Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi
Phil. 3: 1 - 16 Warnings Regarding Legalism
It's hard for us to remember now, but for the first hundred years or so Christianity was considered to be sect of Judaism. The word 'Christian' was actually a derogatory term...kinda the rough equivalent of 'Jesus Freak' today. One of the earliest controversies in the church was over whether or not Gentiles who wanted to follow Jesus should become Jews first. The church leaders met in Jerusalem to discuss the issue, and, after testimonies from Paul and Peter about how the Spirit moved among the Gentiles, the consensus was to '...not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.' (Acts 15:19)
However, there were number of folks in those early years who were convinced that the Gentiles had to be circumcised and follow the Law before they could truly become followers of Christ. These folks would follow behind Paul and teach in the cities he'd just left, trying to convince the newly believing Gentiles that they had to follow the Law. Paul's harshest words are always for these folks, and, here in the passage we're studying today, he warns his friends in Philippi to be on the lookout for anyone who teaches that circumcision is a requirement for salvation.
His argument against that teaching basically comes from his own testimony.
1) What Paul Had (3:1 - 6)
Back in the day, Paul had as much reason as (actually, more than) anyone else to think that his own works had given him some sort of standing in front of God. Look at his earthly credentials: circumcised on his eighth day, he was a member of the tribe of Benjamin...the only tribe that stayed with Judah when the country split. He was a Pharisee in doctrine, even going so far as to persecute followers of Christ in his zeal for the law. Very few could compare themselves favorably to Paul's standard.
2) What Paul Decided (3:7 - 14)
But...all of that he considers worthless now. The righteousness that he has doesn't come from strict adherence to the Law, but through Christ. His objective in living now is just to do what Jesus wants him to do...and he doesn't even think he's doing that completely. In fact, he's forgotten all his former achievements and just keeps pushing himself farther into his commitment to and his relationship with Jesus.
The implication is, of course, that if Paul, who had every reason to put hope in his obedience to the Law, considered himself in need of the grace of God, thre would be no value in the Gentiles trying to pursue righteousness through following the Law.
3) What Paul Expects (3::15 - 16)
Paul plainly says that a mature believer will see that pursuing God by strict obedience to a set of rules is pointless, but he realizes that not everyone will agree with him, so he says something amazing:
"And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you."
How much contention in the body of Christ would be nonexistent if we lived by that statement? If we really trusted God to straighten out our differences, instead of us trying to browbeat folks into agreement? Granted, there are some things that are foundational to the faith, that we really can't compromise on, but there are a lot of particulars that aren't so clear cut. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide us into all truth (John 16:13); there is a point at which we must agree to disagree over minor things (even what those minor things are, perhaps?) and trust that the Holy Spirit will straighten things out.
Keep in mind, this might mean changing the person who doesn't agree with me...or it might mean the Holy Spirit reveals something to me and changes me. But either way, He'll straighten it out.
Live up to what we've already attained, he says (v. 16),in effect restating his thought from 1:27 - live a life worthy of the Gospel.
Things to consider: In what areas am I trying to earn God's approval by following rules? How have I substituted rules for relationship? What areas of conflict do I need to turn over to God to correct the mistakes...and am I willing to let Him correct me? Could *my* position be in error?
The Study so far:
Feb. 5 Intro
Feb. 12 Lesson 1 Phil. 1:1 - 11 Affectionate Greetings
Feb. 19 Lesson 2 Phil. 1:12 - 29 Testimony in a Time of Suffering
Feb. 26 Lesson 3 Phil. 2:1 - 16 Exhortation to Humility
March 5 Lesson 4 Phil. 2:17 - 30 Commendations of Coworkers
March 12 Lesson 5 Phil. 3: 1 - 16 Warnings Regarding Legalism
March 19 Lesson 6 Phil. 3:17 - 4:7 Instruction on Living as Citizens of Heaven
March 26 Lesson 7 Phil. 4:8 - 23 Gratitude for Concerned Support
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