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Are you Circumcised Brother? (Philippians 3:1-3)
In his second letter to the Corinthians Paul instructs
believers: "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith" (2
Cor.13:5) A group of probably well-intentioned believers were going around
the church teaching that faith in Jesus was all well and good but not
altogether sufficient to save. They urged people to submit to certain
Jewish laws as well in order to be right with God.
Paul was having none of this, indeed his language here is so strong that
I wonder how the modern Western Church would deal with Paul's forthright
language:
"Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil,
those mutilators of the flesh."
Now "dogs" is a particularly insulting title. Jesus said:
"Do not give dogs what is sacred: do not
throw your pearls before pigs. If you do, they may trample them under
their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces" (Matt.7:6)
In his Revelation on Patmos, John was told:
"Blessed are those who wash their robes,
that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the
gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts,
the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves
and practices falsehood." (Rev.22:14-15)
The Bible leaves us in no doubt about where this will leave those who
add to or take away from the finished work of Christ and Paul is determined
here that we should understand what is required of those who "rejoice
in the Lord!" Judaizers boasted about their circumcision as though it
were a badge of honour. Paul described the badge of honour of those who
are truly circumcised with the circumcision of the heart (Rom.2:28-19)
"We who worship by the Spirit of God" (v.3).
A Christian is someone in whom the Spirit of God dwells and worship is
not empty ritual but is done "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:23-24)
"…who glory in Christ Jesus" (v.3). Those
who are spiritually circumcised (have "cut off" their old life) put their
trust fully in Christ.
"…and who put no confidence in the flesh"
(v.3). Trusting in what you do to obtain
salvation means not trusting in Christ. True Christians don't rely on
their own efforts and observances to save them.
John tells us that outside the city are dogs but those who have trusted
completely in the finished work of Christ - nothing added, and have been
washed gain free access to the City of God. No wonder Paul urges true
believers:
"Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord!
It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it
is a safeguard to you" (v.1)
We who Paul describes as being the true circumcision, who are circumcised
in our hearts, have every reason to rejoice. Just as Paul saw great benefit
in repeating this message so we should remind ourselves of what Christ
has secured and completed for us. It is a safeguard against being drawn
away to other gospels and a measure by which we might confidently examine
ourselves to see if we are in the faith.
If we are a people who worship in the Spirit, glory in Christ and put
no confidence in the flesh what a powerful witness to the lost, and what
a tremendous example to those at risk of finding themselves outside the
city.