Misguided. . .But Not Lost!
How many times have people been so zealous for their belief yet missed the target? Even today many peoples attempt to set themselves right with their God (god?) using human means to justify their actions. Can you think of some religion or people matching that statement?
St. Paul warns the church at Philippi (and us) that we are to watch out for those who put forth false claims that may misguide us. Chapter 3:2 begins with those who Paul calls “mutilators of the flesh” who believe that circumcision (flesh) is what is required to set us apart. But it’s Christ! Our hearts are transformed through a spiritual circumcision that gives us hope.
Previously we read that our safeguard from the world and the Evil One can be found in the “Armor of God.” (See Ephesians 6:10-18). We are going to see that Paul can easily argue that his background too misguided him into a sense of security.
Read Philippians 3:4b-11
- Paul recites his curriculum vitae (“C. V.”) as possible reasons for his confidence. Let’s examine the list in the table below.
| Circumcised on the 8th day of the people of Israel | Born a male Jew was a blessing. Circumcision on the 8th day was required to separate from the unrighteous. |
| Tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews | The tribe of Benjamin occupied the smallest territory of all the tribes. Yet, it played a significant role in Israelite history. Saul, Israel’s first king, was a Benjamite. Furthermore, the city of Jerusalem was near the border between the territories of Benjamin and Judah and may have been in Benjamin originally (Josh. 18:16; Judg. 1:21). Benjamin’s appetite for territory may be seen in Jacob’s blessing (Gen. 49:27). Moses’ blessing highlights Benjamin’s special place in God’s care (Deut. 33:12). Late in the period of the judges, Benjamin almost disappeared from history when they mistreated a Levite and his concubine (Judg. 19-21).
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| Pharisee | The largest and most influential of all the Jewish parties. |
| Zeal in persecuting the church | Zealots were a militant group of Jews who act with great zeal for a cause. In this case, Paul persecuted the Christian Church. |
| Legalistic righteousness | The Pharisees had set forth over 600 laws and regulations that would put you “right” with God. |
- From an earthly perspective, why would Paul have a right to be confident?
- In the following verses, Paul considers all his background nothing compared to the knowledge of the Holy One of God, Jesus Christ. Examine the following equations. What do they say to you? Are they both accurate? If not, why not?
Circumcised Jewish boy + Benjamite + Pharisee + Zealot + Legalistic Righteousness = 0.
Circumcised Jewish boy + Benjamite + Pharisee + Zealot + Legalistic Righteousness < Knowing Christ as Savior and Lord
- Paul said that all his efforts were rubbish once he came to the knowledge of the truth. His once proud “legalistic righteousness” almost cost him to be lost forever, but God, in His grace and mercy, called Paul to “righteousness” through faith in Jesus Christ by His Holy Spirit. Reread 3:9. How is Paul’s statement compelling to the Philippians to stay the course?
- Verses 10-11 complete this section with a powerful concluding statement of encouragement for us. List the principles outlined in these verses
- _____________________
- _____________________
- _____________________
Paul was misguided in his thinking. Yet all was not lost. For in God’s mercy, Paul came to the knowledge of the truth. This section should be a guide to you and me so that we too can act as conduits to bring other misguided people to “righteousness” that is through faith in Jesus Christ.
Three Stages of Perfection
| Perfect Relationship | We are perfect because of our eternal union with the infinitely perfect Christ. When we become his children, we are declared “not guilty” and thus righteous because of what Christ, God’s beloved Son, has done for us. (Col 2:8-10; Hebrews 10:8-14) |
| Perfect Progress | We can grow and mature spiritually as we continue to trust Christ, learn more about Him, draw closer to Him, and obey Him. Our progress is changeable because it depends on our daily walk—at times in life we mature more than at other times. But we are growing toward perfection if we “press on” (Philippians 3:12). |
| Completely Perfect | When Christ returns to take us into His eternal kingdom, we will be glorified and made completely perfect. (Philippians 3:20,21) |
Source: Life Application Bible, p. 2151.