October 19, 2015
Scripture Reading: Philippians 3:2-4a
Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reasons for such confidence.
Questions for Reflection:
Paul warns the Philippians about false teachers that were requiring new Christians to follow Jewish law. Specifically they were teaching that new Christians must also be circumcised. How does Paul refer to these teachers?
There has been a temptation throughout history for people to require something more than grace for salvation. Scripture is clear that we are saved by grace alone. Why was Paul so concerned that the Philippians understood that their confidence was in Christ Jesus alone? When we allow our confidence to come from any action we do, we’ve shifted the focus of who gives us salvation. Grace is not something we can earn; it is a gift from God. Spend time reflecting on this gift you’ve been given.