Php 3:1-3, Finally, my brethren, REJOICE IN THE LORD. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe. (2) Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! (3) FOR WE ARE THE CIRCUMCISION, WHO WORSHIP GOD IN THE SPIRIT, REJOICE IN CHRIST JESUS, AND HAVE NO CONFIDENCE IN THE FLESH,
Paul, writes to rejoice in the LORD while he himself is in prison, our joy doesn’t come from our circumstances, but in the reality of JESUS, and our future with HIM! Like Job, who lost all, his kids, his health and his wealth, yet can still rejoice in his future with the Redeemer!
Job 19:25-27 FOR I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES, AND HE SHALL STAND AT LAST ON THE EARTH; (26) And after my skin is destroyed, THIS I KNOW, THAT IN MY FLESH I SHALL SEE GOD, (27) Whom I shall see for myself, And my eyes shall behold, and not another. HOW MY HEART YEARNS WITHIN ME!
Paul warns us to beware of dogs, evil workers, those who say you must be circumcised to be saved. These people would say and do anything, even pervert the scriptures, to get their way!
The same men who were supposed to protect GOD’S Law and teach the Scriptures turned away from them. Their pride and fear blinded them, and they twisted GOD’S Word to make it seem right to condemn the very ONE the Scriptures promised. In trying to silence JESUS, THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS BROKE THE LAWS THEY CLAIMED TO FOLLOW, SHOWING THAT RELIGION WITHOUT TRUTH WILL ALWAYS GO AGAINST GOD’S HEART.
For we are the circumcision, not of the flesh but of the heart!
Col 2:11, In Him you were also circumcised WITH THE CIRCUMCISION MADE WITHOUT HANDS, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ,
Php 3:3-6
Paul basically said, If anyone could boast in human credentials, it’s me. Not that he is boasting, but he is just setting up the following verses!
Php 3:7-8, But what things were gain to me, THESE I HAVE COUNTED LOSS FOR CHRIST. (8) Yet indeed I also count ALL THINGS LOSS FOR THE EXCELLENCE OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST JESUS MY LORD, FOR WHOM I HAVE SUFFERED THE LOSS OF ALL THINGS, AND COUNT THEM AS RUBBISH, THAT I MAY GAIN CHRIST
Paul basically said, that all those things I used to think made me somebody? My background, my achievements, my reputation? I’ve come t see they’re NOTHING COMPARED TO JESUS.
Nothing in this world can compare to our Lord and Creator, Jesus. Every treasure, every achievement, every pleasure fades beside His glory. One day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He alone is Lord. Paul would later write.
Php 3:20-21 FOR OUR CITIZENSHIP IS IN HEAVEN, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, (21) who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
Remember this is not our home, so rejoice knowing that HE is near! Start looking up, for this wicked world is coming to an end and HE is at the door!