49 - Bible Commentary | Karuna Sadan

To keep writing to you [over and over] of the same things is not irksome to me, and it is [a precaution] for your safety. (Philippians 3:1)

For a leader to repeat certain things is not wrong but it is a safety precaution. As a matter of fact, there are some things that must be regularly emphasized.

Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:2-3)

Apostle Paul told us to beware of three things in this one verse

1. Beware of dogs

2. beware of evil workers

3. beware of the mutilation!

Apostle Paul refers to deceitful and harmful men in this verse as dogs. Jesus warned the disciples to “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs.” (Matthew 7:6). Proverbs reveal to us that some people return to their sin as dogs return to their vomit. The picture clearly is dogs referring to men who have returned to a lifestyle of sin. But what is more distressing is that they teach others to do the same. This is why we must beware of dogs.

A work of God often attracts a crowd—and where the sheep are gathered, dogs and wolves come to prey.

I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. (Philippians 3:10)

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I want to know You and experience the mighty power that raised You from the dead.

Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. (Philippians 3:16)

What we have attained we need to maintain otherwise we will lose it

There are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. (Philippians 3:18-19)

Notice it's not your words but your conduct that really shows whether you are a friend or an enemy of the cross.

4 Characteristics of the Enemies of the cross of Christ:

1. Their end is destruction

2. Their god is their belly (their work is more important than God)

3. Their glory is in their shame

4. They set their mind on earthly things (what you set your mind on shows you are of God or not of God)

Chapter 3