of me--as I am an imitator of Christ ( 1 Corinthians 11:1 ): Imitate me no farther than as I imitate Christ. They are favoured with special Divine revelations. This morning I want us to look at the theological significance of Paul's description of the church of Jesus Christ as the "true circumcision." He reached forth, stretched himself forward towards his point; expressions showing great concern to become more and more like unto Christ. Inference is not exegesis. 3 For o we are the circumcision, p who worship q by the Spirit of God 1 and r glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh - 4 s though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. The events around the birth of this church were dramatic. Philippians 3 is the third chapter of the Epistle to the Philippians in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. We put no confidence in human effort, 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. We don't put our trust in our weak human nature. By the οὐκ ἐν σαρκὶ πεποιθ., which he had just used, Paul finds himself led to his own personal position; for he was, in fact, the proper organ of the anti-Judaizing tendency expressed in Philippians 3:3, and the real object against We are the ones who are truly circumcised. 1 That I may know Christ. True believers, in seeking this assurance, as well as to glorify him, will seek more nearly to resemble his sufferings and death, by dying to sin, and by crucifying the flesh with its affections and lusts. 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 3:3(NASB) Picture courtesy of David - Imagebase. The work of religion is to no purpose, unless the heart is in it, and we must worship God in the strength and grace of the Divine Spirit. His reevaluation indicates the profound and lasting effect of his experience of the meaning of Christ on the way to Damascus some twenty years before (Gal 1:15–16; Acts 9:1–22). of the tribe of Benjamin--son of Rachel, not of the maid-servant [BENGEL]. They rejoice in Christ Jesus, not in mere outward enjoyments and performances. ", 17. followers--Greek, "imitators together." To know HIM is more than merely to know a doctrine about Him. For we are the Circumcision who worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh--. Understand the meaning of Philippians 3:3 using all available Bible versions and commentary. Breaking Down the Key Parts of Philippians 3:13 #1 “Brothers and sisters,” A common way for the authors of the New Testament to start a section, the Greek is “brothers,” but the meaning of brothers in the context is everyone, brothers and sisters. 8. 16. touching the law--that is, as to legal status and strictness. What Does Philippians 3:3 Mean? Compare "accounted worthy to obtain the resurrection from the dead" ( Luke 20:35 ). Hence it includes the essence of a new disposition, and may easily pass into the idea of sanctification, though the two ideas are originally distinct. And it seems to me that if a legitimate alternate reading can be offered, based on the rules of grammar and exegesis, then Philippians 3:3 may not be the bedrock text some folk think it is. add a comment | 1 Answer Active Oldest Votes. The reference of the immediate context is to sensuality, and carnality in general. They who worship God in the spirit are the sons and daughters of the Lord God Almighty. For we are the true circumcision, who worship God in spirit, and glory in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh. For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Messiah Yeshua, and have no confidence in the flesh; For we are the circumcision, who serve God in spirit and glory in Christ Jesus, having no confidence in the flesh. We are the true circumcision, we who offer worship by the Spirit of God and rejoice with confidence in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3) In verse 3 the apostle boldly and confidently asserts: “we are the true circumcision” (i.e., we as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are the covenant people of God). … Article Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Christian worship is spiritual, flowing from the inworkings of the Holy Spirit, not relating to certain isolated acts, but embracing the whole life ( Romans 12:1 ). God wants His children to experience joy and to rejoice in Christ in all circumstances. Philippians 3:1 tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:12. Literally, "As to what remains," &c. It is often used at the conclusion of Epistles for "finally" ( Ephesians 6:10 , 2 Thessalonians 3:1 ). We don't put our confidence in rituals performed on the body. Philippians 3:4-6 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. N.A.S.B. Contrast "mark," or "observe," namely, so as to follow Philippians 3:17 . For we be circumcision, which by spirit serve to God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and have not trust in the flesh. The image is that of a race course throughout. Kehillah in Philippi 3:3 (OJB) God makes further revelations to those who walk up to the revelations they already have ( Hosea 6:3 ). Their belly is now pampered, our body now wasted; then the respective states of both shall be reversed.