Opposition to the “Mindset of Christ” (Philippians 3:1-4:1)

"For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.But our citizenship is in heaven." Philippians 3:18-20 (NIV)

Context

The city of Philippi’s status as a Roman colony, along with the well-known privileges of Roman citizenship within the Empire, are additional contexts that will be helpful for today’s reading. (You can re-watch if the historical background video from Day 1 if you need a reminder of what these entailed.)

In today’s passage, Paul warns the Philippians about false teachers who are trying to prey on their tendency to view themselves as superior to others. Paul calls the teachers “those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh” in Philippians 3:2 and “enemies of the cross” in Philippians 3:18. These were the Judaizers, a group who were at odds with Paul for much of his ministry (see Acts 15:1-2; Gal 5:2-12; Titus 1:10-16). They had shown up in Philippi (a predominantly Gentile city) and began preaching that ethnic Gentiles needed to become circumcised and keep the Law of Moses in order to become genuine Christians. They took great pride in their Jewish pedigree and righteousness based on works of the law.

Observation

Paul begins (3:1) and ends (4:1) this section with a personal encouragement to the Philippians as his brothers and sisters: to continue to rejoice in the Lord and to stand firm in him!

This encouragement brackets his warning against the false teachers who possess mindsets that are opposed Christ’s:

1. They put confidence in the flesh (3:3-6); and
2. They live as enemies of the cross (3:18).

In response to these fleshly mindsets, Paul urges the Philippians to imitate his example (3:17). He has rejected every earthly attitude, viewing as “garbage” everything other than knowing Christ and the righteousness found in him (3:7-11). He calls the Philippians to join him in persevering in the “mindset of Christ” until they all attain the resurrection of the dead at Christ’s return, and the full benefits of their heavenly citizenship (3:12-14; 20-21).

Interpretation

Today’s passage identifies a challenge facing the Philippians: to reject mindsets in opposition to the “mindset of Christ” even if, humanly speaking, they appear to magnify a person’s status and prestige.

Consider the significance of Roman citizenship and the status of a Roman colony to an original reader. Why do you think the message of the Judaizers might appeal to them? How does Paul re-orient the Philippians regarding the kind of citizenship and status that really matters in God’s kingdom?

Why would Paul begin and end this warning section with a personal appeal to the Philippians as his brothers and sisters? How would his statements in 3:1 and 4:1 encourage these Gentile believers as they face the false teaching of the Judaizers?

Application

List some of your personal accomplishments and the aspects of your identity that give you status in your own context. Do these ever take your life’s center stage, over and above your relationship with Christ? If these were all stripped away, would you still have confidence because of your relationship with Christ? How is today’s text inviting you to re-orient your perspective on what matters most?

Or perhaps, you feel you don’t have any accomplishments or status. How does today’s text speak to you about what gives your life worth and significance?