For this series in Philippians, I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.

3:3   For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh–

In our last post, Paul was writing to his church regarding the dogs who were attacking the church, those evil workers who sought to cause the church a distraction by requiring circumcision to be included in gospel. Whether that be to get saved or stay saved, or to create a “higher level” of spirituality within the church, isn’t really the issue. All three topics were to be Christ centered.

Paul continues his warning, defining he church, as opposed to those workers who were claiming to be right with God, who had that higher level of spirituality, who were “in the club”.

Given the backdrop of circumcision Paul is addressing, he brings to the forefront of the discussion that we – the church – are the circumcision. Consider how these two parties represent the message of God.

The Judaizers message is literal, physical and brings bondage to the law. In our time, it could also be considered sexist. Might only men attain to this status? For the Judaizers to require this physical mutilation is restrictive,

Paul’s message is metaphoric, spiritual, and provides freedom. In our time, his message is inclusive , inviting both male and female to true circumcision, to a rejection of stubbornness toward our Maker and Redeemer

If only the evil workers would consider what the Old Testament teaches about circumcision.

Deuteronomy 10:16 – Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn.

Early on, Moses their prophet (and ours) spoke of the true circumcision, the circumcision of the heart.

Jeremiah 4:4 Circumcise yourselves to the LORD; remove the foreskin of your hearts, O men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem; lest my wrath go forth like fire, and burn with none to quench it, because of the evil of your deeds.”

Jeremiah entered into a condition within the nation that depended on the mutilation of flesh as opposed to the spiritual renewal required by God, and spoke of the danger this false dependence created!

Jeremiah 9:25 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will punish all those who are circumcised merely in the flesh–

Jeremiah does not mince words when he defines those who depend only on the circumcision of the flesh, those who will be punished!

We worship God through the Spirit, and glory in Christ Jesus.

We put no confidence (or trust) in the flesh.

As we venture through this fantastic chapter, Paul will supply a number of confidences he has rejected in order to have the knowledge of Christ Jesus his Lord. Our next post will begin to discuss this topic.

Hope to see you there!

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