Philippians 3:1-6

Philippians 3:1-6:

The Point | Our joy comes from Jesus not circumstances.

Paul appreciated his relationship with Jesus; perhaps this is because his relationship with Christ began when he (Paul) was at his worst.

He did not deserve or could never earn the grace that God gave him.

Yet, throughout his ministry, Paul would travel around and tell people about Jesus and how to (1) believe in Jesus (2) begin a relationship with Jesus and (3) become a follower of Jesus.

Yet as soon as he laid the foundation of the Gospel message, other people would come right behind him and start preaching a different gospel - mainly Judiazers who would say something to the effect of - Yes Jesus loves you and all that and yes, Jesus saved you but now the work of maintaining your relationship with Him and your salvation must be completed by earning it through works (circumscion, obedience, sacrifices).

Phil. Chapter 3 Paul address’ the issue of ‘follow the law x receive the free gift of Jesus.’ Paul reminds them that good works cannot and will not ever earn you God’s love.

It is our nature to want or desire to earn what we think we don’t deserve; works is our way of justifying what we have been given.

Confidence in our salvation should come from God’s grace, not our works.

Good works, which we were created to do, is the evidence of our salvation; not the source of our salvation.

Our rituals (good works) are empty apart from a heart that has been transformed by Jesus.

People listen to expert opinions because they have greater understanding and experience.

In this passage, Paul plays the expert card, building off the instructions he just gave not to listen to the “dogs” and to put no confidence in our works to earn God’s favor. He shows that it would be him if anyone could rely on their efforts and accomplishment to earn salvation. (Possible high priest)

Paul then shows why he, if anyone, would have reason to boast: circumsised (Leviticus 12:3), descendant of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; from the tribe of Benjamin (most distinguished tribes), a Hebrew of Hebrews (proud of his Jewish heritage and adhered to the Mosaic Law); zealous and passionate as a Pharisee / Judaism, he superseded the standard of righteousness (based upon the way the law was interpreted and taught at that time).

If anyone could lay claim to earning God’s favor through accomplishments and works of the flesh - it would be Paul.

It’s important to remember that no matter what we do, who we are, or what we accomplish, God’s love for us isn’t based on what we do for Him; he loves us because God is love; there is nothing you can or can’t do that will ever change his love for you.

Nothing we could ever do would be enough to revive our dead spirit, cut away our sinful nature, and earn right standing with God.