Did Paul use strong terms for those who promoted a variety of legalism?
So then, my brothers and sisters, be glad in the Lord. It’s no trouble for me to repeat the same things to you because they will help keep you on track. Watch out for the “dogs.” Watch out for people who do evil things. Watch out for those who insist on circumcision, which is really mutilation. (Philippians 3:1-2 CEB)
What is true circumcision? Is the flesh or letter of the law something to brag about?
But we are the ones who are truly circumcised, because we worship by the power of God's Spirit and take pride in Christ Jesus. We don't brag about what we have done, although I could. Others may brag about themselves, but I have more reason to brag than anyone else. I was circumcised when I was eight days old, and I am from the nation of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin. I am a true Hebrew. As a Pharisee, I strictly obeyed the Law of Moses. (Philippians 3:3-5 CEV)
How zealous was Paul for the law?
I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault. (Philippians 3:6 NLT)
How did Paul count his past legalism?
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. (Philippians 3:7 ESV)
Is anything worth more than knowing Christ?
More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of Him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them filth, so that I may gain Christ (Philippians 3:8 HCSB)
What is far better than righteousness of the law?
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith (Philippians 3:9 KJV)
What does knowing Christ offer?
that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; if somehow I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:10-11 NASB)
Does Paul give any indication of eternal security or once saved always saved here?
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. 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, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14 NIV)
Do mature Christians try to argue others into agreement or leave that up to God.
Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. (Philippians 3:15-16 NKJV)
Do words alone or does faith alone reveal where we are in Christ or is conduct the evidence?
Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. (Philippians 3:17-18 NLT)
Where are they headed? Where is their worship? What are their thoughts?
whose end is destruction, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who think about earthly things. (Philippians 3:19 WEB)
Where is our true citizenship and our hope?
Our citizenship is in heaven. We look forward to a savior that comes from there—the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform our humble bodies so that they are like his glorious body, by the power that also makes him able to subject all things to himself. (Philippians 3:20-21 CEB)
Do we rely on circumcision of the flesh or the heart? Do we rely on righteousness by the letter of the law or by faith? Do we have a lazy faith of eternal security, or do we press on toward the goal? You decide!
