Beware of the Dogs!

April 14, 2009
Text: Philippians 3:2-11
Title: Beware of the Dogs!

Thoughts:

I suppose I captured a bit of the essence of Paul’s words in Philippians 3 a few weeks ago when I ministered from it. But to say that I really understood the weight of Paul’s statements would be a severe mistruth. As most of you have heard and read, I have really struggled with the death of my grandmother and her salvation. In her confession, she was ready to meet Jesus. In the category of her works, doubt looms within me.

Providentially, God set me up. He knew the words of Paul would have greater impact in light of my own personal struggle with the text. And, impacting it is.

Warning the Philippians of the “dogs….the evil workers…the false circumcision”, Paul’s reference was to a group that were requiring more thanfaith. Meaning, faith wasn’t enough. More was required of the Gentile Christians. In order for them to become full Christians they must adhere to the principles of Jewish Law, namely circumcision. Such an issue was intensely debated and settled by the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15. Indeed, God was saving and filling with the Holy Spirit these Gentiles who were uncircumcised and outside the Law of Moses.

Perhaps, Peter’s testimony, coupled with Paul’s words in Philippians 3, will remind us of what is truly necessary for one to be saved. Peter says,

And God, who knows the heart, testified to them giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us; and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.” (Acts 15:8-9)

He adds,

Now therefore why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? (Acts 15:10)

Certainly, this is a question that deserves a critical response from each of us. What parameters, guidelines, and yokes are we licensed to place upon another, when, in fact, we have been unable to procure them ourselves? Paul addresses this issue head on in the following verses. Indeed, it is neither his heritage, nor Law abiding ways that have procured salvation for him. The righteousness he knew “…is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith.” (Phil. 3:9)

Let us beware, lest we, as people, begin to require more than God Himself. Our salvation is through faith!

Application:

Have you ever been guilty of making salvation more than faith?

How much is truly required of us to enter into heaven?

Do you really believe  your answer?

Prayer:

Father,

Thank You for the releasing from us the weight of the Law. None, other than Christ, has been able to fulfill Your perfect Law. Nevertheless, You do not require us to fulfill the works of the Law, for You know we were incapable. Today, You merely require faith in Your Son Jesus Christ. Every fiber of my being says, “There should be more!” But You have repeatedly stated, “It is by faith”. Free me from the burden to place yokes upon myself and others. Teach me to embrace faith and faith alone!

In Jesus’ name. Amen.