Notice how Philippians 3 opens with three warnings from Paul, indicating danger and to beware. It reinforces previous instruction, yet worthy of a repeat, offering the Philippians security: “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. 1) Beware of dogs, 2) beware of evil workers, 3) beware of the concision.” (Phil.3:1-2) Was this correction? This Church was spiritually walking as an advanced Church and experiencing extreme persecution. So, it does not seem to be correcting ungodly behavior, but rather a warning of potential danger. The goal of Philip-pians is how to stand fast in the midst of suffering, rejoicing to attain what God desires for saints. Paul alerts us also to three groups of people who might become problematic for us as women with our many roles in life, enticing us to place confidence in the flesh:
1. Dogs: Gentiles are known as dogs (Matt 15:26-27), individuals from ungodly nations that may infiltrate Churches to promote worldly thinking, carnality, or entice some to leave sound teaching.
2. Evil Workers: This group refers to the ignorant, following erroneous doctrines. They are saints who have become “enemies of the cross” (verse 18) and are actively working contrary to the Truth.
3. The Concision: These are legalists, hyper-focused on dissecting, judging, and comparing behavior to the letter of the law, as religious quality control inspectors. They tend toward criticizing and focus on defects and weaknesses of the flesh. They exalt fleshly works of righteousness.
These three groups can be quite active and often subtle in the dispensation of grace. If Paul is addressing this issue with the Philippians, we can be assured that this also relates to each of us. It’s often easy to see how things are relevant to others or weaker saints. Be self-reflective, honestly evaluating how we also might be affected. Meditate upon what you are thinking and doing. This takes time, prayer, and purposefulness. The flesh will not discern the need for correction, nor embrace the form of sound doctrine.
To Do: Read Philippians for doctrine to attain understanding, even when going through suffering. Yet once knowledge is acquired, seek the wisdom to apply it to the details of life: marriage, raising children, friendships, etc. This humbling edification process enables us in grace to see shortcomings, errors, attitudes, or problematic issues in need of correction. If we place confidence in the flesh to exalt fleshly works, what we do, or what others think, we’ll be blind to areas in need of growth. Be open, pray, and ask personalized questions from time to time: Where am I in my walk or Am I applying sound doctrine: “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.” (Philippians 3:6) Become reflective, rejoicing even in sufferings and be well prepared, focusing above.
