Studies in Philippians 18 Rejoice but Beware Philippians

Studies in Philippians( 18) Rejoice, but Beware Philippians 3 : 1 -2

Previously • Paul is challenging these brethren to shine as lights in the midst of this crooked and perverse generation • His hope was that they stand fast so that in the day of Christ (judgment), he will rejoice, knowing he has not labored in vain • He then addressed sending Timothy and Epaphroditus • He now turns to a different matter

• • Finally brethren, Rejoice Finally – is a transition word Philippians 4: 8 Could mean “other” or “the rest” – (2 Corinthians 12: 13, 13: 2, Ephesians 2: 3, 1 Timothy 5: 20) Sometimes a final point takes time and needs to be developed. Usually, when we read this, it is time to pay attention (important)

• • Finally brethren, Rejoice in the Lord The theme of this letter (form of word found 11 times in this letter) Philippians 1: 18, 2: 17 -18, 4: 4, … As Christians, we ought to be joyful, and work toward that end Our rejoicing ought to IN THE LORD – not ourselves or worldly pursuits, etc.

• • For me to write this… Repetition is a needed tool Very few remember something after only 1 telling (at least long term) Scripture filled with such admonitions Romans 15: 15, 1 Corinthians 15: 1, 1 Thessalonians 3: 4, Acts 20: 31, 2 Peter 1: 13, 3: 1 -2 For you it is safe! 2 Timothy 4: 3 -4

Beware! • A warning! Like reminders, we need warnings! They call for alertness • Scripture filled with such admonitions Mark 12: 38, 8: 15, Colossians 2: 8, Hebrews 3: 12 • 1 Peter 5: 8, 1 Thessalonians 5: 6 • 2 Peter 2: 1 -3 – False teachers

Beware! • The false teachers of Paul’s text • Judaizing teachers – Jewish converts who sought to bind the LOM on Gentiles Acts 15: 1 -2 • Many problems: - Failed to understand nature of the kingdom and work of Jesus - Produced pride and arrogance - Was divisive and false doctrine - Often hateful behavior • Galatians 6: 12 -13, 1: 6 -9, etc.

Beware! • The false teachers of Paul’s text • Described as dogs – wild animals that would attack Matthew 7: 6, Revelation 22: 15 • Symbolic of those who prey on others, esp. the weak – Galatians 6: 12 -13 • NOTE: Jews thought of Gentiles as dogs (unclean, wild and scavengers)

Beware! • The false teachers of Paul’s text • Described as evil workers – their conduct • Some preached out of envy, Philippians 1: 11 • False teachers often do evil works and exploit – 2 Peter 2: 1 -3, Romans 16: 17 -18, 1 Timothy 6: 3 -5

Beware! • The false teachers of Paul’s text • Described as the mutilation – their teaching, demands • Associated with the act of circumcision (binding it upon Gentiles) • Paul realizes they are actually mutilating the gospel for personal gain – Acts 15: 24, 28 -29

Beware! • The false teachers of Paul’s text • We must NOT let false teachers mutilate sound doctrine • We will know them by their fruit – Matthew 7: 15 -16

Beware! • What about “name calling” • There is a place for identifying false teachers, both by name (cf. 1 Timothy 1: 20, 2 Timothy 4: 14) and by their character (Matthew 3: 7, 12: 34, 23: 33, 2 Peter 2 & Jude) • But let it NOT be just for the sake of name calling. It ought to be a needed WARNING! • Use this tool with wisdom and love (cf. Philippians 3: 18, Romans 9: 1 -2)

Am I alert? t u b , e Rejoic re Bewa 2 1 : 3. Phil