SF580 - BEWARE OF THE DOGS (Philippians 3 1-11)

SF580

BEWARE OF THE DOGS

Philippians 3:1-11

INTRODUCTION

Paul turns His attention to Practical Matters

Begins by saying “finally”

He warns against False teachers and instructs believers how to live a pure life!

He sets forth some goals for us...

1A.       THE DANGERS OF A CROOKED WORLD (1-2)

Paul Describes False Teachers

1B.       Their Character : Dogs

God’s people are sheep

Dogs are a danger to sheep

(2 Peter 2:22)  Of them the proverbs are true: "A dog returns to its vomit," and, "A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud."

2B.       Their Conduct: Do Evil

“Evil” = kakos - depraved, bad; vicious disposition or desire!

3B.       Their Concern: Mutilators

They were more concerned with conformity and conversion!

(Colossians 2:11)  In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ,

2A.       THE DISTINCTIVES OF THE CHRISTIAN WALK (3-8)

1B.       Paul’s Explanation (3)

“Who worship by the Spirit of God”

(John 4:24)  God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."

“Who glory in Christ Jesus”

(Galatians 6:14)  May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

“Who put no confidence in the flesh”

2B.       Paul’s Example (4-8)

What he was (4-6)

What he became (7-8)

3A.       THE DESIRES OF A CONSECRATED WITNESS (9-11)

1B.       A Position (9a)

(Ephesians 2:12)  remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.

(Galatians 3:27)  for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

2B.       A Possession (9b)

(Romans 3:22)  This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference,

3B.       A Person (10a)

(John 17:3)  Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

4B.       A Power (10b)

“Dunamos” = explosive, resurrection power!

5B.       A Participation (10c)

“Fellowship” = sharing a common life!

(Acts 5:41)  The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

6B.       A Promise (10d-11)

(Romans 6:5)  If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.

APPLICATION

When Others Look at you do they see...

A Dog or A Lamb?

You will either build the Kingdom or break down the Kingdom?

Are you a builder or a Weaker?