Main Text: Philippians 3:1-3

Main Idea: We need regular reminders of the gospel to fight against legalism and to fight for joy.

“Our union with Christ is not just the appetizer to the Christian life, the soup we push back as we wait for the meat to arrive. It is not the doorway that leads us through into a life that is about something else. It is the steak and the living room of the Christian life.” (Michael Reeves, Rejoicing in Christ)

1. We need regular reminders that joy is found in the Lord, not circumstances. (vs. 1)

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.

 

2. Anything that points us away from the gospel kills joy. (vs. 2-3)

[2] Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. [3] For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh...

Romans 3:20: For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

Romans 2:28–29: For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. [29] But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter...