The Art Of Making Peace- Philippians 4:1-3

The Art Of Making Peace- Philippians 4:1-3

INTRODUCTION

1. Even in “good” churches you often find brethren who have differences with each other; such was the case with the church at Philippi

2. As Paul continues with various exhortations to the Christian life, at this point he addresses his comments concerning a rift that apparently existed among two members at Philippi - Ph 4:1-3

3. How Paul approaches the sensitive task of trying to make peace between Euodia and Syntyche provides several lessons in the use of tact...
a. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are to be known as “peacemakers” (Mt 5:9)
b. From Paul, then, let us learn what we can about “The Art Of Making Peace”

[The first lesson, gleaned from verse one, is...]

I. THE PEACEMAKER MUST LOVE THOSE ON BOTH SIDES (1)

A. PAUL STARTS OUT BY EXPRESSING HIS LOVE...
1. Note the terms used by Paul...
a. “my brothers”
b. “beloved and longed for”
c. “my joy and crown”
d. “beloved”
2. Truly Paul loved the people at Philippi!

B. PEACEMAKERS MUST DO THE SAME...
1. They must have sincere love for those on both sides of an issue
2. They must be able and willing to express their love, as did Paul
3. Otherwise, they cannot be useful arbitrators in making peace
a. Loving one side, and not the other, makes impartial judgments impossible
b. The peacemaker’s advice and counsel will be open to suspicion

[With mutual love for those on both sides, the peacemaker is in a position to render a fair evaluation of the problem and the solution. Next, we see that...]

II. THE PEACEMAKER SHOULD TREAT BOTH SIDES TENDERLY AND EQUALLY
(2)

A. IN THE CASE OF PAUL...
1. Note the use of the verb “implore” (KJV, “beseech”) - parakaleo {par-ak-al-eh’-o}
a. To call to one’s side, call for, summon
b. To address, speak to, (call to, call upon), which may be done in the way of exhortation,entreaty, comfort, instruction, etc.
-- Rather than command, Paul chooses to plead with them
2. Note the repeated and equal use of the verb “implore”
a. “I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche”
b. Rather than take sides, Paul treats them both tenderly and equally

B. THERE IS A NEED FOR SUCH PEACEMAKERS TODAY...
1. Individuals who will use tenderness and fairness in treating those in a dispute
2. Again, remaining impartial, so the counsel will not tainted with any accusation of bias

[The next insight we can glean from Paul in “The Art Of Making Peace” is...]

III. THE PEACEMAKER MUST SEEK FOR ONENESS OF MIND (2)

A. NOTE PAUL’S OBJECTIVE...
1. That Euodia and Syntyche “be of the same mind in the Lord”
2. A concern of Paul already expressed in this epistle, that there be - Ph 1:27; 2:2
3. But now applied especially to these two ladies

B. IN MAKING PEACE, THERE MUST BE ONENESS OF MIND...
1. In many “peace agreements”, the participants have not truly reached a oneness of mind,only a compromise
2. Such “agreements” are often only temporary, destroyed when the remaining differences eventually resurface
3. For Christians, seeking to “be of the same mind in the Lord” becomes easy if we all strive to have “the mind of Christ” - Ph 2:2-5

[Not content with only a “cessation of hostilities”, the peacemaker seeks to go much further, dealing with the divisiveness of mind that is the true cause of the problem. Note also, that...]

IV. THE PEACEMAKER MUST USE ASSISTANCE WHEN AVAILABLE (3)

A. PAUL WAS NOT TOO PROUD TO CALL FOR HELP...
1. He sought out the assistance of “Syzygus”
a. Literally, “yoke-fellow, true companion”
b. Possibly his true name, which if so, he was being called upon by Paul to live up to his name!
2. Paul wanted this individual to help these ladies out

B. PEACEMAKERS WILL GLADLY USE THE HELP OTHERS CAN GIVE...
1. Humble, they do not feel like they have to do it all
2. Aware of others who may be in a position to provide counsel or other means of help, they will glad utilize them
3. Their goal is to make peace, not a reputation for themselves!

[Finally, we can glean from Paul that...]

V. THE PEACEMAKER MUST SEE THE GOOD AND GIVE CREDIT WHEN DUE (3)

A. PAUL DID NOT LOSE SIGHT OF WHOSE THESE WOMEN WERE...
1. They had labored with Paul in the gospel
2. They had labored with Clement
3. They had labored with Paul’s other fellow-workers as well (who though not mentioned by name, had their names in the “Book of Life” - cf. Re 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12,15; 21:27;22:19)

B. SO PEACEMAKERS MUST REMEMBER THE GOOD IN THOSE WITH WHOM
THEY DEAL...
1. It is so easy to forget that those having problems likely have much good to their credit
2. Recognizing this and giving credit where it is due increases the likelihood that one’s advice will be heeded

CONCLUSION

1. In a world that is as divided as ours, there is a grave need for those who can serve as faithful and effective “peacemakers”

2. Hopefully, by considering and applying “The Art Of Making Peace” as exemplified by the apostle Paul in this passage, we may be useful to the Lord when called upon to bring divided people together!

The Epistle To The Philippians- Chapter Four

The Epistle To The Philippians- Chapter Four

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To notice Paul's tactfulness in dealing with Euodia and Syntyche

2) To glean Paul's secrets for joy, peace, contentment, and strength

3) To consider how Paul viewed the Philippians' generosity towards him

SUMMARY

This final chapter begins with a series of exhortations to unity, joy, and peace. With great affection, Paul pleads with his beloved Philippians to stand fast in the Lord (1). With great diplomacy and a call for assistance from others, he implores Euodia and Syntyche to be of one mind in the Lord (3-4). He then follows with a call for them to rejoice always in the Lord, letting their gentleness be known to all, and through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving to allow the peace of God remove any anxiety (5-7). His final exhortations include a call to meditate on things of virtue and worthy of praise, and to imitate his example in order to ensure that God will be with them (8-9).

At last he comes to the matter which occasioned this letter, expressing joy and gratitude for the gift they had sent to him by way of Epaphroditus. As they had done before on several occasions, so now they had provided for his necessities. He is thankful, even though he was quite content, for he knows that this gift really abounds to their account, serving as a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is well pleasing to God(10-19).

His closing remarks include praise to God, and greetings from those with him, especially members of Caesar's household. As was his custom, he closes with a final prayer that the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with them all (20-23).

OUTLINE

I. EXHORTATIONS TO UNITY, JOY, AND PEACE (1-9)

A. AN APPEAL TO EUODIA AND SYNTYCHE (1-3)
1. Prefaced with an exhortation to stand fast in the Lord (1)
2. A plea for Euodia and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord (2)
3. A request for assistance in helping these women (3)

B. EXHORTATIONS TO REJOICE AND TO BE AT PEACE (4-9)
1. Rejoice in the Lord always, letting your gentleness be known to all (4-5)
2. Through prayer, allow the peace of God to guard your hearts from anxiety (6-7)
3. Meditate upon things worthy of virtue and praise, and follow Paul's example (8-9)

II. THANKSGIVING FOR THEIR GENEROSITY (10-23)

A. THEIR GIFT A SOURCE OF JOY TO PAUL (10-14)
1. Paul rejoiced when they were able to care for him again (10)
2. Not that he really had need (11-13)
a. For he had learned contentment (11-12)
b. For he had the strength of Christ (13)
3. But they have done well to share in his distress (14)

B. THEIR GIFT A SOURCE OF BLESSING FOR THEMSELVES (15-19)
1. A brief history of their giving to Paul (15-16)
2. Their giving abounds to their own account, viewed as an acceptable sacrifice to God(17-18)
3. God will supply all their needs according to His riches (19)

C. CONCLUDING REMARKS (20-23)
1. Praise to God (20)
2. Greetings from those with Paul, especially those of Caesar's household (21-22)
3. Final benediction of grace from the Lord Jesus Christ (23)

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
- Exhortations to unity, joy, and peace (1-9)
- Thanksgiving for their generosity (10-23)

2) How does Paul describe his brethren as he exhorts them to stand fast in the Lord? (1)
- My beloved and longed-for brethren
- My joy and crown

3) What two women does Paul implore to be of the same mind in the Lord? (2)
- Euodia and Syntyche

4) What is said about these two women? (3)
- They labored with Paul in the gospel
- Their names were in the Book of Life

5) In what are we to rejoice always? (4)
- In the Lord

6) Why are we to let our gentleness (or moderation) be known to all men? (5)
- The Lord is at hand

7) What is the antidote for anxiety? (6)
- Letting our requests be made known to God with an attitude of thanksgiving

8) What will the peace of God do in response to such thankful prayer? (7)
- Guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus

9) Upon what should one meditate? (8)
- Whatever things are true
- Whatever things are noble
- Whatever things are just
- Whatever things are pure
- Whatever things are lovely
- Whatever things are of good report
- Anything of virtue, anything that is praiseworthy

10) How can one ensure that the God of peace will be them? (9)
- Do the things learned, received, heard, and seen in Paul

11) What had served as a source of great joy for Paul? (10)
- The Philippians' care for him flourishing again

12) What had Paul learned? (11-12)
- To be content in whatever state he found himself

13) How was Paul able to do all things? (13)
- Through Christ who strengthens him

14) When had the church at Philippi helped Paul before? (15-16)
- When he departed from Macedonia
- On at least two occasions when he was at Thessalonica

15) Why was Paul really pleased with their gift? (17)
- He knew that it added to their account

16) How did Paul view the gift they had sent by way of Epaphroditus? (18)
- A sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God

17) Who would provide help for the Philippians? (19)
- God, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus

18) Who in particular sent greetings to the Philippians by way of Paul? (22)
- Those of Caesar's household

19) What was Paul's final prayer for his beloved Philippians? (23)
- The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all

Two Ways To Walk- Philippians 3:17-21

Two Ways To Walk- Philippians 3:17-21

INTRODUCTION

1. As we continue our examination of Paul’s “epistle of joy”, we now find him discussing two different ways to walk in this life...
a. The walk of one who is “a citizen of heaven”
b. The walk of one who is “an enemy of the cross of Christ”

2. Hopefully, there should be no question as to which way we are to walk; but to better understand why, we will look closely at some reasons Paul gives in this passage

[First, we notice...]

I. AN ADMONITION TO WALK LIKE PAUL AND OTHERS (17)

A. “JOIN IN FOLLOWING MY EXAMPLE...”
1. Paul frequently encouraged others to follow his example - cf. Ph 4:9; 1 Co 4:16; 11:1
2. Some brethren evidently took him up on it - e.g., 1 Th 1:6-9
3. In what way were people to imitate Paul?
a. To the degree he tried to imitate Christ - 1 Co 11:1
b. Perhaps also in his devotion to Jesus Christ - cf. Ph 3:7-16

B. “NOTE THOSE WHO SO WALK, AS YOU HAVE US FOR A PATTERN...”
1. Just as there were some in Thessalonica who imitated Paul (1 Th 1:6-9), so there were those at Philippi who did the same, and were thus worthy of emulation
2. Noticing the examples of others can be very beneficial - cf. Psa 37:37
3. Especially when we consider the outcome of their conduct - cf. He 13:7

C. WE SHOULD NOT ONLY BE GOOD IMITATORS, BUT GOOD EXAMPLES
OURSELVES...!
1. This is especially true of those who teach and preach God’s Word - 1 Ti 4:12; Ti 2:7-8
2. Which includes those who serve as elders - He 13:7; 1 Pe 5:1-3

[The reasons for noting those who are worthy of emulation is given later in this passage. But first there is...]

II. A WARNING CONCERNING THOSE WHO WALK AS “ENEMIES OF THE CROSS”
(18-19)
A. “OF WHOM I HAVE TOLD YOU OFTEN...”
1. Paul found repetition to be a valuable tool - cf. Ga 1:8,9; 5:21; Ph 3:1
2. Also, that it was necessary to be negative at times - cf. Ph 3:2

B. “AND NOW TELL YOU EVEN WEEPING...”
1. Negative preaching, when necessary, should not be done without compassion - e.g., 2 Co 2:4
2. Even here, Paul is setting the right example...
a. To love our enemies
b. Even those who are “enemies of the cross”!

C. WHO ARE THESE “ENEMIES OF THE CROSS”...?
1. We know they are many people
a. “For many walk” - cf. Mt 7:13-14
b. So not just a few
2. We know their end
a. “whose end is destruction” - cf. 2 Th 1:7-9
b. Have we seriously considered the outcome of their conduct?
3. We know who is their God
a. “whose god is their belly”
b. I.e., those who are set on satisfying only their fleshly appetites
4. We know wherein is their glory
a. “whose glory is in their shame”
b. They take pride in things that are actually shameful
5. We know upon what they set their minds
a. “who set their mind on earthly things”
b. Contrast this with where Christians are to set their minds - Ph 4:8; Co 3:1-2

[Where is our “mindset”? How we answer may determine whether or not WE are “enemies of the cross of Christ”! As a motivation not to be “enemies of the cross”, we notice Paul now shares a few...]

III. REASONS TO WALK LIKE PAUL AND OTHERS (20-21)

A. “FOR OUR CITIZENSHIP IS IN HEAVEN...”
1. Our true loyalty is to that above, not that on earth!
2. It is there where our “inheritance” is reserved - 1 Pe 1:3-4
3. Therefore, we have special responsibilities - cf. 1 Pe 2:9-12

B. “WE EAGERLY WAIT FOR THE SAVIOR...WHO WILL TRANSFORM OUR
LOWLY BODY...”
1. Though now in heaven, our Savior is coming again one day! - Ac 1:9-11
2. When He does, what glory there will be for those who are “citizens of heaven”!
a. He will “transform our lowly body”!
b. It will be “conformed to His glorious body”
3. This He will do by the same power by which He subdues all things to Himself - cf. Mt 28: 18; 1 Pe 3:22

CONCLUSION

1. Are not these good reasons to walk like Paul?

2. Brethren, how are we walking in this life?
a. As “citizens of heaven”?
b. Or “enemies of the cross of Christ”?

3. The answer depends upon where we have set our MINDS:
a. If on EARTHLY things...we are “enemies of the cross of Christ”!
1) We make our bellies to be our god
2) We glory in that which is shameful
3) Our end will be destruction
b. But if on HEAVENLY things...we are “citizens of heaven”!
1) We eagerly await Christ’s coming
2) We eagerly await our transformation

4. Have you become...
a. A “citizen of heaven”? If not, why not become one today? - Jn 3:5
b. An “enemy of the cross”? If so, why not “defect” today? - 1 Pe 4:1-3

4.6. Anger and Bitterness

4.6. Anger and Bitterness

We are the sum of what we experienced in life and our reactions to these experiences. To the extent we are offended, become angry and irritated, we are limited to that extent in our spiritual walk.

• ( Rom. 12:10-11 ; Gal. 6:1 ) Our job is to restore, not to condemn or
criticize, so that we can establish God's Kingdom of peace on earth by
walking free of irritations, of criticism, of faultfinding, of blame shifting.
This is accomplished by purity of heart, love and prayers for each other,
consciousness of being in the spirit by faith ( Gal. 5:22-23 ).

• ( Eph. 4:31-32 ; Gal. 6:14 ) By an act of our will, we put-off, and by an
act of the will we put-on being a blessing. No longer controlled by life's
irritations, but we use these irritations as opportunities to reveal Christ
within to touch the other person(s).

• ( Matt. 12:34-35 ) No one or thing is the cause of your anger. The
offense reveals the spirit that is in you. Sinful anger reveals that you are
living to please self.

• ( Eph. 2:1-6 ) Desires of the flesh and mind are inhabited by envy,
jealousy, greed, and pride: the sources of anger. The enemy's job is to
keep you occupied and earthbound by these selfish feelings. This will keep
you from realizing the fullness of who and what you are in Christ Jesus.

• ( Rom. 5:3-5 ) Anger and bitterness are two noticeable signs of being
self-focused, and not trusting God's sovereignty in your life. Don't need to
protect your 'rights', the defense of self. The very things that upset you,
God will use to perfect and to motivate you to work through these
tribulations, becoming a blessing instead of a curse.

• ( 2 Pet. 1:4 ) Being a partaker of the divine nature, working through the
experiences of life God's way, we begin to realize that we are growing in
Christ, and truly being freed from the corruption of this world.

• ( Matt. 5:16 ; Eph. 4:1-3 ) Anger and bitterness are formidable
obstacles to biblical love, harmonious relationships, and maturity in Christ.
Failing to put off anger grieves the Holy Spirit and gives Satan a place in
your life obscuring your witness to others, and disrupting unity in the
body of Christ. Dealing biblically with anger and bitterness requires
wholehearted obedience to God's word in every circumstance and with
every person, even if your feelings dictate otherwise.

• ( 1 Pet. 1:13-16 ; Eph. 2:10 ; Phil. 3:13-14 ) Anger and bitterness
have no place in thought. We are to think dispassionately. The world lives
by experiences, by reason, by feelings, but we are to live by faith. We are
to live above experiences and reason. In order to think with security, we
must think about thinking. A thinking person realizes who and what he is
in Christ. He is above feelings and lives by his will based on the word of
God. He fights a good fight of faith, not feelings, and he pursues
excellencies being daily conformed to the image of Christ.

• ( Gen. 4:7 ; Prov. 24:10 ; Prov. 21:22 ) You are responsible for
controlling your spirit. Since God's word commands you to put away anger
and bitterness, then it is possible to do so.

• ( Luke 9:23 ; Gal. 5:16-17 ) Because of the ever-present temptation to
live for self rather than to live for God, you must obey God's word, pray
habitually, constantly depend on God's Spirit.

• ( Col. 1:10 ) You are not to allow anger to get the upper hand and gain
control of your mind or conduct, since Satan uses these opportunities to
affect your life. You must live in a manner to please the Lord no matter
how you feel.

• ( James 1:19-20 ) Quick to listen means to be quick to ask questions, to
get facts, to give time for the Holy Spirit to control you, then you can act
in a biblical manner.

Think Biblically

( Phil. 4:8 ; Ps. 23:1-6 ) We are to think biblically that God has promised to care for us in any situation, no matter how unsettling it may seem. Discipline your mind to honor and glorify God, to please Him in all situations. "Think" kind and tender thoughts toward the very person with whom you are or have been irritated. Focus your thoughts on solving the current problem ( James 1:5 ; James 3:13-18 ).

Speak Biblically

( Ps. 51:1-4 ; James 5:16 ; 1 John 1:9 ; Phil. 3:13-14 ) We are to speak biblically,
confess sins to the Lord and to those whom you have failed to love in a biblical manner. Don't talk about your past accomplishments, sorrows or defeats, hurts and pains but talk about the goodness of God in your life. Do not slander, gossip or use words that do not edify ( Prov. 10:18 ; Eph. 4:29 ).

Act Biblically

( Col. 3:13 ; James 1:21 ) Forgive others readily as God has forgiven you. Meditate on Scriptures related to overcoming anger and bitterness to remove the root of the foul spirit within.

( Ps. 1:1 ) Identify all danger signals, such as situations, places and personal contacts that bring temptation.

( Matt. 5:23-24 ) Make amends for wrongdoing and seek reconciliation.

( 1 Pet. 3:8-9 ) We are called to be a blessing especially to those who revile us.

4.5. Dealing with Self

4.5. Dealing with Self

Marriage Concept

( Gen. 2:7 ; Phil. 3:8 ) God formed man out of the dust of the ground. By God's breath,man received consciousness, a capacity to think, and an awareness of his environment and surroundings. Man's very being depends solely upon God. Man without God is nothing.

( Gen. 1:26-28 ) God created mankind, Adam and Eve, as one entity. Mankind is mated
to God and through the imaging process to be the revelators of God's love to the world. God blessed them, and endued them with power to be prosperous in all areas of living. All that was required was for man to voluntarily stay mated and submitted to God's authority - His word.

( Eph. 5:21 ) Both husband and wife, as separate entities, are subject to the Lord first,then to one another. By this act of obedience, recognizing God as Creator and Sustainer,they would merge into one flesh. The concept of marriage applies to the body of Christ as His bride being merged into one by obedience - individually and collectively.

Loss of Image

( Gen. 3:1-6 ) Man tested to choose to be dependent upon God or to be independent - to become their own gods. The desire that was put into them to please God, now turned to lust to please themselves. Becoming gods they looked to themselves for resources to handle life, to find within themselves wisdom, strength, and ability to understand and control life in all its manifestations. By this choice, as they changed from self-lovingothers to self-loving-self, fear became their constant companion.

Self Promotion

( Gen. 3:7-10 ) Reverential fear and awe of God and His magnificence changed to fear of punishment and a concern for the survival of the self. All man had to do was look to God,obey His word, and God would take care of everything else. Separated from God man has to look to himself for security, God no longer there to provide. Man now looks horizontally to find acceptance and approval by performing and impressing others how great he is, by controlling others, by seeking power over others: by wealth, by position. Man is always seeking to find the meaning of life within himself when the meaning of life can only be found by manifesting the glory of God in his behavior.

Remarriage

( Luke 9:23-24 ) By and through the Cross of Christ, we are enabled to resume the
original relationship with God before the fall. By the cross, we are freed from the selfloving-self and become the self-loving-others, expressing the glory of God in our behavior to others.

( Eph. 4:22-24 ) We are all conditioned by life's experiences. We are the sum of all that we encountered in life. Our culture, our environs, our circumstances in life have impacted our lives and has affected our reactions. Thus, our coping mechanisms are sensitized to cover and protect the self in competition with others. The answer to this worldly, fleshly self is to study our union with Jesus Christ, and this by the daily putting-off of the corrupted self and the putting-on of the new self by the renewing of the mind.

Battleground

( Gal. 5:16-26 ; Prov. 28:13 ; Jer. 17:9 ; Rom. 6:12-13 ) You will face constant
temptations to self centeredness that lead to thoughts, speech, and actions that are
devastating to the body of Christ and your own walk with the Lord. Those sins that
characterized your life apart from Christ must be confessed and repented of if you are to mature as a child of God.

( Eph. 1:3-14 ; Matt. 7:12 ) Man's problems is that he pays too much attention to
himself, not too little. We already know how we want others to treat us. Thus, we are
commanded to treat others the same way with the focus on the other and not self. God
has given to us all we need or want. There is nothing we should seek for ourselves but to exercise who and what we are in Christ Jesus.

Intimacy

( Rom. 8:14-17 ; 1 Cor. 1:26-31 ; Matt. 5:16 ) A proper view of self comes from an
understanding of who you are in Christ: that God is actively involved in your life, that He has chosen you to be a testimony of His power to the world, and that He gives you a purpose for living by conforming you to the image of His Son.

( Gen. 4:7 ; John 14:21 ; John 15:10-11 ; 2 Cor. 4:7-10 ; 2 Cor. 4:16-17 ; Matt.
6:33 ) Your contentment in all circumstances of life is dependent on your obedient
responses to God in your thoughts, speech, and actions. By obeying the Lord in your
daily walk, this demonstrates the Lordship of God over your life. The sense of value, of worthiness, of self-esteem comes by first seeking His Kingdom and His righteousness.

( Rom. 6:3-4 ; Rom 6:13-14 ; Col. 3:5-11 ; 1 Pet. 2:11-12 ) Envy, jealousy,
covetousness, and greed reveal a self-focus that questions God's work and provision in your life. These sins must be put-off out of your commitment to live for Jesus Christ.

( 2 Tim. 3:2-7 ; 2 Pet. 2:1-3 ) In latter days, we will be lovers of self, led on by various impulses, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Being a hearer only, you will be deluded.

Bearing His Image

( Col. 1:10 ; 1 John 3:8 ; Phil. 2:12-13 ) Daily walking in Christ, committing our will to please God, being fruitful, increasing in the knowledge of God, strengthened in His power, these changes in lifestyle give evidence that we are a child of God. As such, the potential of Christ resides within you always ready to be a blessing, destroying the works of the devil, and to reign in life through righteousness.

The True Circumcision Of God - Philippians 3:1-16

The True Circumcision Of God - Philippians 3:1-16

INTRODUCTION

1. Throughout his ministry as an apostle of Jesus Christ, Paul had to contend with certain Jewish Christians...
a. Known today as Judaizers, they were false teachers who often followed Paul wherever he went
b. They would try to bind the act of circumcision and the Law of Moses itself upon Gentile Christians - e.g., Ac 15:1-2

2. Even as he writes this “epistle of joy”, encouraging the brethren to rejoice in the Lord, he finds it necessary to warn them of these false teachers - Ph 3:1-3
a. In these verses, we find Paul making a play on words...
1) He calls the Judaizers “katatome” (mutilation) - Ph 3:2
2) And refers to true Christians as “peritome” (circumcision) - Ph 3:3
b. In doing so, he also declares that “the true circumcision” are those who:
1) Worship God in the Spirit
2) Rejoice in Christ Jesus
3) Have no confidence in the flesh

3. Using himself as an example, Paul further defines the attitudes and characteristics of those who are “The True Circumcision Of God” - Ph 3:4-16

[In doing so, Paul actually does it in an order reverse to what we find in verse 3; thus first illustrating “The True Circumcision Of God” as those who...]

I. HAVE NO CONFIDENCE IN THE FLESH (4-8)

A. IF ANY COULD, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN PAUL...
1. He could have boasted in things of a racial nature
a. “circumcised the eighth day”
1) A genuine Jew from birth
2) Not a proselyte
b. “of the stock of Israel”
1) Directly descended from Jacob
a) The Arabs could boast of their descent from Abraham
b) The Edomites could boast of Isaac
2) But only the Jews could boast of Jacob, who had prevailed with God and was given
the name “Israel” (literally, “one who strives with God”)
c. “of the tribe of Benjamin”
1) The son of Jacob’s beloved wife, Rachel
2) The only son actually born in the promised land
3) Israel’s first king, Saul, was from this tribe
4) The only tribe that remained true to Judah when the kingdom was divided
d. “a Hebrew of the Hebrews”
1) Both his parents were Jews
2) He was true to the customs of the Jews, not a Grecian or Hellenistic Jew
2. He could have boasted in things of a religious nature
a. “concerning the law, a Pharisee”
1) A very religious person
2) Belonging to a sect known for their loyalty, patriotism, and conservatism to the Law of Moses
b. “concerning zeal, persecuting the church”
1) Illustrates his sincerity and enthusiasm for his religion
2) Always true to his conscience - cf. Ac 23:1; 26:9-11
c. “concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless”
1) Not that he was perfect
2) But was diligent in fulfilling the requirements of the Law (e.g., animal sacrifices)

B. YET PAUL CONSIDERED THESE THINGS AS “LOSS FOR CHRIST”...
1. All these things which could have provided Paul with prestige and social standing, he counted as loss - Ph 3:7-8
2. In fact, he lost many things when he chose to follow Christ - cf. 1 Co 4:11-13
3. Yet, compared to the excellence of the knowledge of Christ, they were to Paul nothing more than “rubbish” (literally, “dung”)!

C. WHAT ABOUT US...?
1. Do we place confidence in our fleshly accomplishments?
2. Do we take pride in our racial background, religious heritage, etc.?
3. Or do we consider such things as “rubbish” compared to the knowledge of Jesus Christ?

[How we answer helps to determine whether we are “The True Circumcision Of God”! But there is more; those who are the “true circumcision”...]

II. REJOICE IN CHRIST JESUS (9-11)

A. THEIR JOY IS NOT IN THINGS MATERIAL OR FLESHLY, BUT IN CHRIST...!
1. As in Paul’s case, he considered fleshly accomplishments as “rubbish”
2. His compelling desire was to “gain Christ” - Ph 3:8

B. WHAT IT MEANS TO “GAIN CHRIST”...
1. To “be found in Him”, which includes...
a. “not having my own righteousness, which is from the law” (not trusting in his
keeping the Law of Moses to save him)
b. “but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God
by faith” (experiencing salvation as a gift from God through faith in Jesus)
2. To “know Him”
a. The word “know” as used here, means...
1) “to recognize” or “to become acquainted with”
2) I.e., a personal knowledge, not a theoretical or vicarious one
b. In particular, to know “the power of His resurrection”
1) The same power Paul wanted the Ephesians to know - Ep 1:18-20
2) A power that is first experienced in baptism into Christ - Co 2:12-13
3) And throughout our lives - Ep 3:20-21
4) And ultimately in our own bodily resurrection - Ph 3:20-21
c. To know “the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death”
1) In his effort to know Christ, Paul wanted to experience and share even in His
sufferings!
2) “Such fellowship in the sufferings of Christ includes a turning from sin, and the death of self. It may involve much hardship for the sake of Christ. For Paul it finally meant martyrdom.” - Charles Erdman
3) We all should be willing to do the same! - cf. 1 Pe 4:1-2
3. To “attain to the resurrection from the dead”
a. This would be the ultimate experience in “gaining Christ”!
b. I.e., a personal and experiential knowledge of the “power” of the resurrection!

C. WHAT ABOUT US...?
1. Such was the goal of Paul’s life, the source of his true joy!
2. Can this said about us?
3. Is our goal in life to truly “know Christ”?

[If it is, then what Paul continues to say will be our attitude also; for “The True Circumcision Of God” are also those who...]

III. WORSHIP GOD IN THE SPIRIT (12-16)

A. JESUS WAS THE FIRST TO DEFINE “TRUE WORSHIP” AS SPIRITUAL WORSHIP...
1. In His discussion with the Samaritan woman at the well - Jn 4:23-24
2. Since God is Spirit, our worship must be of the spirit as well, and not limited to particular locations

B. PAUL DESCRIBES THE ATTITUDES OF THOSE WHO WORSHIP GOD IN THE SPIRIT...
1. They are never satisfied with their present spiritual condition - Ph 3:12
2. With perseverance, they press on - Ph 3:13-15
a. Not looking back
1) Resting on past laurels
2) Or bemoaning past failures
b. But ever reaching forward, which is a mark of spiritual maturity
3. All the while living up to the standard of knowledge they have attained - Ph 3:16

CONCLUSION

1. Do these attitudes characterize our devotion to God and His Son?
a. Do we worship God by allowing His Spirit and the Spirit-given Word to rule over our complete lives?
b. Do we consider the relationship we are developing with Christ to be our primary joy and focus in life?
c. Do we place no confidence in the flesh?
--- If so, then we are “The True Circumcision of God”!

2. As Paul invites us to do in verse 17, let’s be sure to follow his example!
How does one begin in becoming “The True Circumcision Of God”? It begins when we in faith submit to the working of God in our lives.

The Epistle To The Philippians- Chapter Three Study Guide

The Epistle To The Philippians- Chapter Three

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To see the error of placing confidence in fleshly accomplishments

2) To understand the need to strive toward perfection in our desire to know and serve Christ

3) To be reminded of our true citizenship in heaven

SUMMARY

In this chapter we find a warning against those who place great confidence in the flesh (1-3). If anyone had reason to boast about fleshly accomplishments, it was Paul with his Jewish heritage (4-6). But all such things were considered rubbish in relation to the excellence of knowing Christ Jesus (7-8). Therefore Paul had as his goal to be found in Christ, having that righteousness which is by faith in Jesus, knowing Him and the power of His resurrection, and even sharing in His sufferings, that he might by any means attain to the resurrection from the dead (9-11).

Paul then describes his attitude of pressing on, and encourages all to follow his example and that of others who walk likewise (12-17). Such an exhortation is necessary in view of the reality that there are many people who are enemies of the cross of Christ, who have made their fleshly appetites the focus of their minds, and indeed their god (18-19). Christians, however, should remember that their true
citizenship is in heaven, from which we eagerly wait for Jesus Christ who will transform our lowly bodies to be conformed to His glorious body (20-21).

OUTLINE

I. WARNINGS AGAINST JUDAISM (1-11)

A. BEWARE OF THE JUDAIZERS (1-3)
1. Rejoice in the Lord! (1)
2. Beware of "dogs", evil workers, the false circumcision (2)
3. For the true circumcision are those who...
a. Worship God in the Spirit
b. Rejoice in Christ
c. Have no confidence in the flesh (3)

B. PAUL'S EARLIER CONFIDENCE IN THE FLESH (4-6)
1. Paul had many grounds for boasting in the flesh (4)
2. A list of things pertaining to the flesh in which he could have boasted (5-6)

C. PAUL'S DESIRE TO KNOW CHRIST (7-11)
1. He counted all as loss for the surpassing value of knowing Christ (7-8)
2. He supreme goal:
a. To have that righteousness which comes through faith in Christ (9)
b. To know Christ and the power of His resurrection (10a)
c. To share in His sufferings, even in His death, that by any means he might attain to the resurrection from the dead (10b-11)

II. WARNINGS AGAINST ANTINOMIANISM (12-21)

A. PAUL'S ATTITUDE OF PRESSING ON (12-14)
1. He does not consider himself perfect, so he presses on (12)
2. He forgets those things which are behind, and reaches forward to what lies ahead (13)
3. His goal is the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (14)

B. AN EXHORTATION FOR THEM TO HAVE THE SAME MIND (15-17)
1. Let those who are mature have the same mind (15)
2. To the degree you have already attained, so live (16)
3. Follow the example set by Paul and others, who live this way (17)

C. A WARNING AGAINST THE ENEMIES OF THE CROSS (18-19)
1. With tears, Paul warns them of those who do not walk properly (18)
2. Such people set their minds on earthly things, making their belly their god (19)

D. A REMINDER OF OUR TRUE CITIZENSHIP (20-21)
1. Our citizenship is in heaven, from which we eagerly wait for Jesus (20)
2. Who when He comes will transform our lowly body to conform to His glorious body (21)

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
- Warnings against Judaism (1-11)
- Warnings against antinomianism (12-21)

2) Who does Paul warn against? (2)
- Dogs, evil workers, the "mutilation" (false circumcision); i.e., Judaizers, those who would impose circumcision and the keeping of the Law of Moses on Gentile Christians (cf. Ac 15:1-6)

3) What characterizes those who are the true circumcision? (3)
- They worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh

4) What sort of things could Paul have boasted pertaining to the flesh? (4-6)
- Circumcised the eighth day
- Of the stock of Israel
- Of the tribe of Benjamin
- A Hebrew of the Hebrews
- Concerning the Law, a Pharisee
- Concerning zeal, persecuting the church
- Concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless

5) How did Paul view these fleshly things? (7-8)
- As loss, as rubbish, in contrast to the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus

6) What was Paul's earnest desire? (9-11)
- To be found in Christ
- To have the righteousness that comes through faith in Him
- To know Him and the power of His resurrection
- To know the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death
- To attain to the resurrection from the dead

7) Did Paul view himself as having already attained, or having been perfected? (12)
- No

8) According to Paul, what was the "one thing" he did? (13-14)
- Forgetting those things which are behind, reaching forward to those things ahead, he pressed toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus

9) What is the attitude, or mind, of those who are "mature"? (15)
- The attitude Paul had, of pressing on

10) How should the Christian walk? (16)
- To the degree or rule that they have attained

11) Whose example were the Philippians to follow? (17)
- Paul's, and those whose "walk" was similar to his

12) What description is given of those who are "enemies of the cross of Christ"? (18-19)
- Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, their glory is in their shame, and they set their minds on earthly things

13) Where is our citizenship? (20)
- In heaven

14) What will Christ do when He comes again? (21)
- Transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body