephesus to lead the church there (1 Timothy).

Vs. 21 - “seek after their own interests” - Again, this seems to be dismissing the other workers and helpers around Paul. It is more likely that Silas, Titus and the others are out on missions to churches for Paul. Those left with him are local believers and helpers, not called to be evangelists. They are not called to serve Christ in this way. Without Paul’s regular crew, he would definitely feel alone.

Vs. 22 - “you know of his proven worth” - Timothy has served Christ and Paul well. Timothy served the church at Philippi, and later at Berea with Silas (Acts. 17:14); then went from Athens to Thessanolica (1 Thess. 3:2). From there he went to Corinth, where Paul mentions Timothy in his letters to Thessanolica (1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:1). Paul relies on Timothy to start new churches and shepherd existing bodies.

Vs. 23 -“Therefore” - Timothy has the same and attitude about caring for the new believers, so Timothy is the obvious choice of someone to send.

Vs. 24 - “I myself also will be coming shortly” - Paul hopes his imprisonment will end soon, and he will be free to travel. Then he will see for himself, and personally care for this flock.

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Phil. 2:14-18 - Crooked, Perverse People

14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing;
15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,
16 holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.
17 But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.
18 You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.

You Are to be a Light in a Dark World

Paul ‘fleshes out’ his exhortation “work out your salvation” in the next paragraph.

Vs. 14 - “Do all things” - Whatever we do in our Christian lives should be done heartily, not grudgingly. (Col. 3:23,24).

“Grumbling and disputing” - Referring to secret displeasure (maybe without speaking up); deliberating and questioning what is true. It is symptom of pride and disobedience. Grumbling is a sure sign you are not getting you way. God is not doing what you want Him to do. Disputing is questioning what is going on, questioning the decisions being made - again substituting your own personal vision of ‘the way it should be done’. Anger or displeasure when you are not getting your way is symptomatic of an over-generous valuation of your self-worth. See Rom. 12:3.

For example, in Num. 16 , we see one of the most famous incidents - a group of Israelites, led by Korah, seemed to be plotting a coup against Moses and Aaron. They were angry they were not in the Promised Land. They were angry with Aaron as high priest and demanded to be priests also. They grumbled and disputed Moses’ decisions. They accused Moses of incompetence - after all, they weren’t in the Promised Land! Why should they accept Moses’ leadership? Moses pleaded with God not to wipe out the whole assembly. It does not end well for them.

Go back to Phil. 2:3, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit”, or Phil. 2:5, “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus”.

Vs. 15 - “you will prove yourselves” - Show the world your nature, the new nature given you by Christ Jesus. If you follow Jesus’ example (v. 5) - putting others ahead of your personal wants (v. 8) - you will become what God has planned (v. 12, 15).

“blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach” - Jesus will present His church to God the Father free from fault or defect. God determined we, the believers, would be perfect in Jesus. We will stand before His Glory confirmed blameless. God in His sinless perfection provided the perfect answer to our sin - Himself! We who are guilty of sin against God - it is our nature - will be pronounced innocent. (See: Jude 24, 25; Psa. 32:1,2; 1 Cor. 1:8, Eph. 1:4, 5:27; Col. 1:22; 2 Pet. 3:14; Jude 1:24 )

I love the verses in the letter, 1 John: “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John 3:2-3) We will like Him! We will be pure! Without spot or blemish. Free to walk and talk with God, face-to-face, without fear, without shame. Above reproach - no one, no man, no angel, even God Himself finds no fault in us.

“a crooked and perverse generation” - This describes all generations, in all parts of the world, for all time. Some like to say people are basically good. While it is true that all people have a conscience (provided by God), not all people follow that conscience. Just consider the political shenanigans in the United States in the last two or three years - ‘nuff said. However, even the most perfect and considerate person is crooked and perverse when compared to God.

God is too glorious, too much for humans to face. See Isaiah’s and Ezekiel’s reaction to their visions of God. (Isa. 6:5; Ezek. 1:28) They thought they were going to die - it was too magnificent. Moses, who probably had more interactions with God than any other human (excepting Jesus!) desired to see God’s glory. He was told no human could see God and live! (See: Exo. 33:18-23).

Vs. 16 — “holding fast the word of life” - Pay attention to Jesus’ words; cling to them; apply them to your lives. Have them always in ‘front’ of you so you can heed them as you go through life. This is similar to the exhortation in Proverbs, "Let your heart lay hold of my words; keep my commands so that you will live. Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding; do not forget and do not turn aside from the words I speak. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will guard you. Wisdom is supreme - so acquire wisdom, and whatever you acquire, acquire understanding! Esteem her highly and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. She will place a fair garland on your head; she will bestow a beautiful crown on you." (Pro. 4:4-9)

“So that...” - Paul is looking forward to eternity. When we all face Jesus, Paul will be rejoicing with the angels, the saints, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit for the believers saved by the blood of Christ. Paul will know that the gospel shared with the Philippians bore fruit - lives saved.

When someone rejects the saving grace of Jesus, it is their personal decision. Paul is making their success - salvation - personal. He has worked so hard to clearly tell the message. If they turn their back on Jesus, he sees that as a personal failure. See Rom. 10:13-14. He came, he preached, and they believed. Praise the Lord. But some do not believe, and Paul wonders how he failed them. Was he not clear enough? If the believers are lured away by false teachers, Paul wonders did he not work hard enough to show them the way?
On the other hand, should God cut you some slack, and forgive you even when you have rejected Him and His grace? You must make that decision, and no one else. (That is a rough paraphrase of Job 34:31-33)

Vs. 17 - “drink offering” - Paul looks back to the sacrifices and offerings of his Jewish upbringing. This may not have had much significance to Gentiles. The ‘drink’ offering was always wine. Seldom was it offered by itself, but with another type of offering or sacrifice. We might consider it a tithe, returning to God what is already His.

“Sacrifice and service” - The sacrifice is the object offered; the service is the act of offering. Christ is the one in whom we believe and are saved. His death is the sacrifice that pays for our sin. We offer our faith to God, believing in the Son and the efficacy of His death and resurrection. The evangelist or preacher is not the sacrifice, but offers himself as a tithe to God. Returning to God that which He has provided, a life blessed and sent out for the lost.

A couple of commentaries indicated the ‘drink offering’ along with ‘sacrifice and service’ were Paul’s reflections on his upcoming execution when convicted in Roman court. I am not sure I buy that premise. There are a couple of reasons: (1) This letter was written about 61 A.D. during Paul’s first imprisonment. (2) Paul was not executed until his second imprisonment, about 68 A.D. (3) Paul thought he was about to be set free, and planned to come to Philippi.

“I rejoice and share my joy” - And I am happy to do it! My joy comes from knowing Christ as Lord and Savior. I want you to have the same joy. Our joy is not circumstance dependent. Do we confuse happiness with joy. I think it is very probable.

Vs. 18 - “rejoice in the same way” - Our joy is in the Lord, and what He has done for us.

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Phil. 2:12-13 - Obey

12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;
13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

Without Me Looking Over Your Shoulder...

Vs. 12 - “So then... work out your salvation” - The heart of this sentence is right here. Read carefully - it does not say ‘work for your salvation’, i.e., earning your salvation. “Work out” is a busy word in the NT, and it always seems to be about action! Here is just a few thoughts:

• Tribulation produces perseverance (Rom. 5:3; Jam. 1:3)
• Sin is manifested in what I am doing (sometimes even though I don’t want to be doing it) (Rom. 7:13, 15, 17, 18, 20)
• Jesus worked through me (Rom. 15:18)
• Affliction produces glory (2 Cor. 4:17)
• The world produces death (2 Cor. 7:10);
• Having done everything, stand firm (Eph. 6:13)
• The salvation provided in you from Jesus Christ will be demonstrated by your actions. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16)
• Believers are not to be passive. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...” (Matt. 28:19)

Does this mean you are to whip out your copy of the “Four Spiritual Laws” (an booklet for sharing Christ) to everyone you meet? No. (But have it memorized so you can be ready to share!)
Christ working in you should be obvious to everyone - it will be out there.

“With fear and trembling” - Always being aware that it is Christ whom you serve - the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings, creator and sustainer of the universe. “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.” (Col. 3:23) Christ working in me, will show in my actions - which is where the ‘fear and trembling’ comes to bear. Is my life pleasing to God? Am I living out my salvation in such a way that others will want the same?
These are not rhetorical questions!

“Just as you have always obeyed” - The things they learned from him they have followed, whether he was there or not. Paul commends the church family and exhorts them. (See: 2 Tim. 2:2, Phil. 4:7)

Vs. 13 -“it is God who is at work in you” - One of the beautiful things about living the Christian life is that you are not on your own! The command to work out your salvation is not sending out on a solo mission.

We can do nothing without Christ. (John 15:5)
He has provided a “helper”. (John 14:6, 26; 15:26; 16:7)
God works in us that we may be successful! He has given us gifts - over and above salvation! (Rom. 12:3)
God works in each of the believers. (1 Cor. 12:6, 3:6)
When we work out our salvation it is by God’s grace. (1 Cor. 15:10; 2 Cor. 3:5)God equips us (sets everything up, provisions us, prepares us, strengthens us, etc.) for what is pleasing to Him (not our will, but His will). (Heb. 13:21)

It is our surrender to Jesus’ and the Father’s will that empowers us. We can do nothing of worth on our own power. It is ALL GOD, and none of me.

A quote from Dr. Tim Keller: “Helplessness, not holiness is the first step to accessing God.” Accessing God is to be in His will, filled with His power.

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