Philippians 3:3
For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh--
For it is we who are the circumcision
This phrase identifies the true people of God, not by physical circumcision, but by a spiritual transformation. The Greek word for "circumcision" is "περιτομή" (peritomē), which traditionally refers to the physical act that was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham. However, Paul redefines it here to mean those who have a heart transformed by faith in Christ. This spiritual circumcision is a fulfillment of the Old Testament promise found in Deuteronomy 30:6, where God promises to circumcise the hearts of His people. It emphasizes a relationship with God that is internal and spiritual rather than external and ritualistic.

we who serve God by His Spirit
The Greek word for "serve" is "λατρεύω" (latreuō), which can also mean "worship." This service is not based on human effort or adherence to the law but is empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, "πνεῦμα" (pneuma), is the third person of the Trinity, who indwells believers and enables them to live a life pleasing to God. This service is a fulfillment of the prophecy in Ezekiel 36:27, where God promises to put His Spirit within His people, causing them to walk in His statutes.

who boast in Christ Jesus
The word "boast" comes from the Greek "καυχάομαι" (kauchaomai), which means to glory or take pride in. In a world that often boasts in personal achievements or status, Paul redirects the believer's boasting to Christ Jesus alone. This is a central theme in Paul's writings, as seen in Galatians 6:14, where he states that he will only boast in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. This boasting is an acknowledgment that all that we are and have is because of Christ's work on the cross and His resurrection.

and who put no confidence in the flesh
The term "flesh" in Greek is "σάρξ" (sarx), which can refer to the physical body but often denotes human nature apart from divine influence. Here, it represents reliance on human abilities, achievements, or adherence to the law for righteousness. Paul warns against this misplaced confidence, as seen in Romans 7:18, where he acknowledges that nothing good dwells in his flesh. This phrase calls believers to a life of faith, trusting not in their own strength but in the grace and power of God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter to the Philippians, Paul is addressing the church in Philippi, emphasizing the spiritual nature of true believers.

2. Philippi
A city in Macedonia where Paul established a church. The Philippians were known for their generosity and partnership in the gospel.

3. The Judaizers
A group of Jewish Christians who insisted that Gentile converts must adhere to Jewish laws, including circumcision, to be saved.
Teaching Points
True Identity in Christ
Believers are identified as the true "circumcision," meaning they are set apart for God not by physical signs but by spiritual transformation.

Serving by the Spirit
Our service to God is empowered by the Holy Spirit, not by human effort or adherence to the law.

Boasting in Christ Alone
Our confidence and boasting should be in Christ Jesus, acknowledging that our salvation and righteousness come from Him alone.

Rejecting Confidence in the Flesh
We must reject any reliance on human achievements or religious rituals for our standing before God.

Living Out Our Faith
Our daily lives should reflect our spiritual identity, serving God with sincerity and relying on His Spirit for guidance and strength.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding our identity as the "circumcision" change the way we view our relationship with God and others?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our service to God is led by the Spirit rather than by our own efforts?

3. What are some practical ways to boast in Christ Jesus in our daily lives?

4. How can we guard against placing confidence in the flesh, especially in a culture that values self-reliance and achievement?

5. How do the teachings in Philippians 3:3 connect with Jesus' words in John 4:23-24 about worshiping in spirit and truth? How can this understanding impact our worship practices?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Romans 2:28-29
Paul discusses the concept of true circumcision being a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter of the law.

Galatians 5:6
Paul emphasizes that in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value, but faith expressing itself through love is what counts.

John 4:23-24
Jesus speaks about true worshipers who will worship the Father in spirit and truth, aligning with Paul's message of serving God by His Spirit.
Beware of the ConcisionJohn Donne, D. D.Philippians 3:3
DogsH. Airay, D. D.Philippians 3:3
DogsBishop Lightfoot.Philippians 3:3
Evil WorkersH. Airay, D. D.Philippians 3:3
Glorying in ChristProfessor Eadie.Philippians 3:3
God Should be WorshippedA. Alexander, D. D.Philippians 3:3
Have no Confidence in the FleshT. Boston, D. D.Philippians 3:3
Rejoicing in Christ IsT. Boston, D. D.Philippians 3:3
Rejoicing in Christ JesusT. Manton, D. D.Philippians 3:3
Spiritual HeirshipBishop Huntington.Philippians 3:3
Spiritual WorshipT. Boston, D. D.Philippians 3:3
The Apostolic WarningR. Sibbes, D. D.Philippians 3:3
The Enemies of the ChurcProfessor Eadie.Philippians 3:3
The Inheritors of the PromisesS. Martin.Philippians 3:3
The Marks of a True ChristianD. Moore, M. A.Philippians 3:3
The True CircumcisionW. F. Adeney, M. A.Philippians 3:3
The True CircumcisionT. Boston, D. D.Philippians 3:3
Rejoicing, Eschewing, and ImitatingD. Thomas Philippians 3:1-3
Spiritual JudaismR.M. Edgar Philippians 3:1-3
Christian JoyJ. Lyth, D. D.Philippians 3:1-11
Grounds of Christian RejoicingJ. Lyth, D. D., W. D. Pope, D. D.Philippians 3:1-11
It is God's Will that We Should Rejoice in HimPhilippians 3:1-11
Joy in the LordR. Johnstone, LL. B.Philippians 3:1-11
Joy in the LordKnox Little.Philippians 3:1-11
Joy is not Always EcstasyH. W. Beecher.Philippians 3:1-11
Prideless PrideJ. J. Goadby.Philippians 3:1-11
Repeating the Same TeachingJ. Hutchison, D. D.Philippians 3:1-11
RepetitionH. Airay, D. D., R. Sibbes, D. D.Philippians 3:1-11
The Elevating Power of JoyKnox Little.Philippians 3:1-11
The Importance of Christian JoyR. Johnstone, LL. B.Philippians 3:1-11
The Joy of Christian BrethrenR. Sibbes, D. D.Philippians 3:1-11
The Repetition of Old Truth IsJ. Lyth, D. D.Philippians 3:1-11
The Usefulness of RepetitioH. Melvill, B. D.Philippians 3:1-11
The True CircumcisionR. Finlayson Philippians 3:1-16
Identity not to be Found in Continuity of FormV. Hutton Philippians 3:2, 3
Serious Warning Against ErroristsT. Croskery Philippians 3:2, 3
People
Benjamin, Paul, Philippians
Places
Philippi
Topics
Boast, Ceremonies, Christ, Circumcision, Confidence, Faith, Flesh, Glory, Glorying, Outward, Rejoice, Render, Serving, Spirit, Spiritual, Trust, Worship
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Philippians 3:3

     1194   glory, divine and human
     1511   Trinity, relationships in
     1680   types
     3015   Holy Spirit, divinity
     3110   Holy Spirit, titles of
     3218   Holy Spirit, and praise
     3275   Holy Spirit, in the church
     5015   heart, and Holy Spirit
     5490   refuge
     5956   strength, human
     7028   church, life of
     8625   worship, acceptable attitudes
     8752   false worship

Philippians 3:2-3

     8451   mortification

Philippians 3:2-7

     5943   self-deception

Philippians 3:2-9

     7336   circumcision, spiritual

Philippians 3:3-4

     8107   assurance, and life of faith

Philippians 3:3-5

     5020   human nature

Philippians 3:3-6

     7135   Israel, people of God

Philippians 3:3-9

     6166   flesh, sinful nature

Library
September 6. "Finally, My Brethren, Rejoice in the Lord" (Phil. Iii. 1).
"Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord" (Phil. iii. 1). There is no spiritual value in depression. One bright and thankful look at the cross is worth a thousand morbid, self-condemning reflections. The longer you look at evil the more it mesmerizes and defiles you into its own likeness. Lay it down at the cross, accept the cleansing blood, reckon yourself dead to the thing that was wrong, and then rise up and count yourself as if you were another man and no longer the same person; and then, identifying
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

May 25. "That I May Know Him" (Phil. Iii. 10).
"That I may know Him" (Phil. iii. 10). Better to know Jesus Himself than to know the truth about Him for the deep things of God as they are revealed by the Holy Ghost. It was Paul's great desire, "That I may know Him," not about Him, not the mysteries of the wonderful world, of the deeper and higher teachings of God, but to enter into the Holy of Holies, where Christ is, where the Shekinah is shining and making the place glorious with the holiness of God, and then to enter into the secret of the
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

January 27. "This one Thing I Do" (Phil. Iii. 13).
"This one thing I do" (Phil. iii. 13). One of Satan's favorite employees is the switchman. He likes nothing better than to side-track one of God's express trains, sent on some blessed mission and filled with the fire of a holy purpose. Something will come up in the pathway of the earnest soul, to attract its attention and occupy its strength and thought. Sometimes it is a little irritation and provocation. Sometimes it is some petty grievance we stop to pursue or adjust. Sometimes it is somebody
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

May 15. "I Press Toward the Mark" (Phil. Iii. 14).
"I press toward the mark" (Phil. iii. 14). We have thought much about what we have received. Let us think of the things we have not received, of some of the vessels that have not yet been filled, of some of the places in our life that the Holy Ghost has not yet possessed for God, and signalized by His glory and His presence. Shall the coming months be marked by a diligent, heart-searching application of "the rest of the oil," to the yet unoccupied possibilities of our life and service? Have we known
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Twenty Third Sunday after Trinity Enemies of the Cross of Christ and the Christian's Citizenship in Heaven.
Text: Philippians 3, 17-21. 17 Brethren, be ye imitators [followers] together of me, and mark them that so walk even as ye have us for an ensample. 18 For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is perdition, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. 20 For our citizenship [conversation] is in heaven; whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 who
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

Laid Hold of and Laying Hold
'I follow after if that I may apprehend that for which also I was apprehended of Christ Jesus.'--PHIL. iii. 12. 'I was laid hold of by Jesus Christ.' That is how Paul thinks of what we call his conversion. He would never have 'turned' unless a hand had been laid upon him. A strong loving grasp had gripped him in the midst of his career of persecution, and all that he had done was to yield to the grip, and not to wriggle out of it. The strong expression suggests, as it seems to me, the suddenness
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Rule of the Road
'Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule.'--PHIL. iii. 16. Paul has just been laying down a great principle--viz. that if the main direction of a life be right, God will reveal to a man the points in which he is wrong. But that principle is untrue and dangerous, unless carefully guarded. It may lead to a lazy tolerance of evil, and to drawing such inferences as, 'Well! it does not much matter about strenuous effort, if we are right at bottom it will all come
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Soul's Perfection
'Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.'--PHIL. iii. 15. 'As many as be perfect'; and how many may they be? Surely a very short bede-roll would contain their names; or would there be any other but the Name which is above every name upon it? Part of the answer to such a question may be found in observing that the New Testament very frequently uses the word to express not so much the idea of moral completeness
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Warnings and Hopes
'Brethren, be ye imitators together of me, and mark them which so walk even as ye have us for an ensample. For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is perdition, whose God is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven; from whence also we wait for a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall fashion anew the body of our humiliation, that it may be
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Preparing to End
'Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not irksome, but for you it is safe. 2. Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the concision: 3. For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.'--PHIL. iii. 1-3 (R.V.). The first words of the text show that Paul was beginning to think of winding up his letter, and the preceding context also suggests that. The
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Saving Knowledge
'That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, becoming conformed unto His death; if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection from the dead.'--PHIL. iii. 10-11 (R.V.). We have seen how the Apostle was prepared to close his letter at the beginning of this chapter, and how that intention was swept away by the rush of new thoughts. His fervid faith caught fire when he turned to think of what he had lost, and how infinitely more he had gained in
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Race and the Goal
'This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize.'--PHIL. iii. 13, 14. This buoyant energy and onward looking are marvellous in 'Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.' Forgetfulness of the past and eager anticipation for the future are, we sometimes think, the child's prerogatives. They may be ignoble and puerile, or they may be worthy and great. All depends on the future
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Loss of All
'Though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh: if any other man thinketh to have confidence in the flesh, I yet more: circumcised the eighth day of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; as touching zeal, persecuting the church; as touching the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless. Howbeit what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ. Yea verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Gain of Christ
That I may gain Christ, and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own, even that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.'--PHIL. iii. 8, 9 (R.V.). It is not everybody who can say what is his aim in life. Many of us have never thought enough about it to have one beyond keeping alive. We lose life in seeking for the means of living. Many of us have such a multitude of aims, each in its turn drawing us, that no one of
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Toleration
Preached at Bideford, 1854] Philippians iii. 15, 16. And if in any thing ye shall be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. My friends, allow me to speak a few plain and honest words, ere we part, on a matter which is near to, and probably important to, many of us here. We all know how the Christian Church has in all ages been torn in pieces by religious quarrels; we all know
Charles Kingsley—Sermons for the Times

Do You Know Him?
Have I imagined emotions which would not be natural? I think not. The most cool and calculating would be warmed with desires like these. Methinks what I have now pictured before you will wake the echoes in your breasts, and you will say, "Ah, it is even so! It is because Christ loved me and gave himself for me that I want to know him; it is because he has shed his blood for me and has chosen me that I may be one with him for ever, that my soul desires a fuller acquaintance with him." Now may God,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 10: 1864

The Power of Christ Illustrated by the Resurrection
Beloved, how intimately is the whole of our life interwoven with the life of Christ! His first coming has been to us salvation, and we are delivered from the wrath of God through him. We live still because he lives, and never is our life more joyous than when we look most steadily to him. The completion of our salvation in the deliverance of our body from the bondage of corruption, in the raising of our dust to a glorious immortality, that also is wrapped up with the personal resurrection and quickening
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

False Professors Solemnly Warned
Note, too, that the apostle was a very honest pastor--when he marked anything amiss in his people, he did not blush to tell them; he was not like your modern minister, whose pride is that he never was personal in his life, and who thus glories in his shame, for had he been honest, he would have been personal, for he would have dealt out the truth of God without deceitfulness, and would have reproved men sharply, that they might be sound in the faith. "I tell you," says Paul, "because it concerns
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

The Freedom of the City.
(Twenty-third Sunday after Trinity.) PHIL. iii. 20. "Our conversation is in Heaven." People often fail to get at the meaning of this glorious text because they mistake that word conversation. Really the text means--our citizenship is in Heaven, we belong to the Eternal City. Once S. Paul declared with pride that he was a Roman citizen; and when the Chief Captain in surprise declared that he himself had purchased that privilege at a great price, the Apostle answered, "but I was free born." Every
H. J. Wilmot-Buxton—The Life of Duty, a Year's Plain Sermons, v. 2

"To what Purpose is the Multitude of Your Sacrifices unto Me? Saith the Lord,"
Isaiah i. 11.--"To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord," &c. This is the word he calls them to hear and a strange word. Isaiah asks, What mean your sacrifices? God will not have them. I think the people would say in their own hearts, What means the prophet? What would the Lord be at? Do we anything but what he commanded us? Is he angry at us for obeying him? What means this word? Is he not repealing the statute and ordinance he had made in Israel? If he had reproved
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C.
Matth. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God," &c. II. The Christian's chief employment should be to seek the kingdom of God, and the righteousness thereof. "Seek first," &c. Upon this he should first and chiefly spend his thoughts, and affections, and pains. We comprehend it in three things. First, He should seek to be clothed upon with Christ's righteousness, and this ought to take up all his spirit. This is the first care and the chief concern. Did not this righteousness weigh much
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Righteousness.
--that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.--Ep. to the Philippians iii. 8, 9. What does the apostle mea
George MacDonald—Unspoken Sermons

Entire Sanctification
By Dr. Adam Clarke The word "sanctify" has two meanings. 1. It signifies to consecrate, to separate from earth and common use, and to devote or dedicate to God and his service. 2. It signifies to make holy or pure. Many talk much, and indeed well, of what Christ has done for us: but how little is spoken of what he is to do in us! and yet all that he has done for us is in reference to what he is to do in us. He was incarnated, suffered, died, and rose again from the dead; ascended to heaven, and there
Adam Clarke—Entire Sanctification

That True Solace is to be Sought in God Alone
Whatsoever I am able to desire or to think of for my solace, I look for it not here, but hereafter. For if I alone had all the solaces of this world, and were able to enjoy all its delights, it is certain that they could not endure long. Wherefore, O my soul, thou canst be fully comforted and perfectly refreshed, only in God, the Comforter of the poor, and the lifter up of the humble. Wait but a little while, my soul, wait for the Divine promise, and thou shalt have abundance of all good things
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

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