For 1,000 points - anyone know who this is?  Bobby Leach.

On July 25, 1911 stuntman Bobby Leach went over Niagara Falls in a specially designed cylindrical steel barrel and lived to tell about it.  He suffered only minor injuries because he recognized the tremendous dangers involved and had done everything possible to protect himself.

Years later, Bobby Leach was walking down a seemingly harmless street in New Zealand.  He slipped on an orange peel - fractured his leg - developed complications - and died. (1)

Over confidence in ourselves can lead to tragedy.  The same is true spiritually.

Philippians is the only one of Paul’s letters where he doesn’t address some major problem in the church.  The only issue here comes in chapter four with this little tiff between Euodia and Syntyche.  But, otherwise things are going great.  Ministry is happening.  People are getting saved.  The church is growing - spiritually.

The same is true of us.  We got stuff.  But God has blessed us greatly - God’s ministry here - His presence and work in our hearts - our fellowship together.  Ministry is happening.  People are getting saved.  The church is growing - spiritually.  In many ways things are good.

What can take us kind of by surprise is that in the midst of this really upbeat letter Paul has got some really deep teaching about guarding our fellowship - the relationship and ministry we share in Jesus.  Don’t get overconfident.  One speed bump - well placed by our adversary - and real quick the wheels can come off the cart.

As we’ve been going through Philippians we’ve been following Paul’s teaching on… Fellowship.  Fellowship - which at the heart level - is the spiritual union we have together in Jesus.  Union that is only possible in Jesus Christ.  To guard that - to deepen that fellowship - Paul has been writing about two basic truths that we need to live by.

#1 - Life is about... God.  Life is about God’s purposes.  God’s will.  Life is to be lived for God’s glory.

#2  We live to witness of... Jesus.  Not us.  But Jesus.

The great purpose of the Church here on earth is to witness of Jesus.  When eternity comes the Church - those of us who are in Jesus - the Church will enter into eternity with God.  The opportunity to invite others to join us in eternity will be gone forever.

Regardless of our circumstances - stuff going on in the family - our marriages - illness - finals - persecution or prison [which was Paul’s circumstance] - or rejection or economics or whatever.  Regardless of our circumstances truths #1 and #2 don’t change.  Our circumstances - harsh or holy - are opportunities to live out #’s 1 and 2 to the glory of God.

To live that way - First Paul wrote that We need to live in humility.  Meaning we need to focus on others - their interests and concerns and needs and not just take care of ourselves.

Paul gave us Jesus Christ as the example of humility.  Jesus chose to enter into what it means to be human.  Died horribly on the cross.  In our place dealing with what separates us from God.  So that we can have restored life with God now and forever.  Jesus - at unimaginable cost to Himself - meets our deepest need and concern.

Which is a pretty easy example for us to follow.  Just be like Jesus.  Easy?  Yes? 

Which is what Paul is getting at.  We can’t.  But God will.  Humility - in a very practical way - begins with our intentionally choosing to set ourselves aside before God - literally to die to ourselves - to allow Him to work in us and through us transforming us closer to the attitude and actions that we see in Jesus.  Fellowship happens when God gets to be in control of our lives and our relationships with others.

Humility keeps us from self-destructing - keeps us from defaulting to self-focused mode - by keeping us dependant on God as we focus the interests and needs and concerns of others.  To God be glory.

We kind of together on all that?  That’s where we’ve been.

Coming to Philippians 3 - Paul is coming to his second point on how we live #’s 1 and 2.  Verse 1 is Paul’s Point.  Where Paul is going in this next section of his letter.

Let’s read verse 1 together:  Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord.  To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you   

“Finally” gives us the impression that Paul is about to end his letter.  Like when we get to the last verse or the last point on our Message Notes people start to close their Bibles - turn off their pads - put away stuff and get ready to leave.  Only Paul doesn’t end there.  Later - midway through chapter 4 he’s going to write “finally” again.

Terribly disappointing if we’re thinking about lunch and stuff going on this afternoon.  By the way - the next time the pastor seems to ramble on and on just remember he’s following the example of Paul.

The way the Greek word for “finally” is used in Scripture it has the idea of “and now for the rest.”

Meaning - in addition to everything I just wrote - #’s 1 and 2 and our need for humility - the next point is our need to “Rejoice in the Lord.”  - to focus on God not ourselves.

Its been said that the fruit of the Spirit is not prunes.  19 times in this letter Paul writes about joy and rejoicing.  It is a significant theme in this letter.  The Christian life is to be full of joy.  Christian fellowship is to be experienced with joy.

Rejoice in the Lord.  Joy is the realization of the presence of the Lord.

Rejoice in the Lord because Jesus is the light of the world shining in the darkness - the crud and drama of where we live our lives.  When we thirst He is the water of life that we need to drink deeply of.  In the our times of emptiness He is the bread of life that we need to feast on.  We may feel alone.  But we are never alone. 

Rejoice because Jesus is the word of God made flesh - come to us.  His word is always true.  His word is the guide we need to navigate life.  When we fear what may happen we can know that He will always keep His promises. 

Rejoice in the Lord because in Jesus we experience God’s sacrificial self-less love.  His ongoing unfailing compassion towards us.  His great faithfulness to us.  In place of God’s deserved holy wrath leveled against us we experience His mercy.  In our sin and failure and brokenness - God has lavished on us His undeserved favor - His grace is shown to us.  In Jesus God has brought about our salvation. 

Rejoice in the Lord because in Jesus we have forgiveness and healing and restoration and renewal and peace.  In Jesus we always have hope.  Over all of the conflicts and affairs and arrogance of humankind He is the victorious Lamb of God - the sovereign potentate over all of His creation - the  King of kings and Lord of lords.  In Him we also are victorious.

Rejoice in the Lord because Jesus has conquered over sin and death.  Triumphed over the forces of Satan and his minions.  Resurrected, He is our returning Lord.  Rejoice because God has prepared for us a place in heaven and we shall live there forever and ever together worshiping our Savior.   

Amen?

Paul goes on “to write the same things” - I could go on and on writing the same things to you over and over again.  Things you already know.  Things we’ve already spoken of.  And it would be no trouble - not a problem - to write these things again and again.  They’re way too wonderful.  We need to dwell on them.  Marinate in them.  We need to rejoice in them - in the Lord.  Why?  Because to rejoice in the Lord “is safe for you.”

Safe meaning it’s a security - a precaution - what will guard your fellowship and your very lives.  Rejoicing in the Lord - staying focused on Him - will keep you from attitudes and actions - doctrines and teachings - that will really really mess you up.

How do we do that?  First, Paul writes, we need to Beware of the dogs! 

Verse 2:  Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.  For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also.  If anyone else thinks he has a reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more:  circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the Church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.  [But] Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.

Let’s go back and unpack Paul.

Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.    

In verse 2 Paul warns us three times.  “Look out” - literally “beware” -”watch out” - intentionally stay away.  Beware the dogs.  Beware the evildoers.  Beware those who mutilate the flesh.  Paul is passionate about this.  Deeply concerned.  We need to be passionate.  Deeply concerned.

The word Paul uses for dogs is not the cute pets we have around the house.  Little yappy Fifi with the cute hair cut and bow.  But, vicious - cruel - packs of wild mongrel dogs that - in Paul’s day - roamed the streets looking for people to attack.  Beware of these contemptible vicious people who’s desire to rip you to shreds.

Beware of the evildoers...  Literally the evil workers - people laboring for themselves at the expense of the church.  “Beware those who mutilate the flesh…  Literally those who do forbidden mutilation - circumcision that’s pagan - that has nothing to do with God. 

There were those - in the Philippian church - who insisted on maintaining the old rituals - the legal standards and performances of the Old Covenant.  In the Old Covenant - circumcision was a sign of identification with God’s promises and His people.  To them, if you were circumcised you were one of God’s people.  To be a Christian meant you had to go the extra step of being circumcised otherwise you weren’t really a true Christian..

But, Paul writes - verse 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

Paul writes that the believer in Jesus is circumcised.  But it’s a spiritual circumcision that comes by the Spirit of God.  That is totally acceptable to God.  Our glory - what we boast in - take confidence in - isn’t a physical cutting of the flesh - but in Jesus Christ and what He’s done for us.  Our confidence is in Jesus not in religious rituals - cutting the flesh in circumcision or baptism or laying on of hands or prayer or Bible study or worship or even rejoicing - anything that we might do to add to what Jesus has already done for us.

Dogs are what dog us.  What stalk us.  Nips at our heels.  Evil doers put peer pressure on us.  They’re not necessarily evil people.  But doers of what is not of God - actions and attitudes which may even appear Godly.  Doers who tempt us to do the same.  Peers who push our buttons of feeling inadequate - of needing to do more.  Mutilators of the flesh that we can easily become when we start doing our relationship with Jesus rather than living our relationship in heart level surrender to Him.

Are we together on Paul’s warning?

Beware of anyone who might lead you to do anything - any action or attitude - which leads you to put your confidence in what we do for God rather than in what God has done for us in Jesus Christ.

Coming to verse 4 - Paul goes into an illustration from his own life of his own dogs.  What he could put confidence in.

Verse 4:  though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also.  If anyone else thinks he has a reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more:

Then - starting in verse 5 - Paul lists the things he’s placed confidence in.  Paul was circumcised the eighth day...  which means that Paul didn’t convert to Judaism.  He was born into a practicing Jewish home - circumcised according to Levitical Law and the instructions given to the patriarch Abraham.

He’s - of the people of Israel...  Paul wasn’t the product of mixed marriages.  The pure blood of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob flowed through him. 

Paul is of the tribe of Benjamin...  Benjamin was the favorite son of Jacob - born of his favorite wife.  Jacob’s right hand man - his walking stick in his old age.  From Benjamin came Israel’s first king - Saul - perhaps the Apostle Paul’s namesake.  Benjamin was the one tribe that stayed with Judah - that remained faithful to the Davidic throne when the kingdom was divided.

...a Hebrew of Hebrews - linguistically and culturally there was no one who was more Hebrew than Paul.

...as to the Law, a Pharisee - the most conservative - orthodox - most “right on” of the religious sects.

...as to zeal, a persecutor of the Church;  Zealous in the practice of his faith - even to the persecution of heretics such as Christians.

...as to righteousness under the law, blameless.  Meticulously Paul keep the Mosaic Law - all 613 of God’s commandments and the over 1,000 Pharisaic laws prescribed to keep oneself righteousness.  According to the outward standard - Paul was blameless.  Perfect when judged by man.

Paul’s bottom line comes in verse 7:  Whatever gain I had… whatever’s on that list that I may have put my confidence in - I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.    

Let’s pause here.  Because we may have heard this list before we’re tempted to gloss over these and think, “Well, of course he counted these things as loss.  After all this is Paul we’re talking about.”

But, this is an impressive weighty list.  These are not little things.  But, major achievements - educationally - religiously - politically - worthy of respect.  Achievements that bring fame and recognition and standing in life.  The kinds of diplomas and awards that we frame and put on a wall.  The kinds of things we put our confidence in.

These are things we encourage our kids with.  Trophies and awards.  We tell our kids - stay in school.  Get an education.  Get a high paying job so you can take care of me in my old age.   

Let’s be careful that we don’t loose the significance of Paul saying they’re no longer the goal.  He no longer takes pride in them.  In fact - now they bring a sense of loss - sorrow - at how much time and effort was wasted trying to gain - to achieve - to pursue the wrong things. 

Paul’s point.  Beware of these things.  Guard against them.  They’re totally worthless.

In 2 Corinthians Paul references a familiar scene from the life of Moses.  2 Corinthians 3:13 (NASB):  “...not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face so that the sons of Israel would not look intently at the end of what was fading away.”

The scene is the early part of the Exodus.  For 40 days Moses has been up on Mount Sinai talking with God.  When Moses comes down off the mountain his face is glowing.  When the people saw that glow they knew that Moses had been 40 days up on the mountain in the very presence of God.  Which was hugely distracting.

While Moses is talking its hard to look at him.  There’s this glow thing going on with his face and the people are starting to get really uptight out about this.  So, when Moses finishes talking with God he puts a veil over his face - to cover up the glow.

Let’s not miss that.  Whenever Moses spoke with God - when he was in God’s presence - Moses would take off the veil.  God wasn’t bothered by the glow.  But, whenever Moses spoke to the people - he’d wear the veil - so the people wouldn’t get distracted.  In time - for the people - the veil began to symbolize Moses’ special relationship with God and his spiritual position before the people.

But, according to Paul - in 2 Corinthians 3 - Moses has a problem.  Which is?  The glow is fading.  And Moses knows it. 

What will the people think?  Will they honor him with the same respect?  Moses - who was a man like us - kept the veil on - to keep the people from seeing his inadequacy - the fading glory of God and the emptiness left behind.

Spiritually we’re tempted to wear veils to cover up - to make up for - our spiritual inadequacy.  To do things that symbolize our relationship with God.  We’re tempted to listen to voices that play into our feelings of inadequacy - spiritual peer pressure - that has us doing things for God rather than trusting - having confidence - solely in the grace of God for our salvation. 

Paul goes on in 2 Corinthians 3:  “But whenever a person turns to the Lord the veil is taken away.  Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (2 Corinthians 3:16,17 NASB)

Freedom - liberation from fear and insecurity - inadequacy - through turning to the Lord.  When we turn to God we don’t need veils.  We don’t need anything.  We are totally adequate before God needing nothing because of what God has already done for us in Jesus.  We need to let that sink into the deepest parts of who we are.  

Someone shared this with me recently.  Imagine we all have books on top of our heads.  Books that are our sins.  What comes between us and God.  Some people have three or four books.  Some have only one.  Some have thick volumes.  Some have pamphlets.  But we all have books.  Sins that come between us and God.

Because we’re all looking on same level at each other we all tend to notice the books on each other’s heads.  The titles of their books - their sins.  How many books they have.  And we judge accordingly.  Sometimes that’s ugly - arrogant.

When we look in the mirror we see our own books - the titles - the number of books - and we judge ourselves - seeing our inadequacy and failure.  How can I ever measure up to what God expects of me?

But God looks down on us and sees only 1 book.  Before God we’re all sinners.  Meaning it only takes one book to come between us and Him.

But here’s the amazing reality of grace.  When the blood of Jesus has been applied to our lives - poured over us - God doesn’t see the book He sees the blood.

A huge part of our struggle in understanding grace is that we’re trying to deal with the books on our heads - how many there are and who has what title.  By the grace of God what’s important is not books but the application of the blood of Jesus.  There’s nothing that you or I can ever do to apply blood By faith we need to accept God’s grace in His willingness to apply Jesus’ blood to our lives.

Paul’s warning is to beware the dogs.  Don’t let yourself get caught up in doing things for God because somehow you feel like you have to do something to earn God’s approval.  That something is missing and the solution lies with you.

We need to realize that God has been gracious to us and God’s grace poured out in Jesus is all we need - and rejoice in the Lord.

Verse 8 is a contrast - a totally different confidence list all focusing on Jesus.  Instead of dogs - Value Jesus Supremely.

Verse 8:  Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.  For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and may share His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

“Indeed” is a one Greek word made up of 5 participles.  Literally “Yea, indeed, therefore, at least, even.”  A mouthful that emphasizes Paul’s passion.  As passionate as Paul is about bewaring the dogs - Paul is passionate about the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord.

“Worth” translates a Greek word that means “surpassing worth” “surpassing greatness” “priceless privilege” “overwhelming preciousness” “surpassing value” - the supreme advantage and in all things of knowing Jesus.

“Knowing” translates the Greek word that means… “knowing.”  But knowing because of relationship.  Not the facts about someone.  But deep personal understanding.  What we gain by spending time with someone as we go through the stuff of life.

How supremely do we value knowing Jesus?

To value Jesus supremely Paul writes we need to let go of everything else.

Whatever things I had put my confidence in - all those things that I was counting on - have been tossed out like trash because of Jesus Christ.  What is valuable is “knowing Christ” - “gaining Christ.”  Jesus is the prize to run after.

The basics of our faith are important - Bible study - prayer - fellowship - worship - evangelism.  We need to make choices - what to fill our minds and hearts with - what we watch - what we listen to - what we read.  Are we eager for those things that deepen and protect our relationship with God.  If they don’t bring us closer to Jesus - throw them out.

Look at the people around here who are here Sunday after Sunday - eager and early for worship - who are here for prayer - for Bible Study - who seek out Christian fellowship - who live with a deepening -  inward - heart surrendered - commitment to Jesus Christ.  Not that their lives are any easier than where the rest of us live our lives.  But, they’ve got an inner strength and peace - confidence - in the midst of things.  That comes from putting Jesus first.

Paul says, any other priority is garbage - worthless for the things of life and eternity.

Second - Paul writes - we need to be found in Jesus. 

In verse 9 Paul writes that He pursues Jesus in order to be found in Him - in Jesus’ righteousness.  Not ours.  Not our efforts to be righteous.  Not by law - works.  But by faith in Christ.  Righteousness that comes only from God.

The priest Samuel writes, “Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices - all the outward things we do for God - as in obeying the voice of the Lord?  Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22 NASB)

David writes, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17 NASB)

When do our hearts break before God?  When do we realize that all the things that we do for God - that are not from Him - they’re rubbish?  God wants our hearts broken - our lives laid open - in faith - in trust - in sacrificial surrender before Him - trusting in Jesus alone for our salvation.  So that we can be found in His righteousness and not our feeble efforts to please God.

Third - Paul lists the value of knowing Jesus’ resurrection power.

So many people on this world are asking the question, “What is my eternal destiny?”  “Is this all there is?”  If they’re not asking the question, they’re avoiding it.  Or hanging on to some hopeful happy thoughts - platitudes that have no basis in reality.

They have no hope - no purpose - no reason for their lives.  They’re searching - filling their lives with emptiness.  Eating at the buffet yet never finding satisfaction. 

In verse 10 Paul writes of knowing Jesus and the power of His resurrection.  In verse 11 Paul writes that his goal is to attain resurrection from the dead - eternal life with God.  Whatever he is going to put confidence in is going to gain for him that eternal life.

In Jesus Christ - in the reality of His resurrection - there’s a future hope - the reality which is incomparable to any other.  No other philosophy - no other religion - no person - no retirement plan can offer the security of our eternal destiny that Jesus does.

For Paul - no other purpose makes sense of life - than living with Jesus and sharing Him with others - the significance of life which He gives to us and the hope of our eternal destiny which can only come from Him.

Paul begins his list - verse 8 - “I count everything” - it’s an intentional mental exercise - a thought process.  We have an opportunity this morning to take a survey of our lives.  There are some great things happening.  Rejoice!  But we need to be careful.  Where is our confidence?

You all know who Stephen Curry is?  Plays basketball for the Golden State Warriors.  This years NBA MVP.  Curry dominates at making 3 point shots.

Short video clip.  Don’t blink or you’ll miss this. 

(Video:  Stephen Curry 62 Foot Shot) 

Isn’t that amazing?  62 foot shot.  Someone said that the NBA needs a four point shot. 

Curry says this:  “I remember it like it was yesterday, the day I gave my life to Christ.  I was in fourth grade, and I recall hearing and understanding the Gospel of Jesus Christ and walking down the aisle to give my life to Him.

God’s given me talents to play basketball for a living, but I still have to work hard to improve every day.  I know that in the grand scheme of things, this is just a game that can be taken from me at any moment.  But I love that basketball gives me the opportunities to do good things for people and to point them towards the Man who died for our sins on the cross.  I know I have a place in Heaven waiting for me because of Him, and that's something no earthly prize or trophy could ever top.

There’s more to me than just this jersey I wear, and that’s Christ living inside of me.” (2)

It’s not about the trophies and the awards and the glory.  It’s about Jesus.  Life is about God.  We live to testify of Jesus.  We need to be humble.  We need to rejoice.

Processing all that…

Where’s your confidence?  In the dogs of life or in Jesus and Him alone?

_________________________

1. www.infoniagara.com

2. Fellowship of Christian Athletes - www.fca.org/2015/05/04/curry-in-his-own-words/#.VVzpNpPJUvx

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®  (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved.