Bible Version: New International Version (NIV)
Application Notes: Life Application Study Bible (NIV)
PHILIPPIANS 3
No Confidence in the Flesh
1 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence.
If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.
7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Following Paul’s Example
15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Application Notes
3:1 As a safeguard, Paul reviewed the basics with these believers. The Bible provides our safeguard both morally and theologically. When we read the Bible individually, study it in groups, and hear it taught at church, it makes us aware of corrections we need to make in our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. Knowing the Bible keeps us alert against false teaching while pointing us to sound doctrine, wise choices. and most importantly, a life-giving relationship with God.
3:2-3 These "dogs" and "evildoers ... mutilators of the flesh" were Judaizers--Jewish Christians who wrongly believed that it was essential for Gentiles to follow all the Old Testament Jewish laws, especially submission to the rite of circumcision, in order to receive salvation. Many Judaizers were motivated by spiritual pride. Because they had invested so much time and effort in keeping their laws, they could not accept the fact that all their efforts couldn't bring them a step closer to salvation.
Paul criticised the Judaizers because they looked at Christianity backwards, thinking that what they did (circumcising-cutting or mutilating the flesh) made them true believers rather than the acceptance of the gift of grace given by Christ. What believers do to serve God is a result of faith, not a prerequisite to faith. This had been confirmed by the early church leaders at the Jerusalem council 11 years earlier (Acts 15), and Paul taught earnestly about the relationship between faith and the law in his letter to the Galatians. Who are the Judaizers of our day? They are those who say that people must add something else to simple faith. No person should add anything to Christ's offer of salvation by grace through faith.
3:2-3 It is easy to place more emphasis on human effort ('confidence in the flesh') than on faith, but God values the attitude of our hearts above all else. Don't judge people's spirituality by their fulfilment of duties or by their level of human activity. In addition, don't think that you will satisfy God by feverishly doing his work. God notices all you do for him and will reward you for it, but only if it comes as a loving response to his free gift of salvation.
3:3 The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, impacts all aspects of the Christian life. Paul wrote many times about the vital role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. No one can be considered part of the new community unless they receive the Spirit (Romans 8:9). The presence of the Spirit in a believer's life makes circumcision unnecessary (Galatians 3:1-5). The Spirit also aids us in our prayers (Romans 8:26) and gives gifts to help us worship God and serve others (Ephesians 4:11-13). Through the Spirit, we have real access to God in prayer (Ephesians 2:18-21). Christian worship is intensely spiritual-whatever outward forms are used, worship is always inspired by the Holy Spirit. When we worship God, we should take time to acknowledge the Holy Spirit's role.
3:4-6 At first glance, it looks like Paul is boasting about his achievements and status. But he is actually doing the opposite, showing that human achievements, no matter how impressive, cannot earn a person salvation and eternal life with God. Paul had impressive credentials: upbringing, nationality, family background. inheritance. Of theodoxy, activity, and morality (see 2 Corinthians 11 and Galatians 1:13-24 for more of his credentials). However, his conversion to faith in Christ (Acts 9) wasn't based on what he had done but on God's grace. Paul did not depend on his deeds to please God because even the most impressive credentials fall short of God's holy standards. Are you depending on Christian parents, church affiliation, or just being good to make you right with God? Credentials, accomplishments or reputation cannot earn salvation. Salvation comes only through faith in Christ.
3:5 Paul belonged to the tribe of Benjamin, a heritage greatly esteemed among the Jews. From this tribe had come Israel's first king, Saul (1 Samuel 10:20-24). and the tribes of Benjamin and Judah were the only two tribes to return to Israel after the Exile (Ezra 4:1). Paul was also a Pharisee. a member of a very devout Jewish sect that scrupulously kept their own numerous rules in addition to the laws of Moses. Paul explains for these mostly Gentile believers that his Jewish credentials were impeccable.
3:6 Why had Paul, a devout Jewish leader, persecuted the church? Agreeing with the leaders of the religious establishment. Paul had thought that Christianity was heretical and blasphemous. Because Jesus did not meet his expectations of what the Messiah would be like, Paul had assumed that Jesus· claims were false--and therefore wicked. In addition, he had seen Christianity as a political menace because it threatened to disrupt the fragile harmony between the Jews and the Roman government.
3:7 When Paul speaks of his "gains," he is referring to his credentials. credits. and successes. After showing that he could beat the Judaizers at their own game (being proud of who they were and what they had done), Paul shows that it is the wrong game. Be careful of considering your position or past achievements so important that they get in the way of your relationship with Christ.
3:8 After Paul considered everything he had accomplished in his life, he decided to write it all off as "a loss" when compared with the greatness of knowing Christ. We should value our relationship with Christ as more important than anything else. To know Christ should be our ultimate goal. Yet how do we know him better? (1) Study the life of Christ in the Gospels. See how he lived and responded to people (Matthew 11:29). (21 Study all the New Testament references to Christ (see, for example, Colossians 1:15-2:15). (3) As you worship and pray, let the Holy Spirit remind you of Christ's words (John 14:26). (4) Take up Christ's mission to preach the gospel. and learn from his sufferings (Matthew 28:19; Philippians 3:10).
3:9-10 Paul gave up everything--family, friendship. and freedom--in order to know Christ and his resurrection power. We. too. have access to this knowledge and this power, but we may have to make sacrifices to enjoy it fully. What are you willing to give up in order to know Christ? A crowded schedule, in order to set aside a few minutes each day for prayer and Bible study? A friend's approval? Some of your plans or pleasures? Whatever you must change or give up, having Christ and becoming one with him will be more than worth the sacrifice.
3:9 No amount of law-keeping, self-improvement discipline, or religious effort can make us right with God. Righteousness comes only from God, and we are made righteous--receive right standing with him--by trusting in Christ. When we do this, he exchanges our sin and shortcomings for his complete righteousness. (For more on Christ's gift of righteousness, see 2 Corinthians 5:21.)
3:10 When we become one with Christ by trusting in him, we experience the power that raised him from the dead. That same mighty resurrection power helps us live morally renewed and regenerated lives. But as we walk in our new life, we also share in his death by considering our old way of life and sinful desires as dead and unresponsive. Just as the Resurrection gives us Christ's power to live for him. the Crucifixion marks the death of our old, sinful nature. We can't know the victory of the Resurrection without personally experiencing the meaning of the cross.
3:11 When Paul wrote, ·somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead; he was not implying uncertainty or doubt. He did not know how he would die, whether by execution or by natural death, but he did not doubt that he would be raised to life. He knew that his attainment of eternal life was within God's power and not his own.
3:11 Just as Christ was exalted after his resurrection, we will one day share Christ's glory (Revelation 22:1-7). Paul knew that he might die soon, but he had faith that he would be raised to life again.
3:12-14 Paul said that his goal was to know Christ, to be like Christ, and to be all Christ intended for him. This goal absorbed all of Paul's energy. This is a helpful example for us. We should not let anything take our eyes off our goal-knowing Christ. With the single-mindedness of an athlete in training, we must lay aside everything harmful and forsake anything that may distract us from living like Christ. What is holding you back?
3:12 Sometimes trying to live a perfect Christian life can be so difficult that it leaves us drained and discouraged. We may feel so far from perfect that we think we can never please God with our lives. Paul used the terminology of perfection to convey the idea of being mature or complete, not flawless in every detail. Those who are mature should press on in the Holy Spirit's power, knowing that Christ will reveal and fill in any discrepancy between what we are and what we should be. Christ's provision is no excuse for lagging devotion, but it provides relief and assurance for those who feel driven and overwhelmed.
3:13-14 Paul had reason to forget what was behind-he had held the coats of those who had stoned Stephen, the first Christian martyr (Acts 7:57-58; note that Paul is called Saul here). We have all done things for which we are ashamed, and we live in the tension of what we have been and what we hope to become. Because our hope is in Christ, however, we can let go of past guilt and look forward to what God will help us become. Don't dwell on your past. Instead, grow in the knowledge of God by concentrating on your relationship with him now. Realise that you are forgiven, and then move on to a life of faith and obedience. Look forward to the prize of heaven later and a fuller and more meaningful life now because of your hope in Christ.
3:16 Christian maturity involves acting on the guidance that you have already received. We may feel that we lack experience or knowledge ot the Christian faith. We can always make the excuse that we still have much to learn, but we should rest confidently in what we do know. God stays on the Job. He will direct us (Proverbs 3:5-6). We should live up to what we already know and live out what Christ has taught us. God will provide the plain teaching we need whenever we need it. (For more on how God teaches us through the Holy Spirit, see 1 John 2:20-27.)
3:17-21 Paul criticised not only the Judaizers (see the first note on 3:2-3) but also self-indulgent Christians-people who claim to be Christians but don't live up to Christ's model of servanthood and self-sacrifice. Such people satisfy their own desires before even thinking about the needs of others. Freedom in Christ does not mean freedom to be selfish. It means taking every opportunity to serve and to become the person God made you to be.
3:17 Paul challenged the Philippians to pursue Christlikeness by following Paul's own example. This did not mean. of course. that they should copy everything he did; he had just stated that he was not perfect (3:12). Rather, Paul was calling them to focus their lives on being like Christ, just as he did. At the time this letter was written. the Gospels had probably not yet been widely circulated, so Paul could not tell the believers to read the Bible to see what Christ was like. Instead, he urged them to imitate him. That Paul could tell people to follow his example is a testimony to his character. Could you do the same? What kind of follower would a new Christian become if he or she were to imitate you?
3:20 Citizens of a Roman colony were expected to promote the interests of Rome and maintain the dignity of the city. In the same way, citizens of heaven ought to promote heaven's interests on earth and lead lives worthy of heavenly citizenship. Too many Christians have failed to transfer their citizenship to heaven. They still seek earthly pleasures and treasures instead of heavenly ones. Paul told the Philippians to remember that they were citizens of heaven. where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. Have you transferred your citizenship? How are you promoting heaven's interests?
3:21 The phrase lowly bodies does not imply any negative attitude toward the human body. But the bodies we will receive when we are raised from the dead will be glorious. like Christ's resurrected body. Paul promised this great privilege for every citizen of heaven. Those who struggle wrth pain, physical limitations, or disabilities can find this wonderful and certain hope in the resurrection especially comforting. (For a more detailed discussion of our new bodies. see 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 and 2 Corinthians 5:1-10.)
Taken from Life Application Study Bible - Third Edition - (NIV)