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Search for Truth
Read: Philippians 3:1-11
If you were to ask your friends and family about their thoughts on faith or religion, there would likely be a wide representation of beliefs and attitudes. They may worship different gods, have different religious practices, or just think differently on certain issues. Some may not believe in god at all. It’s easy to see the differences between the major religions and identify yourself as a Christian. But there are differences even within the Christian faith. The various denominations are evidence of some of these differences. Back in Jesus’ day there were rabbis who taught their own interpretation of the scriptures, each having his own disciples who would follow and learn from him. Inevitably, their interpretations differed. When Jesus came he corrected the teachings that were false and offered the truth to all who would listen.
Paul warns the Philippians to beware of those who are “dogs”, who “do evil”, and who are “mutilators of the flesh”. It seems obvious that we would watch out for such people, but the people Paul was talking about were not so obvious. They were likely a group of Jewish Christians who were spreading false teachings and who wrongly believed that salvation could be obtained by following Old Testament laws and rituals. In addition, many of them were filled with spiritual pride. Here Paul refers to the false teachers as “dogs” and “evil workers” because they claimed to be true believers but were misleading the people and corrupting the truth. They were referred to as mutilators because of their belief that a person must be physically circumcised in order to be saved.
In contrast, Paul describes true circumcision. It is we, who are true believers, who are the circumcision- not those who have been physically circumcised or born of Jewish descent. Circumcision has spiritual meaning. Those who are truly circumcised worship with true spiritual worship (not through meaningless ceremonies or rituals), they rejoice in Christ (not in their own achievements), and they put no confidence in the flesh (having faith in God rather than believing religious efforts can save them).
Paul’s take home message is to be wise about what you hear and believe. Evaluate Christian teachings to see if it lines up with Christ’s teachings in the Bible. Ask God for wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). Be on guard for false teachings or people who may try to convince you that good works or following rules and traditions will save you or earn God’s favor. Examine your own beliefs. Are you doing things to win God’s favor? Do you ever feel like you should be doing more to be a better Christian? God notices what you do and blesses you for it, but He cares more about the condition of your heart. He loves you because you’re you. He created you and was pleased. He loves you for who you ARE, not for what you DO. Nothing you could ever do could win His favor or change His love for you.
Reflect: Read Philippians 3:1-11 again and reflect on the following questions:
- How attuned are you to the validity of Christian teaching?
- Take a deep look at your own heart. Do you ever try to win the favor of God or others by doing good things or by being involved in Christian ministry? Do you ever feel like if you did more you’d be a “better” Christian?
- Do you judge other people’s spirituality by how involved they are or by their position in ministry? Why is this the wrong attitude?
Remember: Weekly memory verses
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ… (Phil 3:7-8, NIV)
Going further:
Pray that God will grant you wisdom and continue to open your eyes to His truth this week.
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