Followers of Christ are the true circumcision who says no to the flesh

Philippians 3:1-6

Click for a description of the mark of the beast.
Click for a description of the image of the beast.

“Now then, brothers and sisters, be joyful in the Lord. It’s no trouble for me to write the same things to you, and it’s for your safety.” Philippians 3:1

Paul wanted the brothers and sisters of Christ, of the Philippian church, to live in the joy of the Lord, not to revert back to the happiness of the flesh and pride in following specific Jewish laws. Paul made sure they knew it was no trouble at all for him to repeat what he had written before referring to the freedom in the Spirit of God through Jesus Christ. Paul’s writings were practical and realistic for keeping the Philippians safe from the wolves in sheep clothing, who would literally lead them to suffering and misery on this earth, and in the eternity beyond the grave.

As followers of Jesus, we can read the Bible over and over again, and it is for our safety as we learn to say no to the flesh and subdue human nature. Our deep-seeded joy is rooted in knowing that. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

“Beware of dogs! Beware of those who do evil things. Beware of those who insist on mutilation.” Philippians 3:2

The Bible warns us to beware of “dogs,” which were the criminal elements of society, along with those who did evil things by taking advantage of whoever they could, including committing violence and murder. Mutilation is also something we want to avoid, which was referring to circumcision, and all types of harm done to the body is to be avoided.

“We are the true circumcised people of God because we serve God in the Spirit and rejoice in Christ Jesus…” Philippians 3:3a

We are the true people of God because we serve Him in the Spirit through our Lord Jesus Christ. Living in the flesh is a curse, and we must just say no. Many people use smooth words, flatteries, and nice feeling sentiments to get us to succumb to pleasantries that lead to cursing, “For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 16:18 “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” Zechariah 10:5 speaks about God’s people having the victory in the wet and boggy mire through Jesus Christ.

“We don’t place any confidence in the things of the flesh, although I could have confidence in my physical qualifications. If anyone else thinks that he can trust in something physical, I can claim even more.” Philippians 3:3a-4

Jesus Christ has taught us not to depend on the things of the flesh, which includes every type of materialism. From sexual pleasures, ownership of possessions, accumulation of money, to worldly power, all these things can be used against human decency, the Spirit, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The desires of the flesh lead away from living in the Spirit. In fact, the atheistic entity that gives people what to think, feel, do, and say first leads them away from Christ then into living by the standards of this world. This artificial entity enlivens the image of the beast to live and speak through people as they are groomed to the mark of the beast by what they are given to say and do.

The Apostle Paul had many fleshly, physical, and worldly accomplishments that he could place his confidence in, even far above everyone whom he was ministering to. Paul was circumcised on the eighth day after his birth, a testament to him following the Jewish law from an infant until his conversion to Christ. He was a true Israelite from the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of all Hebrews, meaning he had a majestic standing among them. Paul was also a Pharisee, a very prominent Pharisee who studied under the most powerful Pharisee of that day. Paul was such a zealot for following the letter of the law that he jailed, persecuted, and murdered Christians.

As Paul said, “I was circumcised on the eighth day. I’m a descendant of Israel. I’m from the tribe of Benjamin. I’m a pure-blooded Hebrew of the Hebrews. When it comes to following Jewish laws, I was a Pharisee. When it comes to being enthusiastic, I was a persecutor of the church. When it comes to winning God’s approval by obeying Jewish laws, I was perfect.” Philippians 3:5-6

As followers of Jesus Christ, Paul makes it very clear to us why it’s essential to say no to the flesh and to live by the Spirit through Jesus Christ.

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“….to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets,“
‘I will not impose any other burden on you, except to hold on to what you have until I come.’”
“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”
Revelation 2:24-25, 3:11