Diving Deeper Philippians Week 3 David W Brzezinski

Diving Deeper: Philippians (Week 3) David W. Brzezinski “The Egnatian Way” taken from: bibleplaces. com/philippi NOTE: Material for “Diving Deeper Philippians” adapted from Swindoll’s Living Insights - Philippians

Philippians- Egnatian Way from “Aramco. World”

Philippi- Paul’s Missionary Journeys

Philippians – Chapter 3 Christian joy is a fruit of the Spirit and is only available via a transformed life in Christ. Cf. Galatians 5: 22 -23 Paul tells the Philippians in chapter 3 that there are threats to Christian joy. Believers ought to be Spirit-filled and Christ-focused as opposed to confident in their own works/flesh. The goal of Christian joy is continued sanctification in Christ. Believers ought to follow Paul’s example (which is really modeling Christ’s example, ultimately). Paul argues that perhaps the biggest risk to Christian joy is selfcenteredness and a confidence in one’s own works/flesh.

Philippians- Chapter 3 vv. 1 -3 v. 1 Paul uses a phrase utilized first here (and the only two other times are in Philippians 4: 4 and 4: 10). “rejoice in the Lord” This really summarizes what Paul has been emphasizing in the first two chapters. Another introductory and transitional phrase is used: Gk loipon NIV translates this as “further” (which is likely the best translation) whereas NASB translates this as “finally”. Both these translations of the adverbial phrase, when taken together, imply that Paul has set up his readers and is now giving them practical advice. Paul essentially is summing up his emphasis of joy and also advancing his thoughts in a practical way so the Philippians would not have their joy harmed/damaged.

vv. 1 -3 cont. Philippians- Chapter 3 vv. 2 -3 Paul recognized that there were those who would steal the Philippian’s joy and they were the “Judaizers” (cf. Galatians). The Judaizers did not rejoice in the Lord and the peace that comes from resting in Him and His work. Instead, they taught that Christians should live by the Law and human codes and thereby rejoice in their own accomplishments. Paul denounces the Judaizers and describes them as: 1. feral dogs who were uncontrolled and dangerous. The term “dog” was frequently used by Jews in reference to Gentiles who were unclean. Interestingly, Paul turns this back on the Judaizers (who were trying to mislead the gentiles and prop themselves up). 2. evil workers who thought their works were good but they were, in fact, just the opposite (evil). Salvation is never based upon works. They are “sola”! 3. the false circumcision. Most accurately, in the original language, Paul calls them mutilators or castrators. Pretty serious verbage! True believers are known by: worship in the Spirit of God (focus on His work and sacrifice); glorying in Christ (focus on His work and sacrifice); rejoice in Christ (have confidence in Him and not in themselves).

Philippians- Chapter 3 vv. 4 -6 Paul destroys the basis of the Judaizer’s teaching by noting how he is actually superior to them with regard to pedigree and works: He could have merited most favor with God by means of his: Circumcision National standing (as an Israelite and not Gentile) Benjaminite (from whence King Saul arose and, along with Judah, was the only tribe to return post exile) Hebrew of Hebrews (he was the “best” there was!) Pharisee Persecutor of the church for the sake of the Law Blameless regarding the external factors of the Law Cf. 2 Corinthians 11 and Galatians 1 for Paul’s credentials Paul was converted in Acts 9 not based on his impeccable credentials but based on God’s grace and mercy and Paul’s faith and repentance.

Philippians- Chapter 3 vv. 7 -8 Paul was the cream of the crop. He lists all his accomplishments, and then contrasts them in emphatic form! The Greek words for the conjunction “but” are de and alla. The first is less emphatic, and the second gives a very pronounced contrast. Paul uses alla in order to give a sharp contrast! He rejects his former works and embraces Christ’s work. Originally, Paul thought his accomplishments were valuable and to his credit (profitable, desirable, advantageous). Now, he counts them as loss (the Greek term here is zemia as in the loss of cargo and life on a sinking ship). Compared to the brilliance of Christ’s person and work, Paul was nothing. In fact, the term he used (though typically translated more palatably) was skybalon in the Greek. This means dung or excrement! No doubt this would have shocked Paul’s audience.

Philippians- Chapter 3 vv. 9 -11 Paul rejoiced in the Lord (and did not mourn his losses). He recognized he had attained so much more! This is the doctrine of imputation (crediting something to one’s account). The sinner’s sin/evil/shame are credited to Christ’s purity/righteousness are credited to the sinner. The doctrine of imputation is actually more than just balancing the account. It is taking a negative value and creating a positive value! Cf. 2 Peter 1: 3 where all godliness and life is now on the books! Cf. 2 Corinthians 5: 21 Paul recognized that the suffering he endured was necessary so that he would become like Christ (and attain Christ’s character).

Study It / Think About It Pause To Discuss Think: It is likely that the “better” we are at life (gifts, abilities, wealth, etc. ), the further we are pushed from Christ and a dependence upon Him. Respond: How ought we to view our achievements (etc. ) now in light of Christ? How can we fight against the flesh’s reliance upon such things? How can we give Christ the glory now?

Philippians- Chapter 3 vv. 12 -16 Though we are told that humanity is basically good, the world is a good place, and our hope is in the human spirit, this is all totally false. God has allowed believers to be in a fallen world in order to work with Him in redeeming it. Believers will experience the pain and suffering of a fallen world and God calls us to engage it as it is a marathon for us to complete. Paul could fully experience Christian joy via God’s grace/mercy, Paul’s faith/repentance, and Christ’s work with the Spirit’s sanctification.

Philippians- Chapter 3 vv. 12 -16 cont. KEYS: 1. God’s plan for us is growth/progress and not instant perfection. “We have been justified, are being sanctified, and will someday be glorified. ” (paraphrashing Swindoll). v. 12 2. Leave the past behind. Greek word here is epilanthanomai, meaning to put the past out of mind or behind us. How effective are you if you run a race facing backwards to see where you’ve come from? God will use you no matter what! vv. 13 3. Reach for the future. We are to press on toward the goal (prize of the upward call of Christ). Greek word here is epekteinomai and connotes the athlete throwing themselves forward. v. 14 4. A determined attitude is vital and must be maintained. Greek word here is phroneo and means to set one’s mind or be intent upon. Yet, everyone runs at a different level and God is growing everyone at a different pace. v. 15 5. Be unified/together with a high standard. Encourage others and be encouraged! We have a lot to learn, but we have already learned much! We need to live out what we already have and yet hope for more growth. v. 16

Philippians- Chapter 3 Photo: Reuters Bahama’s Shaunae Miller beats USA’s Allyson Felix in the 400 m.

Philippians- Chapter 3 vv. 17 -21 Paul teaches the Philippians (and us!) how to keep pressing forward: 1. ) Follow Godly believers and model their lives. Cf. 1 Corinthians 11: 1; 2 Timothy 3: 10 -11 While we are to follow Christ, it is also important to follow Godly believers as they show us what we can be (as they, too, are fallen, sinful people who are growing). WARNING: We should follow Godly believers, but we should not idolize them or look at them as if they are Christ. We need to recognize that they, too, have flaws. 2. ) Recognize we are living amongst enemies of Christ. There are selfish and self-centered Christians around us. Do not follow them!!! 3. ) Always look forward and up toward Christ. v. 20 Our residence (Greek politeuma means commonwealth or state) is in another place. We are foreigners here, but we are ambassadors of Christ calling others to Him! We have special privileges as citizens of God’s heavenly Kingdom.

Study It / Think About It Pause To Discuss Think: We are to focus on Christ as the source of our strength and joy. We are in a fallen/wicked world, yet Christ calls us to make a difference. Respond: As we eagerly await Christ’s return, are we following good examples? Who are they? Are we being good examples? Who can we mentor?