1 LIFE IN CHRIST Philippians 3:1-8 (King James Version) 1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. 3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. 4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, THERE IS LIFE IN CHRIST! THE OLD TESTAMENT GAVE THE LAW. WHEN CHRIST CAME HE BROUGHT LOVE AND LIFE.
1. REJOICE IN CHRIST Philippians 3:1 (King James Version) 1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. 1. PERSON "... REJOICE IN THE LORD." 1. REJOICE IN HIM! NOTE THE WORDS OF THE PSALMIST IN Psalms 16:11 (King James Version) 11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. 2. REJOICING WILL CHANGE YOUR WHOLE OUTLOOK ON LIFE. 3. PROBLEM 1. THOUGH PAUL SUFFERED SO MUCH HE DIDN'T COMPLAIN. 2. HE COULD SING WHILE SUFFERING Acts 16:25 (King James Version) 25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 1. ALL THE SUFFERINGS COULD NOT DISCOURAGE HIM Acts 20:24 (King James Version) 24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. 2
3 4. PROTECTION "... BUT FOR YOU IT IS SAFE." 1. THERE IS SAFETY IN THE JOY OF THE LORD. 2. HE WANTS OUR JOY TO BE FULL John 15:11 (King James Version) 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
4 2. REALITY IN CHRIST 1. PROBLEM Philippians 3:2 (King James Version) 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. 1. "BEWARE OF DOGS..." 1. IN BIBLE TIMES DOGS WERE NOT PETS. 2. THEY WERE HATED. 3. HERE PAUL COMPARES WICKED PEOPLE WITH DOGS. 2. PARDON. Philippians 3:3 (King James Version) 3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. 1. PARDON FROM SIN IS NOT IN THE CEREMONIAL LAWS, BUT THROUGH CHRIST Ephesians 2:8-9 (King James Version) 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 1. JESUS SAID HE WAS THE ONLY WAY JOHN 14:16.
2. THE APOSTLE PAUL SAID THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO ATTAIN SALVATION Acts 4:12 (King James Version) 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. 3. PERSONALITY 5 1. JEWISH FAITH. Philippians 3:4 (King James Version) 4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 1. PAUL WAS BORN INTO A JEWISH FAMILY. 2. JEWISH FIRMNESS Philippians 3:5 (King James Version) 5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 1. PAUL OBEYED THE JEWISH CUSTOMS. HE WAS A PHARISEE, A MEMBER OF THE JEWISH HIGH COURT. 3. JEWISH FAITHFULNESS Philippians 3:6 (King James Version) 6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
6 1. PAUL WAS FAITHFUL IN SEEKING TO DESTROY CHRISTIANS AND CHRISTIANITY. 3. REJECTION FOR CHRIST 1. LOSS Philippians 3:7 (King James Version) 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 1. ALL THAT PAUL GAINED HE GAVE UP 2. AFTER ACCEPTING CHRIST THERE IS A PRICE TO PAY Luke 9:23 (King James Version) 23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 2. LOVE Philippians 3:8 (King James Version) 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 1. PAUL WAS WILLING TO GIVE UP ALL THINGS BECAUSE HE LOVED THE LORD.
7 4. CLOSE WHEN ONE ACCEPTS CHRIST HE MUST BE WILLING TO GIVE UP CERTAIN THINGS. WHEN ONE IS TRULY IN CHRIST, HE HAS NEW CHARACTER 2 Corinthians 5:17 (King James Version) 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. JESUS SAID THERE ARE THREE THINGS THAT CHOKE THE LIFE FROM GOD'S WORD Mark 4:18-19 (King James Version) 18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.