Lessons from Philippians 3

In verse 1, Apostle Paul said; "And that's about it, friends. Be glad in God! I don't mind repeating what I have written in earlier letters, and I hope you don't mind hearing it again. Better safe than sorry - so here goes" (Message).

Probably the Philippians were thinking that it is grievous or burdensome for the Apostle to write to them on a particular matter again and again, so to free them from this guilt, he had to come out open for them to understand his reasons and shouldn't feel bad about it. He was simply saying, don't think it is grievous for me writing to you again and again over a particular matter, I do it because I want you to be safe. It's safer for you that way, I would rather have you safe than sorry that I failed in my obligation. So, even if I have to write this a million times for you to get it right I will do it because the love of God compels me to do so. I have laboured so much for you to allow one misguided fellow to lead you astray. My desire is to see you stand firm, when that happens, my joy will be complete. So don't feel bad on my account because I am not seeing it as a big deal, just live up to my teachings and expectation in Christ Jesus.

In verse 2 he clearly points out people they should beware of, they are dogs and evil workers and then they need to be concise in so doing. Every child of God must beware of these categories of people that flock into the church claiming to be believers and must deal with them with concision.

From verse 4 down, he made some worthy notes. Often times people tend to take others for granted or disdain them because of their stand for God but Apostle Paul wasn't really concerned about what they think because to him boasting is vain. We don't boast about anything neither do we go about comparing ourselves with ourselves (2 Corinthians 10:12 We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise) but in wisdom he had to clearly correct some nonsense and by so doing call the Philippians to order so that no one comes deceiving them with boastful words. So, from verse 4-21 he gave them a record of his life (probably his CV) from been an unbeliever to a believer as a testimony to help them stand strong and know that nothing in this life can be worth more than knowing the Lord Jesus Christ and living for him.

Jesus is worth dying for!