Philippians 3:4: I Myself Have Reason For Confidence In The Flesh

Philippians 3:4
[4] though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: (ESV)

The church at Philippi, like many churches at that time, had been infiltrated with Judaizers. These were self-righteous Jews who demanded that certain rituals and ceremonies must be observed by all who claimed to be saved. This was contrary to the teaching of the Apostle Paul and the Apostle John, and in fact, contrary to Scripture.

We can call these Jews "Judaizers" because they were trying to make Christianity more Jewish. I prefer to call them party poopers because they were trying to destroy the freedom that we have in Christ. I would love to say that modern day Christianity is devoid of such party poopers, but that would be false.

Paul's way of dealing with these false teaching party poopers is to do a little comparison of his own qualifications compared to theirs. He says, "You think you can have confidence in the flesh? In rituals? Ceremonies? Look at my credentials. You don't even come close!" Paul is going out of his way to show these people just how ridiculous they are.

In the next few verses we will look at all of the qualifications that Paul is talking about. But for today think about the party poopers in your circle. Do you have any people in the church you attend who demand any kinds of rituals or ceremonies in order to feel more spiritual? Have you ever been intimidated by these kinds of self-righteous party poopers? There is no need.

If you belong to Christ you are free from having to fulfill the rituals and ceremonies of the Old Testament. They were fulfilled in Christ. Live in freedom. No party poopers.

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