Philippians: Moving Toward Togetherness Together With Christ Lesson Scripture: Philippians 3:1-14

Transcription

1 October 25, 2015 Philippians: Moving Toward Togetherness Together With Christ Lesson Scripture: Philippians 3: Step by Step through the Week Monday: Read Philippians 3:1-14; 14; focus on 3:1-3 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. 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, 3:1 Having concluded his discussion of Timothy and Epaphroditus, Paul comes back to the theme of rejoicing which concluded Philippians 2:17, 18. There they were to rejoice in Paul's service on their behalf. Here they are given a new object of rejoicing. They are to rejoice "in the Lord." This is the first time this phrase is used in Philippians or anywhere else in Paul's writings. It is heavily re-emphasized in Philippians 4:4. It appears that we are beginning a distinctly new section of the book. "Finally" can also be translated "in addition" and this makes better sense here. Paul now begins laying the foundation for what he is to talk about. "The same things" would certainly seem to refer to the things he is about to say. Apparently, these were things he had already written or spoken to them and was about to repeat. Perhaps Paul had previously only spoken these things and now was going to write them. It is important to note Paul's willingness to sacrifice for others. He was more than willing to take the time and effort to write these believers. Note again how greatly God used this deposit of faithfulness. Not only did this chapter affect the Philippians, but it has changed the lives of untold saints through the last 2,000 years. 3:2 Paul now describes who they are to beware of and look out for. Note that Paul felt responsible to warn his sheep about the wolves in sheep's clothing lurking in the forest. We ought to also warn our sheep. No doubt his primary reference here is to legalizers Jews mixing the law and grace. Paul is graphic in his description of these false teachers. They are dogs (lowest animal in Mid-Eastern culture) ravenous for any prey they can find. They are workers of evil rather than righteousness. They mutilate by their teaching rather than mend broken lives. The first safeguard is to know who to beware of. 3:3 Paul completes his play on words here as he uses the proper word for circumcision. He is using "for" as explanatory, it seems, since he goes on to explain various characteristics of the New Testament circumcision. The various characteristics of those who belong to the New Testament circumcision, as opposed to the false "mutilators," are now described:

2 Here is the first of the list. In contrast to those of the false circumcision who worship (supposedly) God by the flesh, we are to be worshippers in spirit. A good crossreference here is Galatians 3:3, where flesh and spirit are well contrasted. "Worship" has the meanings "worship" and "serve" fused together inseparably. Thus we worship and serve God by means of His Spirit. The primary emphasis is the means by which we are to serve and worship God. It is to be done in utter dependence upon His Spirit, who has been deposited within us to desire and do His good will. Note the contrast here with the end of this verse. Here is the second characteristic: they glory not in the law, nor outward appearance, nor especially in men; but they glory in Christ Jesus, the One Who created all and is the source of all. This last contrast is especially important as it was one of the great problems in I Corinthians. Men have a natural tendency to glory in other men and to look for a king like the other nations around them. And yet one of the marks of spiritual maturity is that we glory in Christ Jesus, rather than those who are simply instruments of Christ Jesus. The last of these three characteristics is now described. This seems to say negatively what the first characteristic said positively. We do not put tiny confidence in the flesh. Unlike the Judaizers of the day, Paul and his men did not put any trust in what their own flesh could do for them. What exactly is the "confidence" here referring to? From the content it appears to be referring to trusting in good works of the flesh to get into heaven (verse 4 and following). We know that Paul also put no confidence in the flesh for sanctification either, and so this is probably implied also. Serving Christ and becoming like Him could not be done in the power of the flesh, for supernatural work requires supernatural energy and power. And so Paul's (and also our) confidence or trust was not in his ability but in God's great power. The common denominator of this verse seems to be internal vs. external. The Judaizers' worship was primarily external, centering on the flesh in its various expressions. We are to worship internally, centering upon the Spirit and His various expressions. How do we spot enemies of Christ who would seek to disrupt our unity? Pray God s protection over our church against any who would try to divide us or intentionally cause conflict during this transition period. Tuesday: Read Philippians 3:1-14; 14; focus on 3:4-6 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: 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. 3:4 Paul now begins his personal testimony concerning his battle with the flesh. It seems impossible that Paul is saying he has confidence in the flesh. Rather, he seems

3 to be saying that he has good reason to have confidence in the flesh. Therefore, he "might" have confidence in the flesh if it were not for his conversion to Christ. Paul now challenges the fleshiest of the flesh to stand up. Whoever he or she is, no matter how much reason they have to boast of in the flesh, Paul has more. If anyone wants to match fleshly credentials, Paul is more than willing, for he has a very impressive array. In fact, he now describes them. 3:5 First, Paul gives his pedigree. As far as being an elite Jew, Paul had highly excelled. He was circumcised on the eighth day as was expected. He was, of course, not a Gentile convert but from the generation or race of Israel. Next, he was of the tribe of Benjamin, the tribe that gave Israel her first king. He was a "Hebrew of Hebrews." This implies he was a spiritual thoroughbred. And no doubt from what follows; Paul was a Hebrew among Hebrews. It is important to see that one's pedigree will not get him into heaven. We now see his practice. In regards to the law, he was highly committed (in contrast to the Sadducees). It is important to note that he joined the strictest of sects in regards to keeping the law, whereas a lesser man might well have joined an easier sect. 3:6 Paul not only had knowledge but also zeal. His zeal extended even to persecuting the church, which not many of the Pharisees were willing to do. Though Paul's zeal was misdirected, it helps us see the personality of this man who never did anything halfway. For Paul, it was all or nothing, and once that drive was harnessed in the right direction, he was greatly used for God's kingdom. Finally, we see his wholehearted practice. Not only did Paul know the law, but he also kept it. So much so, in fact, that he was blameless (amemptos, "externally pure") according to it. Paul is not saying one can attain righteousness through the law, but that if one could, he had done it. Again, we see Paul's all-out effort at whatever he pursued. Verses 4-6 might well be entitled "Paul's Pursuit of Fleshly Success." In the past, Paul had presented his body a living sacrifice to these things because he felt they would insure a successful life and true significance. What achievements are you tempted to use to qualify as a devoted Christian? Pray for a humble spirit and to be a God-pleaser rather than a man-pleaser. Wednesday: Read Philippians 3:1-14; 14; focus on 3:7-8 7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ,

4 3:7 Paul now begins his description of what Christ has caused him to do in response to these things. "But" is an important conjunction here, contrasting true and false spirituality. All the previously mentioned things and anything else he was counting on to win God's favor are now tossed away. We see an eternal accounting decision taking place. On one hand, Paul has all the things (vv 5, 6) that are gain for him. Note that none of these things are gain for Christ or anyone else; they are all trophies of his flesh. In men's eyes, Paul was a man of great stature, for his credentials were extremely impressive. He could have clung to these fleshly trophies and displayed them to the world of his day, thus winning much admiration from men. Truly these things were gain for him. But now, Christ has entered into the accounting. Though these fleshly trophies might win Paul favor from men, they had absolutely no power to win favor from Christ. In fact, these trophies of the flesh were now a wall between Paul and Christ. Therefore, Paul was willing to take these great trophies and throw them into the garbage, so that he could have the righteousness of Christ which is by faith alone. It is difficult for us to realize what a great decision this was for Paul. A whole lifetime of accomplishments had to be thrown away as worthless if he were to take hold of Christ. The accomplishments of any life without Christ are really dead works which will one day be thrown away. Why cling to them? We see here that Christ is worth infinitely more than anything we hold dear. Also important to see is that this verse is talking about justification. 3:8 Paul now shifts from a past decision ("counted") to a present decision ("count") which he is continually making. His past decision was in regards to gaining Christ; this decision is in regards to knowing Christ. Paul continues to customarily evaluate the worth of all the things he might pursue or become involved in. And he considers all things a lost cause if they do not in some way help in the deepening of his experiential knowledge of Christ. They are accounted as loss because they are simply not worth it. For nothing can compare with "the excellence of knowledge of Christ Jesus." This is a treasure above all other treasures, and more valuable than any earthly trinket. Note the use of "excellence" one competitor excelling all others. What a great description of this! There are many competitors trying to win first place in our heart, and seeking to gain our undivided loyalty. Money, sports, friends, school, etc. are just a few of the competitors fighting for control of us. Yet in this arena, only one competitor is really worthy of our complete allegiance. To know Jesus Christ intimately is "surpassingly greater" than any other thing or person upon this earth. It appears that Paul is referring back to v 7. All trophies of the flesh he has forfeited on account of Christ. How does he presently evaluate this great loss? He sees these past things as nothing more than "dung" putrid relics of his past way of life. It is important to note why he felt this way he was focused upon something infinitely greater than what he had been holding onto. One indication of our spiritual maturity is in how much worth we still place in past trophies of the flesh. Do we see them as dung in comparison to what we now have in Christ? This again is synonymous with v 7. The things (vv 5, 6) which he held dear were now thrown away as dung so that he could gain Christ. It may sound like Paul was giving

5 up many things in order to become a believer. In reality, he was giving up those things that were keeping him from exercising saving faith: namely, the various trophies of his self-righteousness. No man can take hold of the righteousness of Christ without first emptying his hands of his own righteousness. What have you lost for Christ? Pray that God would expose areas of your life that you must lose for His sake. Thursday: Read Philippi ppians 3:1-14; 14; focus on 3: and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 3:9 Paul now gives the result of gaining Christ. Most importantly, Paul will now be found in Christ instead of being found against Christ as he previously would have been. The rest of the verse further amplifies this. This amplification is again very similar to v 7. The contrast is between true and false righteousness. False righteousness was Paul's own righteousness, which he obtained from his relationship to the law. Naturally, it was really nothing more than filthy rags. True righteousness was God's righteousness imputed to Paul because of his relationship to Christ. This relationship was secured when Paul placed his faith in Christ, and Christ alone, to make him righteous. 3:10 We now have the continuation of Paul's purpose in gaining Christ. Note carefully that it was far, far more than simply getting into heaven. First, Paul wants to experience first-hand knowledge of the PERSON of Christ. He wants to know Him; not a creed or doctrine or denomination, or know about Him. And so we see the first object Paul wants to pursue is the person of Christ. The Living Word is revealed to us through the written word. Second, Paul not only wants to know the person of Christ but also the POWER of Christ. That power is the same mighty power that raised Him (Christ) from the dead. If this power can bring life to one who is dead, think what it can do for us who are now living. This power is essential for sanctification and service and is the means whereby the word of God is applied in and through the life of the child of God. Now we go on to the third stage: not only His PERSON and POWER, but also His PERSECUTION. By acquiring these first two, this third one is as inevitable for us as it was for Stephen. Paul actually desired to be a partner in the Messiah's earthly suffering, so we ought to also follow this same pattern. It's relatively easy to pursue the first two, but far more difficult to endure this third calling to Christlikeness. Christ's suffering includes more than physical or verbal abuse; it would also include

6 Christ's self-denial and sacrifice. However "sufferings" is primarily used in the New Testament to refer to persecution for the name of Christ. The result of sharing in His sufferings is now seen. As we share in the fellowship of His sufferings, we are more and more molded into the likeness of His death. This is very similar to where we are always being given over to death. Thus, we are being conformed to Him in the area of His death. Just as the Son of man had to "suffer many things" and "be rejected" and "even killed," so also is the disciple obligated. We may not physically die for Him (martyrdom) but we certainly share in His procession to the point of death. 3:11 Here is the culmination of all v 10. He desires to arrive, by whatever it takes, to the resurrection from the dead. It seems probable that this is in reference to spiritual resurrection and not physical. The primary support for this is v 12, where Paul speaks of this as being in reference to perfection or maturity. He says he has not yet attained this and it would seem very strange for him to say this in regards to physical resurrection. This also would perfectly culminate Paul's great desire to become a carbon copy of Christ. The process is described in v 10 and the results are given at the end of v 10 and here in v 11. To live as though we were resurrected saints requires the personal, experiential knowledge of the things discussed in v 10. Are we willing to pay the price for this goal and result? What we are willing to sacrifice is an unerring indicator of our life's passion. In summary, Paul, having rejected his former path to spiritual success (vv 4-6), now describes his present and true path. In essence, the goal and passion of his life looked something like this: TO KNOW (EXPERIENTIALLY) CHRIST'S: PERSON (Him) POWER (the power of His resurrection) PERSECUTION (the fellowship of His sufferings) PERFECTION (being conformed... resurrection from the dead) How do we, as the church, experience Christ s resurrection power and His sufferings? In your prayer today, praise God for the incomparable miracle of the resurrection and thank the Lord for giving His only Son for our salvation. Friday: Read Phili lipp ppians 3:1-14; 14; focus on 3: Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

7 3:12 Paul is quick to assert that he has not yet reached the goal described in v 10 and 11. It is helpful to realize that even Paul did not reach perfection in this life. This is also a key verse for countering those who believe the sin nature is eradicated at conversion. Apparently, Paul's was not. On one hand we are to strive to obtain Christlikeness, and on the other hand we must be brought to maturity by the work of Gods' spirit. It is a good practice for spiritual leaders to openly admit their shortcomings. It is equally important that it be seen that they are working to correct them. Here is the perfect balance to the first half of this verse. Paul realized that he was not perfect, but that did not in any way quench his thirst for righteousness. He continued on in hot pursuit of becoming like Christ. Many believers are content to lay in the mud because they know they will never be perfectly clean in this life. How contrary to Paul! Paul's phrasing of this is quite graphic, using a play on words. He reaches out to take hold of that for which Christ took hold of him. The reason Christ "lay hold" of us or "made us His own" is to make us like Himself, not simply get us into heaven. We ought to also be in pursuit of Christ's goal for our lives so that we take hold of that for which we were taken hold of. 3:13 Paul again reiterates what he has just said in v 12. He wants them to know in no uncertain terms that he has not yet reached perfection or Christlikeness. People need to know that we are not PERFECT saints but PROGRESSING saints. Again Paul balances recognition with responsibility. He pursues his responsibility, always recognizing his lack of perfection. We see here that Philippians 3:10 and 11 was Paul's great and primary goal in life. "One thing" Paul could have dabbled at many things, but he chose only one as his preeminent priority. He saw God's goal for his life and gave himself unreservedly to that goal. Can we also say with Paul: "one thing"? It's not wrong to have other goals but they must all be goals which spring forth as the result of this one great goal. Paul now gives us the means by which he pursues this goal. He first of all continually forgets those things behind him. Past successes and past failures are just that: PAST. Looking to the past will either make us discouraged or apathetic. Past failures will keep us discouraged, past successes will keep us apathetic or complacent. Thus we must consciously refuse to dwell on the things that lie behind us. There is no past defeat so devastating as to exclude us from going forward in the present; there is no past success so great as to exempt us from going forward to more victory. Second, Paul stretches forth to what lies ahead. The word for "reaching forward" speaks of stretching out or straining forth, as a competitor in a race. Paul "strains forth" to what lies ahead. He is intently eager to grab hold of what God has set before him, and he is focused on what there is still to do, not what already has been done. We need to continually remind ourselves to forget about that which we no longer have any control over, and to reach forth to that which we still can deal with. 3:14 Paul now describes his practice after having discussed his perspective. Interesting to note is the change of Paul's "chase" from v 6 to here. In v 6, dioko is translated "persecute." We see that Paul is also in the process of working out his own salvation. He is continually pursuing God's goal for his life. Note also that Paul was not running aimlessly, he had a specific "goal" in mind. "The goal" would seem to be

8 the goal of vv 10 and 11 (i.e., spiritual perfection). Paul was not just running; he was running to win. For he recognized that beyond the "goal" lay an imperishable "prize." What exactly is this prize Paul is referring to? The lexicons seem to like "the upward calling of God...." The main idea here may be "the prize which is the upward (heavenly) calling of God in Christ Jesus." All this appears synonymous to II Peter 1:5-11. There is a goal (vv 5-7) and a prize (v 11) synonymous here. It appears here that the prize is Christ-like character that results in eternal reward. Our "above calling" is to be conformed to the image of Christ. We have now seen what made Paul as dynamic as he was. He had God's goal for his life uppermost in his thoughts. He relentlessly pursued that goal, always keeping a proper perspective. His wholehearted bent of the soul was perverted in vv 4-6 but now purified in vv We need to help people see that this is a goal that they can give everything they have to and will be utterly satisfied with the results. What can we achieve together in Christ that we cannot achieve without Him? Pray God would give you a passion for being like Jesus Christ.