Philippians 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. There are many things that have a name to live and are dead: faith without works; the form of godliness without the power; sacraments without holy desires; Christians without union with Christ. In exposing this the apostle's intention was not to disparage the Old Testament sacraments, but to show that in common with the New their value consisted in their spiritual use and significance, in their connection with the moral affections, in their leading to Him who is the end of all sacraments. Consider — I. THE NATURE OF A BELIEVER'S WORSHIP. 1. The word worship may be taken in the larger sense which includes all religious service. From which we learn that the believer's life is to be one continued act of worship; his body is a living temple; his heart an altar for daily sacrifice; his calling that of "a priest unto God;" his whole conversation one hymn of praise. To worship God in the spirit, then, is to worship Him in the life. The fire of sacrifice is to come down on the domestic hearth, and "holiness unto the Lord" is to be written "on the bells of the horses." 2. Still the reference to the Old Testament ritual would suggest that "worship" points to certain religious actions. To worship God in the spirit, then, is to worship Him — (1) In simplicity as distinguished from hypocrisy. It is a fearful thing when a miser prays to be delivered from covetousness, a vindictive man from "malice, hatred," etc. (2) With reverence, as distinguished from all permitted indifference, deadness, reluctance, clockwork piety. Our heart and tongue should go together. Moses left his sandals at the foot of the mount, too many take their sandals and leave their hearts behind. (3) In earnestness, as if we felt that important interests were suspended. The two worships are distinguished in that in one case an end is looked for, in the other the only care is to get the work done. II. THE OBJECT OF THE BELIEVER'S JOY. We rejoice in Christ Jesus. 1. For the glory of His character. 2. For the dignity of His offices. 3. The blessedness of His work. 4. The completeness of His salvation. 5. The freedom of His service. 6. The reasonableness of His commands. 7. The unutterable recompences of His rewards. III. THE GROUND OF A BELIEVER'S TRUST. 1. By "the flesh" St. Paul means anything that we are or have. The flesh in its best estate is a corrupt thing, and can therefore be no proper ground for confidence. 2. The apostle would take away our confidence from everything that is not Christ. He not only excludes all outward distinctions, national privileges, moral excellencies and attainments, but he strikes at that refined and subtle fallacy of Romanism which would lead us to have confidence in some indwelling grace, which would give efficacy to tears and perfection to human sanctity. St. Paul knew that it was not grace in the saints, but grace in Christ, that was to save him, and in that he could feel unbounded confidence. (D. Moore, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. |
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