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,
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, [that they are] the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19 Whose end [is] destruction, whose God [is their] belly, and [whose] glory [is] in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Overview of Philippians Chapter 3
Philippians Chapter 3 is a significant passage in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul expresses his thoughts on the nature of true righteousness, the importance of faith in Christ, and the call to pursue spiritual maturity. The chapter can be divided into several key themes, each of which highlights Paul’s theological insights and personal experiences.
Warning Against False Teachers
Paul begins the chapter with a strong admonition against false teachers, particularly those who advocate for circumcision and adherence to the Law as a means of salvation.
- Joy in the Lord: Paul emphasizes the importance of rejoicing in the Lord, reiterating that this is a safeguard for believers.
- Characteristics of False Teachers: He refers to them as “dogs,” “evil workers,” and “mutilators of the flesh,” indicating their destructive influence.
- True Circumcision: Paul asserts that true circumcision is not a physical act but a spiritual one, where believers worship God in the Spirit and put no confidence in the flesh.
Paul’s Personal Testimony
In verses 4-6, Paul shares his credentials and background, emphasizing that if anyone could have confidence in the flesh, it would be him.
- Hebrew Heritage: Paul was circumcised on the eighth day and belonged to the people of Israel, specifically the tribe of Benjamin.
- Pharisaical Zeal: He was a Pharisee, known for his strict adherence to the Law.
- Persecution of the Church: Paul had zealously persecuted the church, viewing himself as blameless under the Law.
Despite these accomplishments, Paul considers them worthless in comparison to knowing Christ.
The Value of Knowing Christ
Paul expresses a profound desire to know Christ more intimately, highlighting the surpassing worth of knowing Him.
- Righteousness through Faith: He emphasizes that true righteousness comes not from the Law but through faith in Christ.
- Power of the Resurrection: Paul longs to experience the power of Christ’s resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings.
- Transformation: He speaks of being conformed to Christ’s death, indicating a willingness to endure suffering for the sake of the Gospel.
Pursuit of Spiritual Maturity
In verses 12-16, Paul discusses his ongoing pursuit of spiritual maturity and the goal of attaining the resurrection from the dead.
- Not Yet Perfect: Paul acknowledges that he has not yet attained perfection but continues to press on.
- Forgetting the Past: He emphasizes the importance of forgetting what lies behind and straining toward what is ahead.
- Heavenly Calling: Paul encourages believers to focus on the heavenly prize that God has called them to in Christ Jesus.
Encouragement to Imitate Paul
Paul concludes the chapter by encouraging the Philippians to imitate him and to observe those who live according to the example he sets.
- Warning Against Enemies of the Cross: He warns about those whose lives are characterized by earthly desires and whose end is destruction.
- Citizenship in Heaven: Paul reminds the believers that their true citizenship is in heaven, from which they await the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Transformation of the Body: He assures them that Christ will transform their lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.
Conclusion
Philippians Chapter 3 is a powerful reminder of the importance of faith in Christ over reliance on human achievements. Paul’s personal testimony serves as an encouragement to believers to pursue a deeper relationship with Christ, seek spiritual maturity, and remain vigilant against false teachings. The chapter encapsulates the essence of Christian faith: knowing Christ, experiencing His power, and striving toward the ultimate goal of eternal life with Him.
