The Joy of Hearing It Again!

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The Joy of Hearing It Again!

Philippians 3:1-3

March 8, 2023 • Pastor Ludence Robinson

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Philippians 3:1-3

1. Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2. Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. 3. For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh.

The Joy of Hearing It Again!

Last time we were here we learned about the mind of Christ and how valuable that mind is, Christ’s mind as the apostle Paul has revealed, is a mind that all Christians should possess, and should seek to emulate and imitate. Paul has been arguing for this mind ever since the beginning of chapter 2. And to further his point gave us three illustrative examples, first, his own example, second the example of Timothy, and third the example of Epaphroditus. And now Paul is eager yet again to show us this life once more not in a concluding fashion but more in a transitioning fashion.

Paul in the first verse of this passage opens with the word “finally.” The word here for “finally” is better rendered as “furthermore”, “so then”, or “now then.” So, it’s not a word of conclusion but a word of transition that Paul mentions at the beginning of this letter. Paul is still pressing his case in these verses; for he says, “Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.

Paul stated simply he had no problems repeating himself, a-matter-a-fact he was totally fine with saying what he had said already or was about to say again and so he gives the Philippians and us three solid reasons why he would repeat himself.

{The first reason why Paul repeated himself was…}

FOR THEIR WELFARE v.1

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.

Paul in verse 1a commanded the Philippians to “rejoice in the Lord” as “one” in their common faith, just as he had commanded them earlier in chapter 1 verse 27, to “stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel.” Here again, Paul encouraged them with a command to rejoice as brothers and sisters in the Lord.

He gave them three reasons for rejoicing, by showing them…

The WHO of their rejoicing

The WHERE of rejoicing

The WHY of their rejoicing

Paul in verse 1b, is deeply concerned about the Philippians’ safety. He does not mind writing the same things again in order to keep them safe from those who would oppose them (1:28). But where does our safety lie as believers?

{The second reason why Paul repeated himself was…}

FOR THEM TO BEWARE v. 2

2. Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh.

Paul in verse 2 tells us three times in this one verse to “beware” The NIV uses the phrase “watch out.” The King James Version captures the words of Paul in a repetitive fashion as “Beware.” The RSV renders the text as “beware for dogs, beware for evil works, beware of the concision.”

In this one verse, Paul gives us three tell-tale signs of the same group of men or perhaps three approaches that false teachers use to gain an audience. Paul calls these men by awful names, while at the same time applying it to their characters…

Dogs “those dogs”

The Greek word here that Paul uses for dogs is Koon, literally a scent hound. Wild scavengers that plagued ancient cities. These Koons roamed in packs, feeding on garbage.

The word dog was frequently used as a derogatory term. In fact, the Jews in biblical times commonly referred scornfully to Gentiles as dogs.

Deceitful workers are “those men who do evil.”

The word here for evil is the Greek word for worthless, note that Paul says they do evil. Meaning their deeds are not worth following for it will ultimately end in death. However, the irony here is that false teachers pride themselves on their supposed righteousness, but in reality, they are evil workers. Banking on their accomplishments and deeds to put them right with God.

Devotees to circumcision are “those mutilators of the flesh.”

Circumcision has always been essential to Israel for several reasons.

It was the distinguishing mark of God’s covenant relationship with his people (Genesis 17:11; Acts 7:8).

It was an identifying mark of God’s covenant community among his people (Genesis 17:14).

Circumcision graphically illustrated man’s depravity, which is nowhere more manifest than in the procreative act, because it is then that the sinful nature is passed on to a new generation. And therefore, circumcision was a symbol, picturing man’s need to be cleansed from sin at the deepest root of his being. Hence, the bloodshed while cutting in the physical act of circumcision could symbolize the need for a sacrifice to accomplish the cleaning. Circumcision then was to reflect an outer action of an inner reality. God through the prophet Jeremiah commanded the Israelites to “circumcise yourselves to the Lord and remove the foreskins of your heart” ( Jeremiah 4:4, 9:26; lev 26:41 Deuteronomy 110:16 30:6 Ezekiel 44:7,9). But sadly, circumcision had become nothing more than a mere outward ritual, robbed of its spiritual significance.

Paul’s use of the word in Greek for mutilators is to cut down, describing the false teachers as “the false circumcision”, individuals who were experts at botched jobs. Persons who like to be seen doing outward rites and rituals.

{The third reason why Paul repeated himself was…}

FOR THEM TO BE AWAREv.3

3. For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh.

Paul is again commanding Philippians to be aware of who they are, and who the concision is, by making a contrast between “the concision” in verse 2 (whom he styles as “mutilators of the flesh,” or as the KJV renders it “the concision”) that we “the circumcision”, in verse 3. On one hand, Paul calls their circumcision false, while on the other hand, calling himself, the Philippians, and us “the true circumcision”, those who have truly cut away the flesh. He conveys that we are the ones whose hearts are radically transformed. True circumcision is that of the heart by the Spirit. No ritual, no circumcision, baptism, communion, or any other – can transform the heart. And a transformed heart can only be done in a threefold way…

By His Spirit v. 3a

Perhaps a better translation is “We who serve God through the Spirit.” Or “by means of his Spirit” This is the only way one can worship God and that is through his Spirit.

Through His Son v. 3b

Note that Paul says here “we glory in Christ Jesus”, that is our boast is in his accomplishments, we rejoice in what Christ has done. And this is because of our union with him.

In His Salvation v. 3c

Note what Paul says, “we put no confidence in the flesh”, in other words, we do not place stock in what we can do, or what men can do for us. We do not put any trust in external ceremonies to save us or to bring us salvation. Our confidence is placed squarely on Christ’s shoulders. For…

Contentment

May 17, 2023

Philippians 4:12-14 12. “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 14. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.” CONTENTMENT The last time we were here we considered together verses 10 and 11, where we discussed the generosity of the Philippians as seen through the eyes of Paul the apostle. We suggested that Paul saw in the Philippians’ generosity to him three things: · The Lord‘s care o 10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last, you renewed your concern for me. · Loads of compassion o Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. · Lessons in contentment o 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. We ended our study by defining what contentment meant. We said that contentment was to be free from care, due to the satisfaction with what is already one's own. The Hebrew word for contentment means simply "to be pleased." In the Greek word contentment means to be self-sufficient, satisfied, and independent (1 Timothy 6:8; Hebrews 13:5). In other words, Contentment is more of an inward enjoyment than outward satisfaction (1 Timothy 6:6); the former is a habit or permanent state of mind, while the latter has to do with some particular occurrence or object. So that on one hand, inward contentment brings lasting fulfillment, while on the hand outward contentment is a temporary thrill. Paul’s great joy had nothing to do with the gift he had received from the Philippians, per se because he was content and needed nothing despite being confined behind prison walls. For Paul, this sufficiency was not something he had in and of himself, but a sufficiency that came from Christ. It was an understanding gained from the experience of knowing that we have everything we need in Him, regardless of our external circumstances. We highlighted this clearly from three passages found in the scriptures on contentment: Job 36:11 If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment. Song of Songs 8:10 I am a wall, and my breasts are like towers. Thus, I have become in his eyes like one bringing contentment. 1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. And so, we surmised that: Contentment is being thoroughly satisfied or pleased with the things that we have. Contentment is a state of satisfaction or being pleased with the things we don’t have but yet, we wait patiently for such things as we work diligently to gain them. Contentment is God satisfying or pleased with everything God has richly provided for our enjoyment while using those resources to be a blessing to others. Contentment is found wherever and whenever we have the opportunity to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. Paul now in the next several verses, digs a little deeper into the subject of contentment by using his own example, situations, and circumstances. Paul gives his own life as an object lesson in these verses and testifies that “need” and “plenty” are relative terms – relative to what we feel ourselves to want. And that there is a depth of discipline of self whereby one does not need more than one has at any given moment. And the reasons for this he gives in verses 12 through 14. Let us take a candid look at these verses. The first reason he gives is that: THE SECRET TO CONTENTMENT IS IN OUR EXPERIENCE WITH CHRIST 12. “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Notice carefully that Paul mentions some physical circumstances such as being in need and having plenty, being well-fed or hungry, living in much, or having nothing. And in the midst of these social states, he says, twice “I know what it is to be in” and “I know what it is to have.” This “I know” that Paul states here did not come through osmosis, happenstance, or luck. This Knowledge came through learning. And his learning came through two possible ways or both, I believe the latter to be true that his knowledge and learning came through two essential things… 1. The Example he followed. a. 1 Thessalonians 1:6 “You became imitators of us and the Lord.” b. 1 Corinthians 11:1 “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 2. The Experience he nurtured. i.Philippians 2:5 “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ…” ii.Colossians 2:6-7 “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthen in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” iii.Ephesians 4:20 “You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life to put off your old self… and to be renewed in the attitude of your minds.” The second reason he gives is that: THE STRENGTH OF CONTENTMENT IS BEING EMPOWERED BY CHRIST 13. “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Paul understood that no matter how difficult his struggles may have been, that there was something else undergirding, and enabling him. There was an invisible means of support deep within, and thus he understood that his adequacy and sufficiency came from his union with someone greater than himself. Paul is clear that “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” He speaks of the adequate and all-sufficient One Christ who dwells within and pullet the reins. When Paul says, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” He had physical and not necessarily spiritual things in mind. The things he had in mind are clearly mentioned in verse 12, where he says “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned….whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” He then says, he “can do everything through” Christ who gives the strength to sustain him in any and every situation. The idea is to be strong, to have power, or to have resources. In context, what Paul is conveying is that he can accomplish these physical feats only by trusting God to sustain him through the extremities that life offers. And because God has already given us everything we need for life and godliness we are better able and equipped for such challenges in life wherever and whenever they come. God has provided for us with his own fourfold resources: 1. His Son – 1 Corinthians 15:30-32 2. His Spirit -Galatians 5:16-26 3. His Scripture James 1:19-25 4. His Supplies – 2 Corinthians 9:10-15 Content belongs to those who rely upon God rather than on their own resources. The third reason he gives is that: SHARING IN CONTENTMENT IS AN ENCOUNTER FOR CHRISTIANS. 14. “Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.” The final reason that Paul gives for contentment is in sharing in the concern for others, here is where true contentment resides. Those who live only for themselves will never be content because their contentment is only when things are exactly the way they want them to be. And when the things they have gained, accumulated, or achieved are taken away, stolen, and/or destroyed they are discontented, discouraged, and despondent. When we share in each other’s trouble, we are supplying and meeting each other’s needs as God has so commanded us to do: 1. We fulfilled the law of Christ – Galatians 6:2 a. 2 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” 2. We help our neighbors for their good and benefit – Romans 15:1- 2 a. 15 “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.” 3. We develop an equality of exchange among our brothers and sisters – 2 Corinthians 8:10-15 a. 10 And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. 11 Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. 12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. 13 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. 14 At the present time your plenty will supply what they need so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, 15 as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”

Grateful

May 10, 2023 • Pastor Ludence Robinson

THE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS Chapter 4:10-11 10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. GRATEFUL The last time we were here we considered verses 6-9 of chapter 4 of Philippians, where the apostle Paul encouraged the Philippians to be anxious about nothing but to pray about everything. For too many times, we treat prayer as a transaction and not as an opportunity to commune with God. We learned this from the last time we were here that in this country we are bred to be consumers. And that we should never get caught up in the idea that prayer is a retail experience. Prayer is both an act and an atmosphere. A living trust as well as total reliance upon God. And so, we shared the last time we were here a little more insight into the importance of spiritual stability, that spiritual stability is understanding. Our anxiety as men v. 6 Our appeal is to God v. 6b. Our protection is God’s peace 7. Our righteous living is birth from peace v.8. Our promise from God is his presence v.9. Paul now gives his thanks, after giving his thoughts on spiritual stability. He now with one stroke of the pen moves on to thank the Philippians for their spiritual support, the support they had offered to him for the past 10 years as he ministered among the Macedonian cities of Thessalonica and Berea (Acts 17:1-13). And as he moved south the Philippians continued to show their undying support even as he ministered in Athens and Corinth which belonged to the territory of Achaia. As years passed, they had been concerned about Paul, but lacked the opportunity for whatever reason to show their support for him. But then Epaphroditus finally arrived in Rome, bringing with him a generous gift from those in Philippi. Paul was so ecstatic about the Philippians’ gift that he thanked them for their generosity, and in the process wrote them the letter we are now studying. Therefore, I would like to suggest three things that Paul saw in the generosity of Philippians. Paul saw the Philippians generosity… First, as… THE LORD’S CARE 10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Paul saw the Philippians concern for him as the Lord caring for him. Paul is rejoicing in the Lord, for he knew that it was the Lord, who was at work in those at Philippi. Paul saw the Philippians actions towards him and others as the Lord’s care for him and those with him. He was certain that God in due time would arrange his circumstances to meet his needs. Paul understood that the times, seasons, and opportunities of life are controlled by God. We too are to view the generosity of others as the Lord caring for us, and us doing or caring for the Lord. Jesus echoes these same sentiments in his discourse about the sheep and goats. Matthew writes Jesus’ words this way: 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mathew 25:37-40). Paul is rejoicing in the fact the Philippians had at last renewed their commitment to follow through on their responsibility as stewards, which was meeting the needs of others. Paul saw the Philippians generosity… Secondly, as…. LOADED WITH COMPASSION Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. The Philippians were always a compassionate people it seems from letters, for Philippi was a Roman colony and the leading city of the district of Macedonia. We may not be as familiar with Philippi, but perhaps we are more familiar with the churches of Macedonia as Paul records for us in his letter to the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians chapter 8. It is there we see the signs of generosity, coming from the churches located in that region and Philippi being one of them. Paul conveyed their generosity this way, when he instructed the Corinthians of a pattern to follow as it related to being generous to others. He writes, 8 And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5 And they did not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord, and then to us in keeping with God’s will” Matthew 25:37-40 Generosity extends from Compassion, and compassion stems from Grace and grace is given by God. And because we too have been given Grace, we have been given the capacity to be compassionate and/or to be loaded with compassion towards our brothers and sisters who stand in need of our help when and wherever necessary. The scriptures give clear examples of this: Luke in his Acts conveys, “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had” (Acts4:33). Paul writing to those in Rome says, “love must be sincere; hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love” (Romans 12:9-10) 1 Peter 3:8, Peter agrees, “finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.” Jude 1:22 says, “Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear.” Paul writing to those at Ephesus “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32) Paul again writing to the Colossians Christians says, “Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12). Paul saw the Philippians generosity… Thirdly, as… LESSONS IN CONTENTMENT 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. Paul says clearly to the Philippians, lest they misunderstood his statement in verse 10, I am not pushing this or bringing it up because I am in need or want ofsomething from you. This is not the case, for Paul appears to be totally satisfied knowing that “the blessing of the Lord maketh rich and he addeth no sorrow to it” (Proverbs 10:22). And that he had learned to be content whatever the circumstances. So being in these circumstances and various situations had taught Paul some valuable lessons in contentment. What is contentment? Contentment is to be free from care because of satisfaction with what is already one's own. The Hebrew means simply "to be pleased." The Greek brings out the full force of the word in 1 Timothy 6:8; Hebrews 13:5. Hence to be content in Greek means to be self-sufficient, satisfied, and independent. In other words, Contentment is more inward enjoyment than outward satisfaction (1 Timothy 6:6); the former is a habit or permanent state of mind, the latter has to do with some particular occurrence or object. One brings lasting fulfillment, while the other a temporary thrill. Paul’s great joy has nothing to do with the gift per se because he is content and needs nothing. For Paul and all believers, this sufficiency is not in ourselves but Christ. It comes from knowing that we have everything we need in Him, regardless of our external circumstances. We can see this clearly from three passages found on contentment: Job 36:11 If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment. Song of Songs 8:10 I am a wall, and my breasts are like towers. Thus, I have become in his eyes like one bringing contentment. 1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. Contentment is being thoroughly satisfied or pleased with the things that we have. Contentment is a state of satisfaction or being pleased with the things we don’t have but yet, waiting patiently for such things as we work diligently to gain them. Contentment is God satisfying or pleased with everything God has richly provided for our enjoyment, while using those resources to be a blessing to others. Contentment is found wherever and whenever we have the opportunity to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.

Living in the Now

April 26, 2023 • Pastor Ludence Robinson

PHILIPPIANS 4:1-5 4 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. SPIRITUAL STABILITY: LIVING IN THE NOW The last time we were here Elder Sheranda dealt with the closing verses of chapter 3, and now this evening we have come to the opening verses of chapter 4. Where Paul begins his opening statement with the word “therefore.” Any good student of scripture would want to know immediately what the, therefore, is there for. The word, therefore, means for that reason, or consequently: The word, therefore, indicates that what Paul is about to write builds on what he has just written. The text immediately points us back to the preceding verses where Paul has made it clear to us how to achieve spiritual stability. And then points us forward on how to maintain spiritual stability. First, how to achieve spiritual stability, Paul tells us at least three things in the previous verses… By following a set example v. 17 By Fleeing from Satanic Enemies v. 18, 19 By focusing on simple expectations v. 20, 21 So, the relevant question to be asked and answered is this, how do you and I maintain this spiritual life in a more personal practical manner? First, We must… SEEK FULLER CONNECTIONS v.1 4 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! The phrase “my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown …my beloved” expresses Paul’s deep connections with the Philippians. He has always conveyed a deep desire throughout his epistles to those he has written. We can see this in several of his letters: Romans 1: 8-12 1Corinthians 16:5-7 Galatians 4:19-20 Colossians 2:1 1 Thessalonians 1: 6b-8 Philippians 1:3-8; 25-26 In this verse alone he addresses Philippians in three connective ways 1. As brothers in Christ 2. As beloved by Christ 3. As blessings through Christ Note: We owe it to ourselves to stay connected, because only together are we stronger. Secondly, We must… STOP FIGHTING IN CHURCH v. 2-3 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Paul in verse 2 pleads with two women who were apparently involved in some kind or type of altercation. It appears they were having some difficulty getting along. We are not given the details as to the cause of their disagreement, only that there was a disagreement. The truth is that wherever there are people there will be some disagreements, differences, and disputes. How do fights start in the first place? James 4: 1-3 How do we minimize fights in church? By Learning to agree to disagree with each other By Learning to assist & help each other. By Learning to accept & embrace each other. Note: The better we handle our differences, will be the judge of how we handle each other. Lastly, We must… STAY FAITHFUL TO THE CAUSE v. 4-5 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Paul in verse 4 repeats one of the favorite refrains of the Psalms – rejoice in the Lord! The secret of this exhortation is found in the words “in the Lord” that no matter how dark and dismal the circumstances of life may appear, it is still possible to rejoice in the Lord always and again to rejoice. The point Paul is making here is that rejoicing in the Lord is such a vital factor to the believers’ spiritual stability that the command bears repeating twice – “rejoice in the Lord always and again I will say rejoice!” This repetition, however, presupposes the reality that it is not easy to be joyful, hence joy is not dependent upon feelings, nor emotion but upon a clear understanding of God as he has revealed himself. Note: What you and I believe about God, is how we will live our lives before Him. The question is how do you and I stay faithful to the cause? Paul suggests at least three ways we can stay faithful to the cause... By maintaining a spirit of joy. By displaying a spirit of gentleness. By constantly being aware of the Lord’s presence.