“Beware of the dogs…the evil workers, the false circumcision; for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God…glory in Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh, although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh…if anyone else has a mind to…I far more…” (Philippians 3:2-4)
Bottom line: How are we qualified to offer anything of value to those around us? And why should we care? Here’s Paul, again, telling us to “rejoice,” (v. 1) but this time with a warning. He admits he’s said this before, but it bears repeating. “It is a safeguard for you.”
Paul was a Pharisee of Pharisees, over qualified, even, to take the message of salvation to the masses. But he had a glaring fault. He was misguided and pride was at work in him, by means of his flesh, spreading its deadly effects. Listen to his resume: “circumcised on the eighth day, an Israelite from the elite tribe of Benjamin, a strict and devout adherent to God’s law, a fiery defender of the purity of my religion, even to the point of persecuting the church…(v. 5-6 MSG)
Yet, Paul now knows how far afield he was when he admits, “I was merely a rule-keeper; and now what qualifications others wave around as something special, along with that everything else I used to take credit for, I call trash!” He says at this time that only knowing Christ and acknowledging His place as Master of his life is what’s important. Compared to that, it’s all “dog dung.” Pretty plain, bottom line stuff.
What we think we have going for us, too, pales in comparison to being able to embrace Jesus and be embraced by Him in return. Paul says, “I didn’t want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ—God’s righteousness” (v. 8-9 MSG). Jesus died for me, personally, to free me from performing to impress. Those benefits I’ve been given, those gifts, are only to be submitted to the One who gave them, on the basis of faith.
The beauty of the gospel is that it’s for everyone, regardless of pedigree. It’s the one time anyone can say, “I want that,” and get it. That’s why the message of Easter is universal, not just historical. It’s proof the God of the universe reaches out across time and space to draw us to Himself. It’s also the truth that we, too, can reach out to others offering lasting value to them. No competition, sizing one another up first, but with a heart of compassion giving what we’ve been given.
What’s important to you? How has this world tried to squeeze you into its mold, even if only in your mind? What are you aspiring to, taking credit for? What high privilege is calling you? Are you settling for a petty list of rules, or are you resting in Christ’s embrace? Still and significant.
If Paul, a Pharisee of Pharisees, can be brought to the realization that everything else is just rubbish, there’s hope for us. What’s at the other end of this realization? Resurrection. Putting to death worthless pursuits and accepting the Spirit’s power for what amounts to life.
Though I found the gospel and embraced Christ while very young, I remember distinctly when I was confronted with trying to live in my own strength—as a student in college trying on new ideologies, as a young wife and mother finding my way into new, untested responsibilities, then on to a challenging call in public education. I needed something more. What was required was resurrection. Like Paul, I assessed my natural assets and told my Lord, “It’s not enough; it’s really just rubbish unless I have your power and direction. I’ll trust you for this…and this…and that, too.” Paul’s warning came to my ears as a safeguard, “Beware of what you put confidence in. Watch out who you follow, even if it’s yourself.”
No Rules
Father of all that’s real, dismiss all that’s false in me. Keep pointing the way to life, and reveal the dung heaps along the way. Let my confidence rest in the Spirit’s work, continually counting all things loss for the sake of knowing Your Son, and having righteousness that only comes from Him. No substitutes. Train me to live the life of faith. And when my pride in achievements lures my gaze away from its Source, help me to rejoice in who You are. Thank you for providing a blameless pedigree, measured by Your grace for those who accept Christ’s sacrifice. No rules, just faith and dependence, eternally. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Jesus, Messiah
He became sin
Who knew no sin,
That we might become His Righteousness;
He humbled himself and carried the cross,
Love so amazing,
Love so amazing.
Jesus, Messiah,
Name above all names,
Blessed Redeemer,
Emmanuel.
The rescue for sinners,
The ransom from Heaven,
Jesus, Messiah,
Lord of all.
-Chris Tomlin
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