Words of Warning
Philippians 3:1–3
Life is full of warnings. The Internet, TV, and billboards bombard us regularly with warnings, telling us what to think, believe, and do. Likewise, our families, friends, employers, doctors, and governments caution us, hoping to influence our choices. Ignoring these warnings, whether good or bad, can change our lives.
In Philippians 3:1–3, Paul warned the Philippians not to follow false or cultic teachers, especially the Judaizers, who would lead them into major errors in their faith. But before doing so, Paul reminded the Philippians to “rejoice in the Lord,” a major theme throughout his letter.
Rejoice in Christ Jesus
Paul began by saying, “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord” (v. 1). Though it might seem as if the apostle were concluding his letter, Paul used the word finally (Greek, loipon) to open a section alerting the Philippians to beware of false doctrine. Here, finally is better translated “furthermore” or “moreover.”
Before warning the believers, the apostle commanded them, “Rejoice in the Lord.” The word rejoice, used numerous times throughout Philippians, is the theme of this short letter. Christians’ joy comes not from ourselves or even other Christians but, rather, “in the Lord.”
Though difficulty is unpleasant, God allows it in believers’ lives according to His will. But by His grace, He equips us to face trials and persecution with joy.
James, Jesus’ half-brother, reinforced this truth when he wrote, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (Jas. 1:2–3). James did not say that trials are enjoyable but that believers should count them as joy.
Paul wrote, “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28). Believers should “rejoice in the Lord” under the most trying circumstances, even when we do not understand the purpose of such trials.
Receive Repetitive Warnings
Paul went on to say, “For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe” (Phil. 3:1). He was sounding a warning against the false teachers and evil workers he mentioned previously in his letter (cf. 1:27–30).
Paul said it was “not tedious” (irksome, grievous, or troublesome) for him to do. In fact, it was extremely necessary. Repeating his warning was “safe” for the Philippians to teach them how to stand against false teachers and their erroneous beliefs.
Paul and other biblical authors repeated warnings because repetition improves clarity and helps listeners internalize and retain the truth they hear.
Resist Ceremonial Rituals
Paul warned the Philippians against false teachers called Judaizers. They taught heresy in the church and passed off such falsehood as the true gospel of Christ.
The word Judaizer comes from the Greek word Judaizo, which means “to be or to live like a Jew.” Judaizers taught that it was not enough to simply believe in the Jewish Messiah Jesus without embracing the practices of Judaism. They claimed Gentiles who had received Christ must live like Jews by keeping ceremonial Jewish practices, particularly circumcision (Acts 15:1; Gal. 5:2; 6:12–13).
Judaizers tried to discredit Paul’s authority as an apostle. They dogged his footsteps during his missionary ministry, trying to undo his work. Paul exposed the Judaizers’ heretical beliefs and taught that the gospel was not an addendum to Judaism, nor a mere supplement to the Mosaic Law.
Everywhere Paul preached the gospel, the Judaizers followed with their false gospel of salvation by works and unbiblical ordinances.
Paul strongly denounced these people, saying, “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation” (Phil 3:2). The word beware (Greek, blepo) means “to see” or “look out for.” He warned the Philippians to take heed, describing the Judaizers in three ways:
1. Because of their character, they were “dogs” (v. 2). Dogs in biblical times were not domesticated animals that people treated as beloved pets. Dogs were considered unclean, vicious, flea-bitten scavengers that fed on garbage. They fought among themselves and roamed the streets and countryside in packs, devouring other animals, especially sheep. The prophet Isaiah described the false prophets of his day as blind, ignorant, dumb dogs (Isa. 56:10).
2. Because of their conduct, they were “evil workers” (Phil. 3:2). The word evil (Greek, kakos) means intrinsically worthless or depraved. The Judaizers’ speech and motives endangered believers.
3. Because of their commitment, they were “the mutilation” (v. 2), or the “concision” (KJV), a sarcastic play on the word for “circumcision.” Judaizers required that Gentile Christians be circumcised to prove they were Christians. Paul said mixing that Old Testament Jewish rite with the doctrine of grace to prove a Gentile’s salvation mutilated the gospel of Christ. No one can be saved by mixing the Law with grace (cf. Eph. 2:8–9).
In Galatians 1, Paul condemned Judaizer instruction, saying their teaching “trouble[d]” (v. 7) the Galatians, creating fear and confusion and undermining their confidence in Christ. It also “pervert[ed] [corrupted or distorted] the gospel of Christ” (v. 7), and for these teachers to preach any other gospel was to destroy the truth. Paul said, “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed” (v. 8). Paul’s strong and sobering words are applicable even today.
Remember Your Relationship to Christ
God instituted the practice of physical circumcision for Israel as a sign of His covenant relationship with the nation (Gen. 17:10–14), but He also meant for it to parallel spiritual circumcision of Israel’s heart (cf. Dt. 30:6). Judaizers appropriated this outward sign as a requirement for Gentile salvation. God, however, never demanded Gentile men be circumcised to prove they were saved.
Commitment to outward ceremonial rituals or sacramental observances does not earn salvation. God saves us based on our faith alone in Christ, not based on a symbolic act of physical circumcision. The Philippians needed clean hearts (Dt. 30:6). Paul wrote, “For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh” (Phil. 3:3).
Spiritually circumcised believers are described in three ways:
1. Their practice is to “worship God in the Spirit” (v. 3). Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (Jn. 4:24). God is truth and a Spirit, invisible to man. Man must approach God with a truthful heart in prayer and worship through the indwelling Spirit of God. Our relationship to God is personal, not based on outward ordinances like circumcision.
2. Their purpose of worship is to “rejoice in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:3). The word rejoice (Greek, kauchaomai) means to “boast,” “exult,” or “glory” in Christ. People can only glory and boast in Christ if they know Him intimately as their personal Savior.
3. Their pattern of service is to “have no confidence in the flesh” (v. 3). Believers must pattern their lives after Christ, not by trusting in the flesh or relying on external ceremonies. They should not place any trust in their corrupt, fleshly nature (Rom. 8:8).
We all need to heed Paul’s words of warning and determine whether we are putting our confidence in the flesh or walking by faith. May we be found faithful!
Amen!