Philippians 3:1-11 V. 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. V. 2. “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. V. 3. “For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

V. 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: V. 5. “Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee. V. 6. “Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

V. 7. “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. v. 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. v. 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.

V. 10. “That I may know him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death; v. 11. “If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

Brief Outline of the Text: “Rejoice in the Lord,” Philippians 3:1. “Beware,” 3:2. “The Circumcision” which Matters Most,” 3:3. Things Paul “Counted Loss for Christ,” 3:4-7. Winning Christ is all that Really Matters, 3:8-11. Things Involved in Winning Christ.

“Rejoice in the Lord,” 3:1. “Finally, my brethren,” 3:1. – Sometimes “finally” denotes a conclusion, as in 2 Corinthians 13:11; Ephesians 6:10. – Sometimes “finally” denotes a transition to a new section. Such is the case here. “Rejoice in the Lord,” 3:1. – A central theme of this book. 1:18; 2:16-18; 3:1,3; 4:4,10. – Rejoice “in the Lord” not your circumstances!

Some Reasons for Rejoicing: When the burden of sin is lifted when one obeys the gospel, Acts 8:39. In our reward in heaven, Matthew 5:12. That our name is written in heaven, Luke 10:20. In hope, Romans 12:12; 5:1,2.

“Beware,” Philippians 3:2. “Of dogs,” 3:2. – Dogs often prowled in eastern cities, ran in packs, fed on refuse and filth. A term of contempt. I Samuel 17:43; cf. Deuteronomy 23:17; Matthew 7:6. “Of evil workers,” 3:2. “Of the concision,” 3:2. – From katatomen, meaning “mutilation!” – The circumcision that mattered was spiritual; Gal. 5:6; Colossians 2:11-12; Romans 2:28-29.

“The Circumcision” which Matters, Philippians 3:3. “…We” (Christians) not Judaizers, “are the circumcision,” 3:3. “We,” Who: – “Worship God in the spirit,” 3:3; John 4:23,24. – “Rejoice in Christ Jesus,” 3:3. – “Have no confidence in the flesh,” 3:3. If anyone had reason to have “confidence in the flesh,” Paul did! Philippians 3:4-6.

Why Paul might have had “confidence in the flesh:” He was: “Circumcised the eighth day, 3:5. Lev. 12:3; Luke 2:21. “Of the stock of Israel,” 3:5. “Of the tribe of Benjamin,” 3:5. I Kings 12:21. “A Hebrew of the Hebrews,” 3:5. Genesis 14:13; Acts 21:40 “A Pharisee,” 3:5. Note Acts 26:5. Filled with “zeal” and was “blameless,” 3:6

Things Paul “counted loss for Christ,” 3:4-7. The “things” cited in vs. 5-6, which formerly gave him “confidence in the flesh.” These he “counted loss for Christ,” 3:7 – “Things” he forfeited, surrendered, gave up. “Things” which meant position, prestige, and wealth! – This attitude denoted true repentance! Cf. Acts 17:30.

Winning Christ is all that Really Matters, Philippians 3:8! To “win Christ,” Paul had “suffered the loss of all things,” Philippians 3:8. – This reminds us of the Parable of the Pearl of Great Price, Matthew 13: How Paul regarded what he had given up: – “…for Whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,” Philippians 3:8. As nothing more than “dung” or refuse!

Things Involved in Winning Christ: Being “found in Him,” 3:3; cf. Galatians 3:27. Having “the righteousness which is of God by faith,” 3:9. cf. Romans 1:16-17; 5:1,2. Knowing Christ, Philippians 3:10 Knowing “the power of His resurrection.” – The greatness of the power of God which He exercised in raising Jesus from the dead! Ephesians 1:19-20; 1:1-2!

Things Involved in Winning Christ, Continued: Having fellowship with “His sufferings,” 3:10. Being conformed to His death, 3:10. – This occurs in baptism, Romans 6:3,4. Attaining “unto the resurrection of the dead,” 3:11. – All the dead will be raised, John 5:28,29. – “Resurrection” (exanatasin; literally “out resurrection”); the righteous will have a “resurrection of life,” John 5:29.

Practical Lessons: Christians Have Reason to Rejoice, 3:1! It is a Mistake to Place “Confidence in the flesh,” 3:3. – Many Jews focused on their Jewish nationality. – Many today depend too much on family heritage! To “Win Christ” is the most important gain there is! Philippians 3:8

Conclusion These verses get to the heart of what is involved in true Christianity. Yes, there are commandments that must be obeyed, but when all is said and done, God wants our hearts! God is interested in your salvation! 2 Peter 3:9. Jesus invites you to “come” to Him, Matthew 11:28-30.