Philippians 3:2-3: Don’t Cancel Grace!
Devotions based on week 7 of Joy in the Journey: Grace (WATCH HERE)
Philippians 3:2 Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—
The people in Philippi knew who Paul was talking about.
The Judaizers.
These individuals were connecting with Christ, but holding onto the practices of their Jewish faith and traditions of the past.
On the one hand, who could blame them? They had been taught that circumcision was an absolute must to be included in the covenant relationship with God. For nearly 2000 years, generations of dads had circumcised their sons on the eighth day in keeping with the direction the LORD had given to Abraham:
Genesis 17:10 This is my covenant, which you shall keep, a covenant between me and you and your descendants after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised. 11 You shall be circumcised by cutting the foreskin off your flesh. It will be a sign of the covenant between me and you. 12 Every boy among you who is eight days old shall be circumcised, every male throughout your generations, whether he is born in your house or purchased with money from any foreigner who is not descended from you. 13 Every male who is born in your house or one who is purchased with your money must be circumcised. My covenant will be marked on your flesh as an everlasting covenant. 14 The uncircumcised male who is not circumcised by removing the foreskin from his flesh, that person must be cut off from his people. He has broken my covenant.”
Why the harsh words for those that, putting the best construction on it, were intent on following the direction to stay connected to the covenant given to Abraham?
Because the practice was primary over the work of Christ.
Circumcision was cancelling grace.
Circumcision had become people’s confidence of a right standing before God.
Circumcision had been deemed the primary mark of a child of God.
And it wasn’t.
Even with the descendents of Abraham, the LORD was always interested in the heart more than what one’s flesh looked like. The practice of circumcision was an outflow of a heart that trusted the Lord.
Paul said to the Galatians: (6:15) Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation.
What the Lord desired was a heart that cut out sin and experienced the presence of God’s Spirit. What the Lord desired is a reliance on him not on the works of the flesh. It’s why Paul wrote: 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—
The same is true today. Outward practices can easily become internal confidences. What we do can deceive us into thinking we are safe with God…even if the action has good religious tradition attached to it.
The Lord is always first interested in our heart which places its full confidence in Christ.
Apply: What “Christian” activities can subtly deceive us to rely on them over relying on Christ?
Prayer: Lord, circumcise my heart to always rely on you. AMEN.
Philippians 3:1: A message worth repeating!
Devotions based on week 7 of Joy in the Journey: Grace (WATCH HERE)
Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.
Repetition is the mother of learning.
However, sometimes it can be frustrating to have to repeat things.
Ask a teacher trying to make a point to a class not paying attention.
Ask a parent trying to get a child to clean up their room.
Ask a spouse trying to converse with their partner locked in on their phone scrolling.
Many times we have to repeat ourselves because the listeners aren’t paying attention. But in this case, Paul has an important point he wants to say again. “It’s no trouble for me to write the same things to you again…”
Repetition isn’t just the mother of learning, it is the reality when a point is important.
Listen to any public speaker and if he or she wants to drive home a point, it is repeated, emphasized and repeated again. In fact, usually the main point of the talk is repeated multiple times.
Why?
Because the knowledge is worth not only remembering, but embodying for future benefit.
The first two chapters of Philippians focus on the Gospel partnership and focus Paul shared with the Philippians. He points them back to the humble service of Christ and the humble servants that brought Christ to them.
But chapter three connects the reader to the crux of the Christian faith: grace. (More on this as the week progresses).
There is nothing more wonderful that preaching, writing, and sharing grace.
As a pastor, it is wonderful to not just tell people to “Rejoice in the Lord” but to continue to remind them of the love, mercy and grace of God. There is no greater message in the world than the heart of biblical Christianity, grace.
And it bears repeating, and repeating and repeating again.
“…it is a safeguard for you.”
If you want to rely on a message shared with you, you want to have certainty that you are remembering the message correctly. This happens when the speaker repeats himself until the listener can repeat the truth, the main point without hesitation. Hearing something repeated reinforces the importance of it so there is no doubt in your mind that you are understand and believing the correct thing.
What follows in Philippians 3 communicates not just the heart of Paul, but the heart of God. There is no other message from the Lord that is more important than the message of grace. He begins it in Genesis and generation after generation communicates it to his people. Philippians 3 is no different.
And God’s Spirit has preserved these words for us to hear today.
It’s like God saying to you, “It’s no trouble for me to write these things to you again, as a safeguard to you.”
He wants you safe in grace…as long as and as many times as he has to repeat it!
Apply: Do you sometimes tune out to grace because it is a familiar teaching? Take time today to read Philippians 3. Capture the essence of God’s grace to you once again.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for being willing to repeat and repeat again the message of grace so we can find certainty and safety in its teaching. AMEN.
Philippians 2:28-30: A godly friend is a hero!
Devotions based on week 6 of Joy in the Journey: Friendship (WATCH HERE)
Philippians 2:28-30 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.
Heroes deserve honor.
After a devastating flood, tornado, or hurricane stories of heroism arise of individuals who risked their lives to rescue others. Many heroes make it out alive. Others give their life in sacrifice to others. Our armed forces are filled with stories of heroes who risked or gave their lives to ensure the safety of others and the security of our nation.
Heroes deserve honor.
Every hero has loved ones that care about them. At times family and friends wish their hero wouldn’t risk their life and spend time worrying about them and concerned for their well being.
When a hero returns safely, they are welcomed warmly.
A godly friend is a hero. A godly friend is willing to risk their life and reputation to ensure the safety and well being of their friends.
Epaphroditus was a friend to Paul and fellow Gospel minister. He risked his life to serve Paul and share Jesus. Paul was ready to send him back to Philippi to bring comfort to the Philippian hearts. One can imagine the joy and relief the Philippians would have as Epaphroditus walked through the door!
We live in a world that celebrates platform, recognition, and fame. Social media praises the influencers, culture applauds the loudest voices, and even the church can sometimes focus more on popularity than quiet perseverance. But Paul says: honor people like Epaphroditus.
Not because they are flashy, but because they are faithful.
Not because they are gifted, but because they are willing.
Not because they lead thousands, but because they will serve one in need.
A godly friend is a hero.
They are faithful.
They are willing to help.
They quietly serve the need.
They are courageous.
They are sacrificial.
They model the heart of Jesus to the people in their lives.
They are worthy of honor.
A godly friend is a hero.
May God’s Spirit enable you to be a friend of honor and give honor to your friends!
Apply: Take time to honor a godly friend in your life that has sacrificed much to be a blessing to you. Resolve to be a friend of honor by being willing to sacrifice for you friend.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of Epaphroditus and the reminder that faithfulness matters more than fame. Forgive me when I seek recognition instead of humble service. Teach me to honor those who serve others with quiet strength and Christlike sacrifice. Help me become someone who risks, loves, and gives like You. In Your name, Amen.
Philippians 2:26-28: God preserves a friend when we need him most.
Devotions based on week 6 of Joy in the Journey: Friendship (WATCH HERE)
Philippians 2:26–28 “For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety.”
“Don’t worry about me, tell me how you are doing.”
Have you heard this from a friend or relative who has a very serious illness? Somehow in the midst of their challenge, they are still more concerned about others than themselves.
In fact, at times, individuals choose not to share their illness or challenge with people they care about because they don’t want those people to worry or be concerned about them.
We can banter about whether this is the right thing to do or not, but it is a strong characteristic of a godly friend who continues to hold the interest of others, even when they are going through challenges in life themselves.
In these verses, the Apostle Paul is speaking of Epaphroditus, a faithful servant and companion in the gospel. Epaphroditus had become ill and as a result almost died. This event impacted Paul and also word made it back to Philippi and the Christians there were concerned for his well being (after all, he had traveled to Rome on their behalf to care for Paul.)
Not only was Epaphroditus willing to sacrifice to travel to Rome, but he continued to serve Paul, even in the midst of a severe illness.
Epaphroditus’ dedication is commendable. He continued to serve his friend Paul, even when he wasn’t feeling well.
God had intervened. “But God had mercy on him.”
Have you ever felt like God preserved a person to be your friend because you need him or her in your life for a while yet? It seems like God preserves Epaphroditus’ life because he knows Paul needs help from him AND the Philippian Christians needed to hear from him.
Remember that God is always the orchestrator behind godly friendships. God knew Paul’s vulnerability and knew that he needed Epaphroditus. It would have been “sorrow upon sorrow” if Paul had lost Epaphroditus. God preserved him.
Again we see in Epaphroditus a compelling portrait of what it means to be a godly friend. Epaphroditus was distressed not primarily for himself, but because others were worried about him. His heart was outward-facing, concerned for the peace and comfort of fellow believers. In his suffering, his thoughts turned to others, a rare and Christ-like quality.
A godly friend, then, is one who is both compassionate and transparent. They carry the burdens of others and allow others to carry theirs. They are unafraid to enter into the mess of life, not to fix, but to stand with, to pray, to encourage, and to reflect Christ’s love.
Godly friends walk side by side through challenges and rejoice hand in hand when the Lord delivers from that challenge. The blessing is God allows Christian friends to serve in both roles: To walk with us through challenges and rejoice for us when the challenge is lifted by a merciful God.
Application: Check Your Compassion: Are you more concerned about your own image, comfort, or convenience than you are about the wellbeing of others? A godly friend learns to put others first, not to earn favor with God, but in response to the mercy they’ve already received.
Prayer: Lord, give us a heart like Epaphroditus who, in spite of his failing health, kept you and your people at the center of his heart. Allow us to always be a godly friend who carries the burdens of others, trusting you are carrying our burden for us! AMEN
Philippians 2:25: A friend worth celebrating!
Devotions based on week 6 of Joy in the Journey: Friendship (WATCH HERE)
Philippians 2:25 I also considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, coworker, and fellow soldier, as well as the one you sent to serve me in my need.
In this single verse, the Apostle Paul gives us a rich picture of what it means to be a godly friend. Epaphroditus, though relatively unknown in Scripture, is held in the highest regard by Paul. His introduction in Philippians 2:25 is filled with terms that reflect the deep spiritual value of friendship rooted in Christ. Paul calls him “my brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier,” and reminds the Philippians that he was their chosen messenger, sent to care for Paul in his need.
How would you be described as a friend? How would you describe your friends?
As we seek to grow in our understanding of what it means to be godly friend, these four descriptors are certainly worth focusing on.
- A Godly Friend Is a Brother
Paul first calls Epaphroditus a brother. The bond that brought Paul and Epaphroditus together was the blood of Jesus. Rooted in Christ, their relationship shared membership in the family of God by faith in Jesus. To be sure, the blessing of having a Christian friend is seeing them as a family member, a brother or sister in Christ.
What does this mean for a friendship? We get to love them with the deep love that only family can share. Family members are committed to one another. Family members are there for each other. Children of God value and treasure a relationship that shares the common connection to the cross of Christ. They walk with you not because of what you can offer them, but because you are both children of God. Like Solomon says in Proverbs 17:17: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
- A Godly Friend Is a Co-Worker in the Gospel
When we share brotherhood in the family of God, we share together the work of God. Epaphroditus was a partner in gospel work. He was an encouragement to Paul. He helped to share the Gospel and nurture the faith of those that heard the Gospel. He was there to support, uplift, and work alongside Paul for the sake of the Gospel. Friendship in Christ means a focus on the work of Christ. We get to encourage one another to serve God, to stay in the Word, and to pursue spiritual growth as well as share the Gospel and point people to Jesus.
It’s why Paul could say of all his brothers and sisters in Christ at Philippi (Philippians 1:3-5), “3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 Every time I pray for all of you, I always pray with joy, 5 because of your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.”
- A Godly Friend Is a Fellow Soldier
A soldier stands in the trenches. He fights for something bigger than himself. To be a “fellow soldier” means that Epaphroditus was battle-tested, resilient, and dependable. A godly friend doesn’t run when things get hard. They pray, stand, and fight beside you even when life is difficult. Godly friends do hard things for others. “Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:3).
- A Godly Friend Serves Sacrificially
Paul finishes by saying that Epaphroditus was the one “you sent to take care of my needs.” That word serve implies personal sacrifice. The journey from Philippi to Rome was over 800 miles by foot and ship. Yet, Epaphroditus was willing to risk his health to travel to assist Paul while he was imprisoned. That’s not casual friendship. It’s Christ-like love in action. Godly friends sacrifice when the need is real. They are willing to put their own needs and physical well-being aside to help a friend in need. As Jesus said and then modeled, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).
A godly friend is one who walks with you in God’s truth, stands with you in the storms of life, and points each other to Jesus.
Apply: Consider how Paul described Epaphroditus. Which characteristic presents the greatest opportunity for you? What is one thing you can do today to become a better friend?
Prayer: Father, thank You for the gift of godly friendships. Teach me to be like Epaphroditus, to love like family, serve with purpose, fight with faith, and care with compassion. Help me to be the kind of friend who builds others up in Christ. Strengthen my relationships and use them for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.