The Trap of Empty Religion | Philippians 3:1–7
Today’s Episode: The Trap of Empty Religion
Scripture: Philippians 3:1-7
Series: Philippians: The Unshakable Joy of Life in Christ
What if true religion begins when grace sets us free? In this episode of Timeless Truth, Pastor Jim continues our series, Philippians: The Unshakable Joy of Life in Christ, exploring verses 3:1-7. We look at the difference between empty ritual and true faith, learning to rest in the freedom of God’s grace rather than our own efforts.
Pastor Jim’s Show Notes:
“All the acts, thoughts, and attitudes of Christians should spring from the fact that they are “in the Lord” and are prompted by the Spirit’s energy. Everything they do should be consistent with, and submitted to, the Lord’s will.”
Homer A. Kent, Jr. Philippians, Expositor’s Bible Commentary
A triple warning, a triple assurance, a preeminent value.
1. A triple warning. v. 2
“Beware, beware, beware…dogs, evil workers, false circumcision/religion/faith. Paul’s language here is unusually sharp.”
a. “Beware/look out for the dogs”
In the ancient world, dogs weren’t domesticated like they are here in the modern west — dogs were scavengers, some were dangerous, and most were unclean. In saying “Beware of the dogs” Paul was warning against ravenous and mean teachers who tear at the church and distort the true gospel.
False teaching isn’t always loud and obvious. Sometimes it even sounds religious and moral— but it quietly pulls people away from their complete trust in Jesus. And that’s dangerous spiritually so Paul offers a wise warning. Beware of the dogs.
Next, Paul says…
b. “Beware of the evil workers”
Some of the false teachers of Paul’s time AND in our own time have taught that rule-following can make someone right with God. That’s not the true Gospel. The Gospel is not about what WE MUST DO, it’s about what GOD HAS DONE. Good works should not be seen as the requirement for salvation but rather as the result of God’s saving grace at work in us. Let’s be careful not to ever measure our spiritual health by religious activities, rather than by intimacy with Christ.
c. “Beware of the false circumcision”
For the ancient Jews, circumcision was an outward sign of belonging to God’s covenant people. Here, Paul is warning against reducing faith to outward markers — signs that merely symbolize faith rather than express our gratitude for the grace we’ve been shown.
2. A Triple Assurance. v. 3
Verse 3 is where Paul moves from warning about false religion to reassuring believers by reminding them of who they already are in Christ.
a. “We are the true circumcision”
Paul is making the case that those who are truly God’s people are marked by inward renewal, not just outward signs or symbols. Again, salvation isn’t earned — it’s received. This is true religion.
b. “Who worship in the Spirit of God”
“Worship in the spirit of God” involves a heart that is right with God, a mind that is renewed by God, and a life that is seeking to honor God.
Third, Paul reminds us that those who believe the true faith are those…
c. “Who glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh”
Paul is right: the Christian’s unshakable joy grows as self-glory fades and the glory of Christ increases.
Finally, from this passage… Paul makes clear what he values above all other things. True religion has:
3. A Preeminent Value. vv. 4–7
Paul had the heritage, the schooling, the discipline, the reputation, the passion and and all the moral achievement. But Paul says all of that is counted as loss, for the sake of Christ.
What once made Paul think he was secure now feels empty compared to the value he knows in Christ.
All of Paul’s joy flowed from knowing that nothing, including a bunch of religious observances, religious activities, and accomplishments, compares to what Christ has given to him. And that same freedom is offered to us: to release our grip on self-confidence and offer us the kind of true religion that rests fully in the grace offered to us in Christ Jesus.
This same Paul put it this way in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
