A study on Philippians

Philippians 3, a new updated study outline

Chapter 3

In this chapter Paul broadens the horizon of his being under the influence of the Law and the power of it to hold one back from the law of God, which is now at work within him and those who have surrendered their own will to His as a form of crucifying of mans flesh to God for their betterment. This he also refers to as mortifying of the flesh in other epistles. In Romans 12:1 he tells us that we are to be living sacrifices wholly onto God for this is our reasonable service.

Philippians 3:1 “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.”

Philippians 3:2-11 “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision (the formerly more excellent form of external circumcision, Religious rites, rituals, ceremonies and other forms of Religious holidays, having been set aside by God and are now in opposition). For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus*, and have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law (this is the Law of Moses), a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yes 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 (to strike, to throw, to through away), that I may win Christ, and be found In Him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the law (of Moses in principle or by regulation of), but that which is through the faith of Christ (this replaced the law as Paul describes it herein), the righteousness which is of God by faith (this is what is greater than the law of Moses because even Moses' law has within it these hidden truths in similitudes): That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable to His death; If by any means I might attain to the resurrection of the dead** (this is the hope of our calling, a hope not yet seen but only known through trust/faith In Him and His word).”
*Here we must bear in mind what Jesus said, 'that God is looking for those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth,' this He said to the Samaritan women in John 4. After revealing Himself to her but she at first did not realize Who He was that she was talking to her. He also said this just before telling her this, "Woman, believe Me, the hour comes, when you shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. For you worship you know not what:" This is what Paul is also saying here in essence. Because of the change in programs which is the work of God through Jesus who has become our LORD as He also was Israels under the old administration. Or the purely Jewish dispensational period now completed as prophesied by the Law, Psalms and Prophets.

**This is the revelation of the first revealing of this truth as found in Genesis 1 verses 26-28. Where God is speaking to His spiritual man and woman not yet in the world and therefore not in a body of clay which will become as dead (no longer having His Light/Life and Truth within them), separated from Him which will take place in chapter 3 where good and truth are replaced by mere good. This truth can be seen in chapter 2 where man, Adam, names all the things of the earth of Gods creation, having within him both good and truth which enables him as a spirit man to have wisdom (good) and knowledge (truth). John in his synoptic gospel tells us that in Jesus is all Grace and Truth and then continues his revelation of this fact in the following text through the Spirit of Holiness and Truth now residing/indwelling within him. We can only know these things by or through the Spirit of all Truth now restored to us in His Salvation. A gospel that blends and mixes up these things is not a gospel that we want to be a part of, but sadly until the day of Christ we may be part of the problem and deception. This Paul will also reveal in the following passages.