The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the CHAPTER THREE

Chapter 1: PAUL’S ACCOUNT OF HIS PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCE Chapter 2: PAUL’S APPEAL TO HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST Chapter 3: PAUL’S APPEAL TO HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST Chapter 4: PAUL’S APPEAL TO HAVE THE PEACE OF CHRIST

Chapter 1: PAUL’S ACCOUNT OF HIS PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCE Chapter 2: PAUL’S APPEAL TO HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST Chapter 3: PAUL’S APPEAL TO HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST Chapter 4: PAUL’S APPEAL TO HAVE THE PEACE OF CHRIST

Chapter 3: PAUL’S APPEAL TO HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST A. Warning Against Confidence in the Flesh (1 -9) B. Exhortation to Know Christ (10 -16) C. Warning Against Living for the Flesh (17 -21)

Chapter 3: PAUL’S APPEAL TO HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST A. Warning Against Confidence in the Flesh (1 -9) B. Exhortation to Know Christ (10 -16) C. Warning Against Living for the Flesh (17 -21)

Chapter 3: PAUL’S APPEAL TO HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST A. Warning Against Confidence in the Flesh (1 -7) B. Exhortation to Know Christ (8 -16) C. Warning Against Living for the Flesh (17 -21)

Paul and Timothy knew that preaching, teaching, and WARNING were all needed to raise the church to maturity.

Paul and Timothy knew that preaching, teaching, and WARNING were all needed to raise the church to maturity. Colossians 1: 28 …we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

In Chapter 2, Paul showed that the remedy for rivalries and selfish ambition within the church is to put on the mind of Christ.

In Chapter 3, he warns of false doctrines that can creep into the church and lead Christians to run a different race than the one prescribed by God. False doctrine is exposed by the true knowledge of Christ.

Three Doctrines that Obstruct the Furtherance of the Gospel ‘JUDAIZERS’ who want to put Christians under the LAW. ‘PERFECTIONISTS’ who teach that we are perfect in Christ now, and can simply rest on our laurels. ‘HEDONISTS’ who teach that we should be single-minded in our pursuit of the pleasures of life.

DOCTRINE MATTERS!

DOCTRINE MATTERS! 1 Timothy 4: 1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

DOCTRINE MATTERS! 1 Timothy 4: 1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Galatians 5: 9 A little leaveneth the whole lump.

A. Warning Against Confidence in the Flesh (1 -9) Philippians 3: 1 1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.

A. Warning Against Confidence in the Flesh (1 -9) Philippians 3: 1 1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. It was not a tiresome thing for Paul to warn Christians of the dangers of false doctrine. The first danger he addresses came from legalists who taught that righteousness (and therefore salvation) comes through the works of the law.

A. Warning Against Confidence in the Flesh (1 -9) Philippians 3: 2 -3 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. 3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

A. Warning Against Confidence in the Flesh (1 -9) Philippians 3: 2 -3 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. 3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. GENEVA BIBLE NOTES “He calls them dogs, as profane barkers, and evil workmen, because they neglected true works and did not teach the true use of them. To be short, he calls them concision [literally, a cutting off], because in urging circumcision, they cut off themselves and others from the Church. ”

A. Warning Against Confidence in the Flesh (1 -9) Philippians 3: 2 -3 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. 3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. There are unimaginable treasures waiting to be discovered in the study of the Old Testament. However, one must be careful how he applies Judaic truths to Christianity.

A. Warning Against Confidence in the Flesh (1 -9) Philippians 3: 2 -3 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. 3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. 1 Timothy 1: 5 -7 5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: 6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; 7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

A. Warning Against Confidence in the Flesh (1 -9) Philippians 3: 2 -3 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. 3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. The circumcision that God desires is that of the heart:

A. Warning Against Confidence in the Flesh (1 -9) Philippians 3: 2 -3 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. 3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. The circumcision that God desires is that of the heart: Romans 2: 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

A. Warning Against Confidence in the Flesh (1 -9) Philippians 3: 2 -3 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. 3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. The circumcision that God desires is that of the heart: Romans 2: 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. Deuteronomy 10: 16 Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.

A. Warning Against Confidence in the Flesh (1 -9) Philippians 3: 2 -3 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. 3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. To worship God in the spirit is to worship him through Christ, and not through the works of the flesh.

A. Warning Against Confidence in the Flesh (1 -9) Philippians 3: 2 -3 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. 3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Paul was uniquely qualified to speak on this subject. Before he came to Christ, he could boast in all the things the Jews most highly esteemed.

A. Warning Against Confidence in the Flesh (1 -9) Philippians 3: 4 -6 4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

A. Warning Against Confidence in the Flesh (1 -9) Philippians 3: 4 -6 4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. Having come to Christ, he now knew this was all empty gain. The only pursuit he valued was the knowledge of Christ.

A. Warning Against Confidence in the Flesh (1 -9) Philippians 3: 7 -8 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

A. Warning Against Confidence in the Flesh (1 -9) Philippians 3: 7 -8 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, In the eyes of his peers, his sacrifice was profound. But he mourned his loss no more than one misses the undigested remains of yesterday’s meal.

A. Warning Against Confidence in the Flesh (1 -9) Philippians 3: 7 -8 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, Through the KNOWLEDGE of Christ he would WIN Christ, and reap the rewards of true wisdom:

A. Warning Against Confidence in the Flesh (1 -9) Philippians 3: 7 -8 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, Proverbs 3: 13 -15 13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

A. Warning Against Confidence in the Flesh (1 -9) Philippians 3: 7 -8 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, Proverbs 3: 13 -15 13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. To find the WISDOM of the Proverbs is to find Christ!

A. Warning Against Confidence in the Flesh (1 -9) Philippians 3: 7 -8 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, Proverbs 3: 13 -15 13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. 1 Corinthians 1: 24 b 24 …Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

A. Warning Against Confidence in the Flesh (1 -9) Philippians 3: 7 -8 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, Paul wanted to FOUND in Christ; hidden in the cleft of that great Rock.

A. Warning Against Confidence in the Flesh (1 -9) Philippians 3: 9 9 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:

A. Warning Against Confidence in the Flesh (1 -9) Philippians 3: 9 9 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: Galatians 2: 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Three Doctrines that Obstruct the Furtherance of the Gospel ‘JUDAIZERS’ who want to put Christians under the LAW. ‘PERFECTIONISTS’ who teach that we are perfect in Christ now, and can simply rest on our laurels. ‘HEDONISTS’ who teach that we should be single-minded in our pursuit of the pleasures of life.

B. Exhortation to Know Christ (10 -16) Philippians 3: 10 -11 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

B. Exhortation to Know Christ (10 -16) Philippians 3: 10 -11 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Paul wanted to KNOW Christ in both his power and in his suffering, both as the great I AM and the Lamb of God.

B. Exhortation to Know Christ (10 -16) Philippians 3: 10 -11 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. He was NOT suggesting that his good works would earn him a place in the resurrection. He knew that for ALL people, “there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust” (Acts 24: 15). Daniel 12: 2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

B. Exhortation to Know Christ (10 -16) Philippians 3: 10 -11 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. He wanted to fully die to Christ so that Christ might be fully resurrected in him.

B. Exhortation to Know Christ (10 -16) Philippians 3: 10 -11 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. He wanted to fully die to Christ so that Christ might be fully resurrected in him. Galatians 2: 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

B. Exhortation to Know Christ (10 -16) Philippians 3: 10 -11 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Paul exposed the lie of the false teachers who claimed that Christians have already attained a state of perfection.

B. Exhortation to Know Christ (10 -16) Philippians 3: 12 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Paul exposed the lie of the false teachers who claimed that Christians have already attained a state of perfection.

B. Exhortation to Know Christ (10 -16) Philippians 3: 12 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. He knew such perfection was not possible in this lifetime, but he also knew that every step of obedience brought him closer to Jesus than he was before.

B. Exhortation to Know Christ (10 -16) Philippians 3: 13 -14 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

B. Exhortation to Know Christ (10 -16) Philippians 3: 13 -14 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Behind him were the days of chasing righteousness by works. Before him was the promise of perfection in Christ.

B. Exhortation to Know Christ (10 -16) Philippians 3: 15 -16 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.

B. Exhortation to Know Christ (10 -16) Philippians 3: 15 -16 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. STRONG’S CONCORDANCE

B. Exhortation to Know Christ (10 -16) Philippians 3: 15 -16 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. NELSON KJV STUDY BIBLE “There is present, then, a bit of irony: perfect (mature) believers are those who admit they are not perfect in any absolute sense. ”

B. Exhortation to Know Christ (10 -16) Philippians 3: 15 -16 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. As we seek his guidance, the Spirit of Truth helps us separate truth from error. Among those who were “otherwise minded” were the hedonists:

Three Doctrines that Obstruct the Furtherance of the Gospel ‘JUDAIZERS’ who want to put Christians under the LAW. ‘PERFECTIONISTS’ who teach that we are perfect in Christ now, and can simply rest on our laurels. ‘HEDONISTS’ who teach that we should be single-minded in our pursuit of the pleasures of life.

C. Warning Against Living for the Flesh (17 -21) Philippians 3: 17 17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

C. Warning Against Living for the Flesh (17 -21) Philippians 3: 17 17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. There is no gift more precious than a good example. But we can also learn plenty from a bad example – what not to do!

C. Warning Against Living for the Flesh (17 -21) Philippians 3: 18 -19 18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. )

C. Warning Against Living for the Flesh (17 -21) Philippians 3: 18 -19 18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. ) Jesus did not suffer and die on the cross so that we could live like wealthy pagans. Don’t be bewitched by the health and wealth gospel. “A little leaveneth the whole lump” and there is good reason we should not make this world’s treasures our aim:

C. Warning Against Living for the Flesh (17 -21) Philippians 3: 20 -21 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

C. Warning Against Living for the Flesh (17 -21) Philippians 3: 20 -21 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. STRONG’S CONCORDANCE πολίτευμα, politeuma: citizenship This world is not our final destination, and we know how this one will end.

C. Warning Against Living for the Flesh (17 -21) Philippians 3: 20 -21 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. 2 Peter 3: 10 and 13 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

C. Warning Against Living for the Flesh (17 -21) Philippians 3: 20 -21 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. These wretched bodies shall be exchanged for a glorious body:

C. Warning Against Living for the Flesh (17 -21) Philippians 3: 20 -21 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. 1 Corinthians 15: 53 -54 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

C. Warning Against Living for the Flesh (17 -21) Philippians 3: 20 -21 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. And all things will be brought under the power and authority of God:

C. Warning Against Living for the Flesh (17 -21) Philippians 3: 20 -21 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. And all things will be brought under the power and authority of God: 1 Corinthians 15: 28 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

C. Warning Against Living for the Flesh (17 -21) Philippians 3: 20 -21 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. The End of Chapter 3

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge Overview - Philippians 3 1 4 7 12 15 17 18 He warns them to beware of the false teachers of the circumcision; shewing that himself has greater cause than they to trust in the righteousness of the law; which notwithstanding he counts as dung and loss, to gain Christ and his righteousness; therein acknowledging his own imperfection. He exhorts them to be thus minded; and to imitate him, and to decline the ways of carnal Christians.

Chapter 1: PAUL’S ACCOUNT OF HIS PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCE Chapter 2: PAUL’S APPEAL TO HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST Chapter 3: PAUL’S APPEAL TO HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST Chapter 4: PAUL’S APPEAL TO HAVE THE PEACE OF CHRIST