Exposition of Philippians The Warning: Beware of Evil Workers Phil 3:1-3 & The Testimony of Paul’s Experiences – Part I Phil 3:4-6

Outline of Philippians Paul's Exhortation to the Philippians to Walk Worthy of the Gospel (1:27 – 4:1) Paul's Exhortation to the Philippians to Walk Worthy of the Gospel (1:27 – 4:1) The Need to Contend as One (1:27-30) The Need to Contend as One (1:27-30) The Call to Unity (2:1-30) The Call to Unity (2:1-30) Paul's Exhortation for Unity (2:1-4) Paul's Exhortation for Unity (2:1-4) The Example of Jesus Christ (2:5-11) The Example of Jesus Christ (2:5-11) Paul’s Exhortation to Harmony (2:12-18) Paul’s Exhortation to Harmony (2:12-18) Co-workers Whom Paul is Sending (2:19-30) Co-workers Whom Paul is Sending (2:19-30) The Call to Steadfastness (3:1 – 4:1) The Call to Steadfastness (3:1 – 4:1) The Warning: Beware of Evil Workers (3:1-3) The Warning: Beware of Evil Workers (3:1-3) The Testimony of Paul's Experiences (3:4-14) The Testimony of Paul's Experiences (3:4-14)

The Warning: Beware of Evil Workers (3:1-3) Paul now turns to a new topic (3:1). Paul now turns to a new topic (3:1). He commands the Philippians to “Rejoice in the Lord.” (He repeats this at 4:4). He commands the Philippians to “Rejoice in the Lord.” (He repeats this at 4:4). In his absence, Paul wants to remind them of things that he has already told them about when he was ministering among them. In his absence, Paul wants to remind them of things that he has already told them about when he was ministering among them.

The Warning: Beware of Evil Workers (3:1-3) In 3:2 he repeats the verb three times. In 3:2 he repeats the verb ble,pete three times. Following each occurrence of this verb is a different noun to describe the same group of people...all with a strong sense of irony: Following each occurrence of this verb is a different noun to describe the same group of people...all with a strong sense of irony: “dogs” – a term of contempt for those who were considered unclean. “dogs” – a term of contempt for those who were considered unclean. “evil workers” – in contrast to the Jews opinion of themselves as keepers of the Law. “evil workers” – in contrast to the Jews opinion of themselves as keepers of the Law. “mutilation” – Unaccompanied by faith, love, and obedience, circumcision was nothing more than physical mutilation...which was actually prohibited by the Mosaic Law (Deut 14:1). “mutilation” – Unaccompanied by faith, love, and obedience, circumcision was nothing more than physical mutilation...which was actually prohibited by the Mosaic Law (Deut 14:1).

The Warning: Beware of Evil Workers (3:1-3) In contrast to this “false circumcision,” Paul calls genuine believers the true circumcision, characterized by: In contrast to this “false circumcision,” Paul calls genuine believers the true circumcision, characterized by: worshiping (or serving) as a result of the work of the Spirit of God in the life of the believer; worshiping (or serving) as a result of the work of the Spirit of God in the life of the believer; boasting in Christ, not in one’s own works or law keeping; boasting in Christ, not in one’s own works or law keeping; trusting not in one’s own position and privilege and ability, but in Christ. trusting not in one’s own position and privilege and ability, but in Christ.

The Testimony of Paul’s Experiences (3:4-6) In 3:4 Paul assumes the stance of the Judaizers and says in effect, “If you want to compare credentials, I can do that.” In 3:4 Paul assumes the stance of the Judaizers and says in effect, “If you want to compare credentials, I can do that.” His rejection of Judaism was not because he had failed at it. His rejection of Judaism was not because he had failed at it. Notice the shift from “we” in the previous verses to “I” in what follows; Paul is speaking of his unique personal credentials here. Notice the shift from “we” in the previous verses to “I” in what follows; Paul is speaking of his unique personal credentials here. Using the Judaizers standard of comparison, Paul is inferior to none. Using the Judaizers standard of comparison, Paul is inferior to none.

The Testimony of Paul’s Experiences (3:4-6) Paul’s Credentials by Birth (3:5a) Paul’s Credentials by Birth (3:5a) “circumcised the eighth day” “circumcised the eighth day” “of the nation of Israel” “of the nation of Israel” “of the tribe of Benjamin” “of the tribe of Benjamin” “a Hebrew of Hebrews” “a Hebrew of Hebrews” Paul’s Credentials by Works (3:5b-6) Paul’s Credentials by Works (3:5b-6) “concerning the law, a Pharisee” “concerning the law, a Pharisee” “concerning zeal, a persecutor of the church” “concerning zeal, a persecutor of the church” “concerning righteousness which is in law, found blameless” “concerning righteousness which is in law, found blameless”

Implications from our Study Rejoice in the Lord! Rejoice in the Lord! Be always mindful that we are justified by faith in Christ, not by anything of our own merits. Be always mindful that we are justified by faith in Christ, not by anything of our own merits. Our only boast is in Christ; we serve Him by our works because of what He has done first in us. Our only boast is in Christ; we serve Him by our works because of what He has done first in us.

Next Time: Paul's Exhortation to the Philippians to Walk Worthy of the Gospel (1:27 – 4:1) The Testimony of Paul’s Experiences – Part II Phil 3:7-14