Philippians 3: Sacrificing All for Christ

                Paul opens this letter with some advice; “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision [mutilation]” (Philippians 3:2) I think it is safe to say that Paul was referring to dogs in the same sense that was used in Proverbs; “…a dog returneth to his own vomit, so a food returneth to his folly.” (Proverbs 26:11) Therefore, Paul is telling the Philippians that they need to avoid fools, evil workers and they need to avoid mutilating their body (i.e. tattoos, piercings, etc.)

Paul explains that while he was raised Jewish and was circumcised in the flesh, it was more important to be circumcised of the Spirit in your love for Jesus Christ. Righteousness comes not from the letter of the law, but from the Spirit of the Law, by following Christ. By following Jesus Christ and doing his will in following the Spirit of the Law (i.e. loving your neighbor) Paul is filled with righteousness, which allows Paul to know Christ and the power of his resurrection. This does not mean that Paul is perfect, but he presses on to do what Christ has called him to do. Paul urges the Philippians to follow his example.