Read Philippians 3:1-3 – The Influence of Judaizers
1. The word “finally” literally means “as for the rest,” indicating some sort of transition.
When we “rejoice in the Lord,” what is the focus of our joy?
a. How does this differ from other ideas of the word rejoice?
b. How might Phil 2:14 give us more insight into rejoicing in the Lord?
2. Paul didn’t mind reminding the church of things. Why? (vs 2) What does that mean?
3. In verse 2, Paul is referring to the Judaizers. These are a group of false teachers who try to mix law and grace. They had been following Paul, trying to lead new believers astray. Referring to verse 2, Mclaren says, “This outburst is very remarkable, for its vehemence is so unlike the tone of the rest of the letter. That is calm, joyous, bright, but this is stormy and impassioned, full of flashing scathing words.” What does this indicate about the situation?
a. Beware of dogs: refers to the legalists who were trying to deceive the Philippians. Consider a pack of wild dogs. What might this reference indicate?
b. Beware of evil doers: refers to what these legalists do. It may also speak of earning salvation by works. What specific kinds of teaching might Paul be warning against?
c. Beware of the mutilation: refers to circumcision. This was an ongoing argument from legalists that had been resolved by the apostles at the Jerusalem Council. (see Acts 15) What had been
their decision?
4. In verse 3 Paul defines true circumcision which is a matter of the heart:
a. What are the 3 aspects listed and what do they mean?
b. What do these Old Testament references add to our understanding? Deut. 10:16, 30:6
Read Phil. 3:4-11 – Gain Counted As Loss
1. In verses 4-6 Paul lists the many ways that he could have confidence in the flesh. These were highly regarded credentials for the Jew. Yet what does he tell us in verse 7?
2. Those things thought to be important had become unimportant since Paul had met the risen Christ. In verse 8 Paul tells us that the excellence of the knowledge of Christ is far above anything that is admired by man, such as the things listed in verses 5 and 6, because through the knowledge of Christ, Christ is gained and we are found in Him. Nothing is more important than this. What does it mean to be “found in Him”.
3. Compare the righteousness which is from the law with the righteousness which is through faith in Christ. (vs 9)
a. What is righteousness?
b. What does Galatians 2:21 add to this?
4. Verse 10 speaks of a personal relationship with Christ. It is not just an intellectual understanding of Jesus, but it is also a relational understanding, an intimate knowledge of Jesus. Consider:
a. What is required for you to actually know a person, to have a relational understanding of them?
b. How can we apply this to knowing Jesus?
5. Verse 10 elaborates on this relationship. What do the following mean?
a. To know the power of His resurrection
b. To know the fellowship of His suffering
c. being conformed to His death
6. The phrase, “if, by any means” could be well translated, “since indeed.” It has a sense of confidence. Regarding verse 12 from NKJV Study Bible: Attain to means “to arrive at” as well as to “become partakers of”. Paul was not doubting his participation in the resurrection but was instead viewing it with expectation.
As Christians, this is our hope and expectation as well! Do you walk in this hope and expectation? What things might keep us from this walk? What other verses would be helpful to remember to keep us walking in this hope and expectation?