Philippians 3 - Introduction

I. Warning against Judaizing teachers: Philippians 3:1-3

II. Paul's own example as an argument against the Judaizers: Philippians 3:4-14

III. An exhortation to follow his example: Philippians 3:15-17

IV. Warning against enemies of the cross: Philippians 3:18-19

V. By contrast: The outlook of the Christian: Philippians 3:20-21

Paul's praise of his friends (Philippians 2:19-30) is followed by. swift rebuke of his foes. Chapter Philippians 3:2-3 seems to be best understood as referring to Judaizing teachers, who tried to bind various aspects of the Law of Moses upon Christians. The Church at Philippi might not have been immediately threatened by such teachers, as were the churches of Galatia (Galatians 1:6; Galatians 4:10; Galatians 5:1), but virtually every congregation in the ancient world had found itself eventually confronted with these false teachers (Acts 15:1; Acts 15:5; Acts 15:24; 2 Corinthians 11:22; Colossians 2:16). Paul then uses his own example to vividly illustrate the vanity of trying to find acceptance with God on the basis of those things connected with the Jewish religion. This is. wonderful chapter. On the one hand it demonstrates that man cannot earn or merit salvation (Philippians 3:9), and that salvation is not found in the Jewish religion (Philippians 3:7-8). On the other hand, it plainly shows that Christianity contains it's own requirements and conditions for salvation. The Christian must try, strive, and exert effort, and that grace is never an excuse to engage in sin (Philippians 3:12-19).