The Tension Between Unity and Truth
by Rev. Kirby Williams
Learning discernment when standing for the truth threatens to effect the unity of the church.
Text: Phil. 3:1-3
Date: 07/21/2024, the Evening service.
Series: "Evenfall; Sunday Evening Worship" Part 19
Description:
Paul seems to abruptly change his focus to concentrate on the dangers of false teachers who are apparently causing trouble in the church at Philippi. But we will see that although his words become harsh and pointed, he is continuing and emphasizing themes that have been present throughout his letter. We will analyze the specific threat Paul is responding to as the Judaizers try to add a works-based doctrine to the Gospel. We will discuss the tension that exists within every church in every age to make their way through an ever-changing culture but at the same time remain true to Scripture. Paul's desire that the church at Philippi remain unified will once again stop short of corrupting the truth of the Gospel. Ultimately we will learn how important mature discernment is when our own church is confronted with the ever-present tension between unity and truth.
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I. Introduction, John 13:34-35, 17:20-21; Phil. 2:2,5.
II. Exposition of the text, Phil. 3:1-3.
A. Context
B. Warning to protect the truth.
1. Establishing the foundation, vs. 1.
a. Rejoicing in the Lord.
i. Not the end of the letter.
ii. Two statements of unity.
1) Unity in brotherhood.
2) Unity in rejoicing.
b. A repeated warning.
i. Repeating the call to joy.
ii. Repeating the warning of false teachers, Phil. 1:7,27-30,2:15-16.
c. Articulating the reason.
2. Knowing the enemy, vs. 2, Jer. 7:4.
a. Beware of the dogs.
i. A derogatory term, Acts 8:3; Gal. 2:12; Titus 1:10.
ii. A justifiable harshness.
b. Beware of the evildoers.
i. False teachers are evil, Mark 9:42.
ii. Workers of iniquity.
1) The wrong kind of worker.
2) Tireless workers, Matt. 23:15.
c. The mutilators.
3. The true people of God, vs. 3.
a. The true "circumcision", vs. 3a.
i. Defining "the circumcision", Gen. 17:13; 2Sam. 1:20; Eph. 2:11.
ii. The corruption of the idea.
iii. The error of "the dogs", Acts 11:2-3; Mark 16:15-16; Rom. 6:3-4.
iv. The new "Circumcision", Rom. 2:28-29.
b. The true worshipers, vs. 3b.
i. Worshiping in Spirit and truth, John 4:20,23-24.
ii. Worshiping because of God, Jer. 17:9.
c. The true Savior, Gal. 6:13,14; 2Cor. 10:17; Jer. 9:24.
d. Confidence in Christ alone, Eph. 2:8-9.
III. Conclusion
