Php_3:3. Spiritual Religion
"For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.’97Php_3:3.
It was exceedingly difficult for the Jewish converts to free their minds entirely from attachment to the ceremonies and observances of the Mosaic dispensation. Hence some of them were so tenacious, that they were not for holding fellowship with the Gentile Christians, unless they, too, would regard some of the more striking ceremonies of the old dispensation. This state of things was greatly promoted by a number of half-hearted, Judaizing teachers, who with great zeal endeavored to circulate their sentiments abroad. The apostle Paul labored greatly to secure the churches from the influence of these pernicious doctrines. He showed them that Christianity was not a mixture of the old dispensation with some new ordinances and services, but that the old had passed entirely away, to make room for a spiritual economy of which they were but typical. In the text the apostle triumphs in the purity of the Christian principles, and says, "For we are the circumcision," &c. He claims for believers four things:
I. They are the Circumcision.
Now, circumcision denoted,
1. Separation from the unbelieving world.
It was first instituted with Abraham, who had been called to go out, &c. And it was the rite which divided the Jewish from the Gentile world. The family of believers, from the family of unbelievers. Thus are all believers called out of the world. They are not of the world. They are separate, and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness.
2. It was the sign of the covenant God made with Abraham.
Such, therefore, at least, had the external symbol of fellowship with God. See Rom_9:4, &c. Now, believers are in a state of covenant with God. They are his people, and he is their God. They have yielded themselves to God. "Body, soul, and spirit," &c.
3. It denoted that change of heart which the grace of God effects.
The cutting of the body affects not the malady of the soul. Now, the affections of the heart must be mortified. The carnal propensities must be cut off in short, the heart of stone must be taken out of our flesh, and a heart given to fear and love him, to walk in his statutes and ordinances, to do them. Col_2:11.
II. They worship God in the Spirit.
Some do not worship God at all. Some offer him merely bodily worship. Some present to him a lifeless form; but devout believers worship God in the Spirit.
May denote,
1. That the powers of the mind are cheerfully engaged; the understanding, the will, the affections, &c.
The posture of the body is not unimportant. But the state of the mind is preeminently important.
2. With fervor and sincerity.
The soul wholly waiting upon God. "As the heart panteth," &c. Psa_84:1, Psa_84:2. We are to worship God in "spirit and in truth."
3. With the influences and in the strength of the Holy Spirit.
Some think not of divine aid in worship’97how differently the apostle felt! "We know not what to pray for," &c. We are to seek for a supply of the Spirit. Be filled with the Spirit. Then we shall hear, and sing, and pray in the Spirit.
III. They rejoice in Christ Jesus.
Now, this is a comprehensive statement. But it is chiefly to be understood in contradistinction to those who rejoiced in the law of Moses, and the ceremonies connected with it. Now, in opposition to such a state of mind, believers rejoice,
1. In Christ as the end of the law.
He honored it, magnified it, obeyed it. Met all its demands and penalties; and thus, through faith in him, we are justified from all things, &c.
2. In the graciousness of Christ.
The rigid, inflexible, yet holy law was given by Moses; but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. The law said, Obey and live. Christ said, Believe and be saved repent and obtain mercy.
3. In the provisions of Christ. The law gave no ability, nor allowed of repentance. Christ gives grace to his people, to love and serve him. He imparts the necessary power; and even then, if any man sin, he hath an advocate, &c. And if he confess &c.
4. In the merit and dignity of Christ.
O yes, these are the subjects of their joy and boast. God forbid that we should glory, &c. Their hearts and lips exclaim, "Worthy the Lamb," &c. Unto him that loved us, &c.
IV. We have no confidence in the flesh.
Do not trust in it, however intellectual, and externally decent,’97have no confidence,
1. In its goodness.
They know that in them dwelleth no good thing. That the natural heart is bad’97radically, and thoroughly, and altogether. They cry, unclean, unclean, from the crown of the head, &c.
2. In its powers of renovation.
Men might sooner change the aspect of their faces. The Ethiopian his skin; and the leopard his spots, than the heart renew itself. This is the work of Almighty power. We are his workmanship, &c. Born of God.
3. In its ability for works of holiness.
All the way through, it must not be I, but the grace of God that is within me. I am crucified with Christ, &c. "Without me ye can do nothing."
Application
1. Do you rejoice in Christ. In all things that relate to him. In his cross, commandments and ordinances. This will be the theme of eternal joy in heaven.
2. Guard against self-confidence. All trust must be reposed in Christ. No confidence in any thing but Jesus.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS