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

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

3. 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)

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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)

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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)

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