Studies in Philippians(18) Rejoice, but Beware Philippians 3:1-2

Previously Paul is challenging these brethren to shine as lights in the midst of this crooked and perverse generation His hope was that they stand fast so that in the day of Christ (judgment), he will rejoice, knowing he has not labored in vain He then addressed sending Timothy and Epaphroditus He now turns to a different matter

Finally brethren, Rejoice Finally – is a transition word Philippians 4:8 Could mean “other” or “the rest” – (2 Corinthians 12:13, 13:2, Ephesians 2:3, 1 Timothy 5:20) Sometimes a final point takes time and needs to be developed. Usually, when we read this, it is time to pay attention (important)

Finally brethren, Rejoice Rejoice in the Lord The theme of this letter (form of word found 11 times in this letter) Philippians 1:18, 2:17-18, 4:4,… As Christians, we ought to be joyful, and work toward that end Our rejoicing ought to IN THE LORD – not ourselves or worldly pursuits, etc.

For me to write this… Repetition is a needed tool Very few remember something after only 1 telling (at least long term) Scripture filled with such admonitions Romans 15:15, 1 Corinthians 15:1, 1 Thessalonians 3:4, Acts 20:31, 2 Peter 1:13, 3:1-2 For you it is safe! 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Beware! A warning! Like reminders, we need warnings! They call for alertness Scripture filled with such admonitions Mark 12:38, 8:15, Colossians 2:8, Hebrews 3:12 1 Peter 5:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:6 2 Peter 2:1-3 – False teachers

Beware! The false teachers of Paul’s text Judaizing teachers – Jewish converts who sought to bind the LOM on Gentiles Acts 15:1-2 Many problems: - Failed to understand nature of the kingdom and work of Jesus - Produced pride and arrogance - Was divisive and false doctrine - Often hateful behavior Galatians 6:12-13, 1:6-9, etc.

Beware! The false teachers of Paul’s text Described as dogs – wild animals that would attack Matthew 7:6, Revelation 22:15 Symbolic of those who prey on others, esp. the weak – Galatians 6:12-13 NOTE: Jews thought of Gentiles as dogs (unclean, wild and scavengers)

Beware! The false teachers of Paul’s text Described as evil workers – their conduct Some preached out of envy, Philippians 1:11 False teachers often do evil works and exploit – 2 Peter 2:1-3, Romans 16:17-18, 1 Timothy 6:3-5

Beware! The false teachers of Paul’s text Described as the mutilation – their teaching, demands Associated with the act of circumcision (binding it upon Gentiles) Paul realizes they are actually mutilating the gospel for personal gain – Acts 15:24, 28-29

Beware! The false teachers of Paul’s text We must NOT let false teachers mutilate sound doctrine We will know them by their fruit – Matthew 7:15-16

Beware! What about “name calling” There is a place for identifying false teachers, both by name (cf. 1 Timothy 1:20, 2 Timothy 4:14) and by their character (Matthew 3:7, 12:34, 23:33, 2 Peter 2 & Jude) But let it NOT be just for the sake of name calling. It ought to be a needed WARNING! Use this tool with wisdom and love (cf. Philippians 3:18, Romans 9:1-2)

Rejoice, but Beware Phil. 3:1-2 Am I alert? Rejoice, but Beware Phil. 3:1-2