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-- 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence.
If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.
7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.
In our verses for today, Paul gives forth a red flag for us to watch out for those who through their “barking” and “biting” present much malice against the believer in Christ Jesus. In other words, we should expect opposition. Satan is the same and rarely changes his tactics. We can still hear him whisper to us - as he did to Adam and Eve – “Did God really say...” There is really nothing new under the sun now is there? Therefore, the question for us remains, as it did for the believers at Philippi, are we prepared to face the opposition? Do we know the Truth and how to stand firm in it? I came across this quote by Ryle last night and, while lengthy, it is worth the read:
“You live in a world where your soul is in constant danger. Enemies are round you on every side. Your own heart is deceitful. Bad examples are numerous. Satan is always labouring to lead you astray. Above all, false doctrine and false teachers of every kind abound. This is your great danger. To be safe you must be well armed. You must provide yourself with the weapons which God has given you for your help. You must store your mind with Holy Scripture. This is to be well armed. Arm yourself with a thorough knowledge of the written Word of God. Read your Bible regularly. Become familiar with your Bible... Neglect your Bible and nothing that I know of can prevent you from error if a plausible advocate of false teaching shall happen to meet you. Make it a rule to believe nothing except it can be proved from Scripture. The Bible alone is infallible... Do you really use your Bible as much as you ought? There are many today, who believe the Bible, yet read it very little. Does your conscience tell you that you are one of these persons? If so, you are the man that is likely to get little help from the Bible in time of need. Trial is a sifting experience... Your store of Bible consolations may one day run very low. If so, you are the man that is unlikely to become established in the truth. I shall not be surprised to hear that you are troubled with doubts and questions about assurance, grace, faith, perseverance, etc. The devil is an old and cunning enemy. He can quote Scripture readily enough when he pleases. Now you are not sufficiently ready with your weapons to fight a good fight with him... Your sword is held loosely in your hand. If so, you are the man that is likely to make mistakes in life. I shall not wonder if I am told that you have problems in your marriage, problems with your children, problems about the conduct of your family and about the company you keep. The world you steer through is full of rocks, shoals and sandbanks. You are not sufficiently familiar either with lighthouses or charts. If so, you are the man who is likely to be carried away by some false teacher for a time. It will not surprise me if I hear that one of these clever, eloquent men who can make a convincing presentation is leading you into error. You are in need of ballast (truth); no wonder if you are tossed to and fro like a cork on the waves. All these are uncomfortable situations. I want you to escape them all. Take the advice I offer you today. Do not merely read your Bible a little – but read it a great deal... Remember your many enemies. Be armed!” J. C. Ryle
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3:16-17 (NIV)
Paul also tells us true believers are those who worship in the Spirit - not in simply following outward ordinances. Christianity works from the inside out and the works of the saints are motivated by the heart not by the following a list of manmade ordinances. We are to glory in Christ Jesus alone not demonstrating confidence in or leaning on mere works of the flesh. That is a well-worn path which leads to futility.
Further, the apostle goes on to list his rich pedigree for which any Jew would have been proud to herald. Yet, he states, all this profit was worth nothing to him compared to Christ. I wonder, could we say the same thing regarding our Delilah’s, our greatest achievements or our heart’s desires? Is Christ our Pearl of great price?
45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” Matt 13:45-46 (NIV)