Scripture | “Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh” Philippians 3:2–3
Observation | Such insulting words from the Spirit of God towards people who we would be told to love and find our common ground with today! Our first lesson from this text is that some will mutilate themselves and you with false teaching. They will be “workers” from within the church. Pastors, elders, denominational leaders even. Today they are more applauded for their ecumenical compromise and tolerance of error and sin, as they seek to befriend all teaching and never make a sinner uncomfortable by calling a sin a sin. In contrast, those who take an unwavering stand on and boldly proclaim the truth are silenced and ousted by cancel culture.
In Paul’s time these “dogs” were those who added seemingly biblical requirements to salvation. As well as those who removed submissive obedience from faith and grace. Let us remember Judas who was a friend of the disciples and in one of the highest religious positions. The disciples counted Judas as one of their own. Today men like Judas receive a tolerant welcome at the door and a loving embrace in the church. We must beware for ourselves of such people, for the church no longer has set a guard against error and outright opposition to the truth.
A clue that is consistent with such “evil workers” is a low view of scripture. For if one thinks highly of and seriously about God’s Word without twisting it or making it comfortable for our culture, those in sin and error will be discomforted, called to the Savior and true and living repentance in holy living. A high view of scripture applied to life and teaching is the distinguishing mark of those who truly worship “in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus.” They are the faithful workers.
Second, let us remember from this passage that hypocrisy and outward conformity that lacks an inward transformation from God is nothing new and not uncommon. Circumcision was an issue for the early church because this outward mark and sign of the old covenant of God was divorced from the inner cutting away of the flesh of the heart. It was a hypocritical way to obey outwardly with no inner repentance. Many today do the same with baptism (which literally means washing). They prioritize external religion, and neglect the daily pursuit of inner transformation through Jesus and His work of cleansing our hearts. So much time is wasted among believers fighting over the doctrines of the external. All the while God calls for us to cut away the sin of the heart and wash away the filth of the inner man. Such work can only be done by the Father through Jesus Christ, in faith and repentance.
Application | How have I placed my confidence in the external-physical things of religion? How have I neglected the internal work of repentance, purity, holiness, faith and forgiveness? What possible Judas’ do I need to test honestly so that I will not continue to blindly befriend them? What guards do I need to place in my life against those who claim Christ but are not true Christians?
Prayer | Father, humble my spirit that I not think my life greater than Your Sons who was daily faced by his betrayer. Open my eyes to the danger of others who claim to hold to Your Word, but do not thinking of it highly. Let me see the errors and the ways that will lead me from Your ancient paths. Give me the boldness to correct those who teach and live such ways with humility, patience and love. And the wisdom to know when to not give what is holy to dogs or cast pearls before swine (Matt 7:6). Cleanse me now of the sins of my heart, by the power of the work of your Son. Help me to daily cut away the flesh and put it to death (Rom 8:13). For Your glory alone. Amen.
